The 10 Hottest Commodities of 2009

Photo: AP The Reuters/Jefferies CRB Index is a global commodity benchmark tracking 19 commodities that are mostly U.S. traded. The index outperformed the S&P in the first months of the year, currently up 10.24% versus 3.16% in the broader market. The recent commodity rally has been driven by weakness in the dollar and an underlying belief that the economy will improve, ultimately leading to increased demand and higher-priced commodities contracts.As we approach the halfway mark of the year, several individual commodities have greatly outperformed the broader market year-to-date, affecting equities and indexes that are particularly exposed to fluctuating commodity prices. Investments in these “hot” commodities can be a gold mine – ironically, gold is not in the top 10 – but will they continue their streak? We took a look at the commodities in the CRB Index, and calculated the ones with the best YTD performance based on the closing price on June 3, 2009. So, what have been the hottest commodities so far in 2009? Click ahead to find out!By Yolaiki Gonzalez, Ariel Nelson & Paul ToscanoPosted 4 June 2009

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +19.23%Closing Price (6/3/09): $13,950/ton52-Week High: $25,000/ton52-Week Low: $8,850/tonRelated ETF:iPath DJ  AIG Nickel Ttl Rtrn Sub Indx (JJN)YTD Change: +20.11%- This fund is linked to the DJ AIG Nickel Total Return Sub Index which consists of primary nickel future contracts traded on the LME.Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +20.55%Closing Price (6/3/09): $1.7384/gallon52-Week High: $4.1586/gallon52-Week Low: $1.1252/gallonRelated ETF:United States Heating Oil Fund LP (UHN)YTD Change: +18.23%- This fund tracks future contracts of  heating oil, crude oil, gasoline and natural gas.Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +20.61%Closing Price (6/3/09): $11.82/bushel 52-Week High: $16.355/bushel52-Week Low: $7.77/bushelRelated ETF:PowerShares DB Agriculture Fund (DBA)YTD Change: +5.92%- The fund tracks the DB Liquid Commodity Optimum Yield Agri. Excess Return Index which consists of futures contracts in Corn, Wheat, Sugar and SoybeansCompanies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +23.47%Closing Price (6/3/09): $1.3835/pound52-Week High: $1.563/pound52-Week Low: $1.0215/poundRelated ETF:iPath DJ-AIG Coffee ETN (JO)YTD Change: +25.52%- The fund invests in DJ AIG Coffee Total Return Sub Index that reflects the returns on coffee future contracts.Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: Ayelie YTD % Change: +26.08%Closing Price (6/3/09): $0.1489/pound52-Week High: $0.1605/pound52-Week Low: $0.0944/poundRelated ETF:iPath DJ-AIG Sugar ETN (SGG)YTD Change: +18.85%- The fund is linked to the DJ AIG Sugar Total Return Sub Index which consists of sugar future contracts. Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +35.55%Closing Price (6/3/09): $15.31/ounce52-Week High: $19.55/ounce52-Week Low: $8.40/ounceRelated ETF:iShares Silver Trust (SLV)YTD Change: +38.84%- The fund is one of the largest silver ETF backed by physical silver-bullions. Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: Manwithface YTD % Change: +36.60%Closing Price (6/3/09): $0.9275/pound52-Week High: $1.362/pound52-Week Low: $1.362/poundRelated ETF:Market Vectors Agribusiness (MOO)YTD Change: +30.29%- This fund tracks the DAXglobal Agribusiness Index which invests in US and foreign companies primarily in the business of agriculture.Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +48.25%Closing Price (6/3/09): $66.12/barrel52-Week High: $147.27/barrel52-Week Low: $33.2/barrelRelated ETF:PowerShares Dynamic Oil Servcs Portfolio (PXJ)YTD Change: +34.26%- This fund tracks an equity Index Oil Services Intellidex of companies that assist in the production and processing of oil & gas.Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +56.88%Closing Price (6/3/09): $2.212/pound52-Week High: $4.08/pound52-Week Low: $1.255/poundRelated ETF:PowerShares DB Base Metals Fund (DBB)YTD Change: +23.93%- The fund tracks the DB Liquid Commodity Index which consists of futures contracts in Copper, Zinc, and Aluminum.Companies with exposure to this commodity

Photo: AP YTD % Change: +79.06%Closing Price (6/3/09): $1.9016/gallon52-Week High: $3.631/gallon52-Week Low: $0.785/gallonRelated ETF:United States Gasoline Fund LP (UGA)YTD Change: +66.18%- The fund tracks future contracts of unleaded gasoline for delivery to the NY Harbor.Companies with exposure to this commodityReplay SlideshowCompanies Making The Most Per EmployeeBiggest US Trading PartnersBy The Numbers Blog

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