What does the commodity market primarily handle?

The commodity market primarily handles the trading of primary products, which are raw materials or basic goods that are used in commerce that can be bought and sold. These commodities are typically categorized into two main types: hard commodities, such as oil and gold, which are mined or extracted, and soft commodities, such as wheat and coffee, which are agricultural products. The essence of the commodity market lies in its role as a platform for producers, consumers, and traders to exchange physical goods or contract for future delivery of these goods.

Commodities are distinguishable from other markets such as foreign exchange, where currencies are traded; financial markets that deal with securities; or money markets that focus on short-term borrowing and lending. The commodity market is vital for price discovery, risk management, and providing liquidity for these essential goods, making it an essential component of the global economy.