What is a commodity index?
Many commodity-related investment vehicles use commodity indexes as a proxy for the price movements of the various commodities. A broad-based commodity index includes multiple commodities; others may focus on a single commodity. An index may be based either on the spot market value of a commodity or, in most cases, the futures market for the commodity.
A commodities futures index represents an aggregated snapshot of prices agreed to in the underlying futures contracts. It is adjusted frequently to reflect the fact that the futures contracts on which it is based expire. Like an individual commodity contract, it can go up and down.
What are some of the most widely used commodity indexes?
Thomson Reuters Jefferies CRB (RJ/CRB) Index
As an extension of the former CRB/Bridge index, this is the oldest of the popular commodity indexes. Its most recent version includes futures on 19 commodities traded on U.S. exchanges. It includes five basic groups: industrial; grains; precious metals; livestock and meats; and soft commodities such as coffee, cocoa, sugar and orange juice. All commodities are equally weighted, regardless of their relative impact on economic conditions.
S&P GSCI Index
This includes 24 commodities, including energy, agriculture, livestock, industrial metals such as aluminum and copper, and precious metals. Relative weightings of the various commodities are determined by a five-year average of the value of the world’s production of each commodity; commodities whose prices are higher will tend to be more heavily weighted than others.
Dow Jones-AIG Commodities (DJ/AIG) Index
The index relies on liquidity data and dollar-adjusted world production data in its weightings of 19 different commodities. It also maintains minimum and maximum weightings for each component to assure broad-based representation.
We can help you navigate the complex world of commodity indices and try to make sound investment decisions. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your financial goals. Scarlet Oak Financial Services can be reached at 800.871.1219 or contact us here. Click here to sign up for our weekly newsletter with the latest economic news.
Source:
Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. prepared this material for use by Scarlet Oak Financial Services.
Broadridge Investor Communication Solutions, Inc. does not provide investment, tax, legal, or retirement advice or recommendations. The information presented here is not specific to any individual’s personal circumstances. To the extent that this material concerns tax matters, it is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, by a taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may be imposed by law. Each taxpayer should seek independent advice from a tax professional based on individual circumstances. Scarlet Oak Financial Services provide these materials for general information and educational purposes based upon publicly available information from sources believed to be reliable — we cannot assure the accuracy or completeness of these materials. The information in these materials may change at any time and without notice.
