Stock Market VS Commodity Market: What Is Better?

The Indian stock market has 5,500 listed stocks and over 1 crore active stock market investors. Compared to the stock market, the commodity market only hosts 100+ commodities.

A wise investor keeps all their options open so in this blog, we will compare stocks and commodities to understand the differences and similarities between the two markets. 

What Is The Stock Market?

A stock or share is a part of a publicly-traded company. A stock market or stock exchange is a place where you can buy and sell these stocks. These days, stock trading predominantly happens online.  

When an investor buys a stock, they get a share of the company in return for the capital invested. However, you don’t buy the stock directly from a company, you buy it from other investors. 

The stock market is commonly referred to as the share market. But it is known by these names as well:

• Secondary market
• Spot market
• Cash market
  

Famous stock exchanges in India include the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE), National Stock Exchange (NSE), Calcutta Stock Exchange, and more. 

Read how you can invest in the share market. 

The commodity market works differently and it may incorporate futures contracts. Read on to understand what this means.  

What Is The Commodity Market?

A commodity market is a place where you can buy and sell hard and soft commodities like rubber, gold, silver, oil, sugar, coffee, cereal, etc. These commodities can be traded in a physical or virtual marketplace. 

A commodity exchange is a virtual marketplace where you can trade commodities. In India, the Forward Markets Commission (FMC) regulates commodity exchanges. 

Different ways to invest in commodities include:

• Physically owning the commodity
• Entering into a futures contract
• Investing in an ETF or stock that focuses on commodities
  

Entering into a futures contract is one of the most direct and convenient options available to individual investors in the commodity exchange market. A futures contract contains two important aspects:

• A predetermined price
• A specified delivery/buying/selling date
  

Traders enter into futures contracts with each other to buy or sell any commodity at a predetermined price on a given date in these virtual commodity exchanges. 

Famous commodity exchanges in India include Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), National Commodity & Derivative Exchange (NCDEX), National Multi Commodity Exchange of India (NMCE), and more. 

Differences Between The Stock Market And Commodity Market

1. Ownership

When you invest in a stock market, you buy and sell stocks of various companies like Tesla, Facebook, Google, Apple, Amazon, etc. But when you invest in a commodity market, you buy and sell various commodities like gold, silver, natural gas, crude oil, cotton, sugar, etc.  

2. Negative Correlation

The stock market and the commodity market are negatively correlated. If the price of a commodity in a particular sector goes up, the stocks from the same sector may lose value. 

3. Inflation

Inflation leads to a higher production cost and the price of raw materials may shoot up. Thus, commodity markets are observed to do well during inflation than equity markets. 

Differences At A Glance

Stock Market Vs Commodity Market: Where Should You Invest?

The stock market offers high liquidity and is less volatile compared to the commodity market. However, the commodity market may do well during inflation and offers access to oil, natural gas, etc.  

Thus, it is advisable to consult a wealth coach to determine whether you should invest in stocks or commodities. But the Indian stock market has been active for a longer period and is known to give 9-16% returns.

Note:

Facts & figures are true as of 20-10-2021. All information mentioned is for educational purposes and relies on publicly available information. None of the information shared here is to be construed as investment advice. We strongly recommend you consult a Cube Wealth coach before investing your money in any stock, mutual fund. PMS or alternative asset.