What if the key to navigating commodities markets lies not just in raw data, but in understanding the nuanced behaviors behind price swings? Commodities remain a cornerstone of global economies, yet their markets are often shrouded in complexity and volatility. Today, mastering these markets demands more than surface-level knowledge — it requires insights drawn from seasoned experts who have weathered these fluctuations firsthand.
Take Jon Najarian, co-founder of Investitute and CNBC anchor, who appreciates how Higher Probability Commodity Trading demystifies the market's harsh realities while offering solid strategies. Similarly, Daniela Cambone-Taub, editor at Kitco News, values practical guidance that bridges theory and real-world application. Meanwhile, Phil Flynn, a futures executive and Fox Business contributor, recommends foundational reads like A Trader's First Book on Commodities to build strong trading basics.
While these expert-endorsed books lay down proven frameworks, if you seek insights tailored to your unique experience, objectives, and risk appetite, consider creating a personalized Commodities book. This approach builds directly on expert wisdom, crafting a strategy that fits your specific journey in the commodities world.
Jon Najarian, co-founder of Investitute and CNBC anchor, brings a sharp perspective shaped by years of active trading and media analysis in commodities. He praises the book as "a great read for both beginner and advanced commodity traders," highlighting how Carley Garner breaks down complex concepts into digestible lessons without glossing over the tough realities many face. This endorsement reflects Najarian's trust in Garner's ability to level the playing field for traders. Similarly, Daniela Cambone-Taub, editor at Kitco News, notes its value as an exceptional starting point for newcomers, emphasizing the book's broad appeal across experience levels.
“A great read for both beginner and advanced commodity traders. Carley nails the seemingly impossible task of leveling the playing field by imparting vital concepts in easy to digest bites ...she doesn't leave out the harsh realities and heartbreak many overzealous speculators face.”
Carley Garner is an experienced futures and options broker with DeCarley Trading, a division of Zaner Financial Services, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her commodity market analysis is often referenced on Jim Cramer’s Mad Money on CNBC and she is a regular guest on Bloomberg Television’s Options Insight segment with Abigail Doolittle. Garner is a regular contributor to TheStreet.com and its Real Money Pro service and is also a regular on the speaking circuit and can be found at TradersEXPOs and MoneyShows throughout the country. Garner is also an award-winning commodity futures and options trading book author. In addition to Trading Commodity Options with Creativity, Garner has authored Higher Probability Commodity Trading; A Trader's First Book on Commodities (three editions); Currency Trading in the Forex and Futures Markets; and Commodity Options. Her e-newsletters, The DeCarley Perspective and The Financial Futures Report, have garnered a loyal following; she is also proactive in providing free trading education at www.DeCarleyTrading.com. Carley is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, from which she earned dual bachelor’s degrees in finance and accounting. Carley jumped into the options and futures industry with both feet in early 2004 and has become one of the most recognized names in the business. Carley authors a monthly column in Stocks & Commodities magazine and has been featured by several major media outlets.
Higher Probability Commodity Trading offers a clear-eyed exploration of commodity markets through the lens of Carley Garner's decade-long brokerage experience. Drawing from her time on CNBC's Mad Money and hands-on trading, Garner unpacks complex topics like option selling, hedging futures with options, and combining fundamental, technical, seasonal, and sentiment analysis into a cohesive strategy. You learn how to assess market conditions more critically and develop tailored strategies that account for risk, moving beyond common textbook approaches. This book suits traders willing to engage deeply with commodities, from novices seeking a solid foundation to seasoned participants looking for fresh insights without glossing over the market's tougher realities.
Phil Flynn, a futures account executive and Fox Business contributor, turned to this book to bridge gaps in his understanding of trading fundamentals beyond technical indicators. After seeing many traders struggle with practical aspects like platform choice and order types, he found Carley Garner’s insights crucial. He calls it "the type of information every trader needs to know and the type of information too many traders had to learn the hard and expensive way." This book reshaped his approach to risk management and trading logistics, emphasizing humility and preparation.
“This book provides the type of information every trader needs to know and the type of information too many traders had to learn the hard and expensive way. Carley offers practical need-to-know, real-world trading tips that are lacking in many books on futures. It will help not only the novice trader but seasoned veterans as well. This book will serve as a must-have reference in every trader’s library.”
Carley Garner is an experienced futures and options broker with DeCarley Trading, a division of Zaner Group, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her commodity market analysis is often referenced on Jim Cramer's Mad Money on CNBC and she is a regular contributor to TheStreet.com and its Real Money Pro service. Garner is also the author of Higher Probability Commodity Trading; A Trader's First Book on Commodities (three editions); Currency Trading in the Forex and Futures Markets; and Commodity Options. Her e-newsletters, The DeCarley Perspective, and The Financial Futures Report have garnered a loyal following; she is also proactive in providing free trading education at DeCarleyTrading.com. Carley is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, from which she earned dual bachelor's degrees in finance and accounting. Carley jumped into the options and futures industry with both feet in early 2004 and has become one of the most recognized names in the business.
