Hottest Commodities of 2009
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 Toscano
Posted 4 June 2009
10. Nickel
YTD % Change: +19.23%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $13,950/ton
52-Week High: $25,000/ton
52-Week Low: $8,850/ton
Related 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
9. Heating Oil
YTD % Change: +20.55%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $1.7384/gallon
52-Week High: $4.1586/gallon
52-Week Low: $1.1252/gallon
Related 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
8. Soybeans
YTD % Change: +20.61%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $11.82/bushel
52-Week High: $16.355/bushel
52-Week Low: $7.77/bushel
Related 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 Soybeans
Companies with exposure to this commodity
7. Coffee
YTD % Change: +23.47%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $1.3835/pound
52-Week High: $1.563/pound
52-Week Low: $1.0215/pound
Related 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
6. Raw Sugar
YTD % Change: +26.08%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $0.1489/pound
52-Week High: $0.1605/pound
52-Week Low: $0.0944/pound
Related 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
5. Silver
YTD % Change: +35.55%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $15.31/ounce
52-Week High: $19.55/ounce
52-Week Low: $8.40/ounce
Related 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
4. Orange Juice
YTD % Change: +36.60%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $0.9275/pound
52-Week High: $1.362/pound
52-Week Low: $1.362/pound
Related 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
3. Crude Oil
YTD % Change: +48.25%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $66.12/barrel
52-Week High: $147.27/barrel
52-Week Low: $33.2/barrel
Related 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
2. Copper
YTD % Change: +56.88%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $2.212/pound
52-Week High: $4.08/pound
52-Week Low: $1.255/pound
Related 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
1. RBOB Unleaded Gas
YTD % Change: +79.06%
Closing Price (6/3/09): $1.9016/gallon
52-Week High: $3.631/gallon
52-Week Low: $0.785/gallon
Related 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 commodity