The World’s Biggest Copper Producers
Copper has long been one of the most important and popular industrial metals in the world. With 3% per year production growth since 1900, approximately 16 million tons of the metal was produced in 2011, according to the International Copper Study Group. The metal’s wide use is attributable to its availability and recyclability, as well is its metallic properties that make copper an excellent conductor of heat and electricity, and antimicrobial and corrosion resistant [for more copper news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
3 Commodities For A Housing Recovery
Homebuilders and other housing industry stocks have been strong performers in 2012 as low interest rates offset higher underwriting standards for home loans. The SPDR S&P Homebuilders ETF (XHB) rose more than 54% since the beginning of this year, while the iShares Dow Jones U.S. Home Construction ETF (ITB) is up more than 74% over the same period [for more housing news and analysis subscribe to our free newsletter].
Which Copper ETF Is Right For You? JJC vs. CUPM vs. CPER
Whether it be through our wiring systems, plumbing, or circuit boards, copper is a commodity that we simply have grown to depend on in our day to day lives. This reddish-brown metal has grown tremendously in popularity as its relatively cheap price and widespread industrial and manufacturing uses make it one of the most important metals in human development. In addition to copper wires and piping, the industrial metal is used in key automobile parts, heating and cooling systems, as well as telecommunications equipment. Copper’s numerous applications make the commodity a potentially lucrative play on both the manufacturing and industrial goods sectors. And with the rapid development of the exchange-traded fund industry, investors now have several ways to gain access to the arguably most useful industrial metal. Below, we outline the three most popular copper ETFs and which one will fit your investment objectives [see also Jim Rogers Says: Buy Commodities Now, Or You’ll … See the full story here →
Complete List Of New 2011 Commodity ETFs
This year saw a surge in popularity for commodity investing. As the years have passed, investors have seen the benefits of investing in the risky, but lucrative asset class. Commodities provide a protection against inflation as well as a low correlation to equities. One of the biggest problems within the industry was the lack of options available to investors just a few years ago. It used to be that only those with a complex futures account were able to add these securities to their portfolios. Now, there are hundreds of products to help even the smallest investor gain access to their favorite commodity investment. Below, we outline all of the commodity exchange traded products that hit the market this year [see also 12 High-Yielding Commodities For 2012].