When Carley Garner first realized that many beginners in commodities trading focus too much on market theory while neglecting the practical groundwork, she crafted this guide to address those gaps. You’ll learn how to navigate market mechanics, choose the right trading platform, understand order types, and prepare for margin calls—foundations often overlooked but critical for protecting your trading capital. Chapters on calculating profit and loss and managing market data fees offer concrete tools that can save you costly mistakes. This book suits both newcomers wanting a solid footing and seasoned traders seeking fresh perspectives on familiar challenges.
This AI-created book on commodity trading is tailored to your skill level and trading background. You share which commodity markets and strategies interest you most, along with your goals and risk appetite. The book is then created specifically to provide the insights and techniques that fit your unique trading context, helping you focus on what truly matters for your success.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This personalized book provides a tailored framework for effectively navigating commodity markets, focusing on techniques that align with your specific trading experience, risk tolerance, and market goals. It offers detailed strategies for analyzing market trends, managing volatility, and optimizing entry and exit points using customized tools and indicators. The book cuts through generic advice, fitting your unique context with targeted insights into commodity price behaviors, risk controls, and portfolio diversification. Its approach balances foundational concepts with tailored tactics, enabling you to develop confidence and precision in commodity trading based on your individual profile and objectives.
Mark J S Keenan, Managing Director and Global Commodities Strategist at Société Générale Corporate & Investment Bank with over 20 years in commodity markets, leverages his extensive trading and research background to craft this specialized guide. His expertise in asset management and risk solutions across London and Singapore informs the book's rigorous approach. This work distills his experience into actionable frameworks for traders and risk managers aiming to grasp commodity price dynamics and investor behavior.
Mark J S Keenan is Managing Director, Global Commodities Strategist, and Head of Research for Asia-Pacific at Société Générale Corporate & Investment Bank (SG CIB) based in Singapore. He has over 20 years of research, trading and investment experience across all major commodity markets. Mark has worked in asset management, risk management and investment banking in both London and Singapore and developed a number of innovative trading, investment and risk management solutions for corporates, trade houses, investment institutions and hedge funds. He appears regularly on CNBC and Bloomberg television and is quoted widely in global press and media channels. He has a master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from Oxford University.
When Mark J. S. Keenan first discovered the power of Positioning Analysis, he set out to bridge the gap between fundamental and technical approaches in commodity markets. You learn to decode how different trader categories behave, uncover flow patterns, and interpret sentiment shifts that influence commodity prices. The book walks you through developing models and indicators that sharpen your risk management and trading decisions, with fresh insights into Chinese markets and news impact. If you're deeply involved in commodities trading or risk oversight, this book equips you with nuanced tools that go beyond surface-level analysis.
Jonathan Kingsman is a seasoned commodity trader and analyst with 37 years of experience in the industry. He has transitioned into an author and blogger, sharing his insights and knowledge about the world of trading in agricultural commodities. Living in Lausanne, Switzerland, and balancing family life with professional expertise, Kingsman brings a well-rounded perspective that informs this book, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to grasp the complexities of agricultural commodity markets.
Jonathan Kingsman is a seasoned commodity trader and analyst with 37 years of experience in the industry. He has transitioned into an author and blogger, sharing his insights and knowledge about the world of trading in agricultural commodities. Jonathan is married with four grown-up children and resides in Lausanne, Switzerland.
When Jonathan Kingsman first realized how fragmented the knowledge around agricultural commodity trading was, he set out to create a resource that bridges practical market insight with firsthand perspectives. Drawing from nearly four decades of experience, Kingsman offers you a blend of clear explanations and interviews with farmers, traders, regulators, and sustainability experts, revealing the complex ecosystem behind these markets. You’ll learn not just about price mechanisms and hedging strategies, but also about the real-world challenges faced by participants in this sector, making it particularly useful if you’re a student, policymaker, or journalist seeking grounded understanding. This isn’t a textbook to skim but a guide that respects the nuances of agricultural commodities trading and who it affects.
Best for options traders seeking flexible strategies
Carley Garner, an experienced futures and options broker at DeCarley Trading and a regular contributor to CNBC's Mad Money and Bloomberg Television, brings a wealth of practical market knowledge to this book. Garner's extensive background, including multiple trading books and a magna cum laude education in finance and accounting, underpins her approach to options trading. Her work here reflects a commitment to helping traders move beyond academic theory to embrace real-world strategy development and market adaptability.
