The history of commodity trading dates back to ancient times; the rise of numerous empires can be directly traced to their ability to devise complex bartering systems and facilitate commodity trade.

Commodities are an integral part of daily life, as opposed to stocks and bonds. Commodities refer to fundamental goods that are interchangeable with other similar products and are commonly used as raw materials in the production of other goods and services. Wheat, gold, meat, oil, and natural gas are examples of commodities. Food, fuel, airline tickets, jewelry, and clothing are all affected by commodities. The cost of your breakfast is heavily influenced by some of the most actively traded commodities, including cereal (corn), toast (wheat), latte (coffee), sausage (pork), and doughnuts (sugar).