Carley Garner is an experienced futures and options broker with DeCarley Trading, a division of Zaner Financial Services, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her commodity market analysis is often referenced on Jim Cramer's Mad Money on CNBC and she is a regular guest on Bloomberg Television's Options Insight segment with Abigail Doolittle. Garner is a regular contributor to TheStreet.com and its Real Money Pro service and is also a regular on the speaking circuit and can be found at TradersEXPOs and MoneyShows throughout the country. Garner is also an award-winning commodity futures and options trading book author. In addition to Trading Commodity Options with Creativity, Garner has authored Higher Probability Commodity Trading; A Trader's First Book on Commodities (three editions); Currency Trading in the Forex and Futures Markets; and Commodity Options. Her e-newsletters, The DeCarley Perspective and The Financial Futures Report, have garnered a loyal following; she is also proactive in providing free trading education. Carley is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Nevada Las Vegas, from which she earned dual bachelor's degrees in finance and accounting. Carley jumped into the options and futures industry with both feet in early 2004 and has become one of the most recognized names in the business. Carley authors a monthly column in Stocks & Commodities magazine and has been featured by several major media outlets.
When Carley Garner first stepped into the complex world of futures and options trading, she realized that most available resources leaned heavily on academic theory, leaving practical, flexible strategies underexplored. In this book, she breaks down commodity options trading into adaptable methods that acknowledge market unpredictability and the need for creative adjustments mid-trade. You’ll gain insight into tailoring strategies for different risk profiles and market conditions, with examples that illustrate how to navigate the gray areas of trading beyond formulas. If you’re serious about refining your approach to commodity options, this book offers a grounded perspective that bridges textbook knowledge with real trading challenges.
This AI-created book on commodities trading is tailored to your skill level, trading experience, and specific goals. You provide insights into which commodities markets you want to focus on and your current challenges. Then the book is created with daily, actionable steps designed to build your trading skills efficiently. This personalized approach makes sense because commodities trading involves unique risk factors and timing nuances that generic books often overlook, so a custom plan helps you target exactly what you need to improve.
TailoredRead AI creates personalized nonfiction books that adapt to your unique background, goals, and interests. Instead of reading generic content, you get a custom book written specifically for your profession, experience level, and learning objectives. Whether you're a beginner looking for fundamentals or an expert seeking advanced insights, TailoredRead crafts a book that speaks directly to you. Learn more.
This personalized book provides a step-by-step, actionable trading plan designed to enhance your commodities trading skills within 30 days. It offers a tailored approach that fits your specific trading background, goals, and risk tolerance, cutting through generic advice to focus on what truly matters in your situation. The book emphasizes daily tasks and strategic checkpoints, helping you build competence fast by applying practical techniques in market analysis, trade execution, risk management, and psychological discipline. By integrating these elements into a cohesive daily routine, it creates a personalized framework that accelerates skill development and decision-making precision, suited to your unique trading context and commodities focus.
Best for investors diversifying with tangible assets
Santiago Capital, an investment strategist known for his market insights, highlights the value of this book as a foundational guide to commodities. During his analysis of complex markets, he found Jim Rogers's approach a useful primer that broadened his understanding beyond traditional assets. Santiago notes, "But I still think his book is a great primer for someone trying to understand Commodities in a larger context." This endorsement reflects how the book can shift perspectives on commodity investing and offers practical clarity for those eager to engage with these markets.
Jim Rogers had his first job at age five, picking up bottles at baseball games. Winning a scholarship to Yale, Rogers was coxswain on the crew. Upon graduation, he attended Balliol College at Oxford. After a stint in the army, he began work on Wall Street. He cofounded the Quantum Fund, a global-investment partnership. During the next ten years, the portfolio gained more than 4,000 percent, while the S&P rose less than 50 percent. Rogers then decided to retire-at age thirty-seven-but he did not remain idle. Continuing to manage his own portfolio, Rogers served as a professor of finance at the Columbia University Graduate School of Business and as moderator of The Dreyfus Roundtable on WCBS and The Profit Motive on FNN. At the same time, he laid the groundwork for his lifelong dream, an around-the-world motorcycle trip: more than 100,000 miles across six continents. That journey became the subject of Rogers's first book, Investment Biker (1994), now available from Random House Trade Paperbacks. While laying plans for his Millennium Adventure 1999-2001, he continued as a media commentator at Worth, CNBC, et al., and as a sometime professor. He now contributes to Fox News, Worth, and others as he and Paige eagerly await their first child.
When Jim Rogers first challenged conventional investment wisdom, he reshaped how you view commodities as more than just raw materials. Drawing from his experience cofounding the Quantum Fund and achieving staggering returns, Rogers explains how commodities offer a unique opportunity beyond stocks and bonds. You learn to recognize cyclical patterns and understand market fundamentals through accessible examples like coal, sugar, and crude oil. This book suits anyone curious about diversifying investments with tangible assets, especially if you want to grasp why commodities underpin entire economies and how to approach them without complexity.
Best for finance professionals mastering derivatives
Neil Schofield is the Principal of FMT Ltd, providing treasury and risk management training worldwide, and formerly Global Head of Financial Markets Training at Barclays Investment Bank. His deep expertise in financial markets and derivatives underpins this book, crafted to guide you through complex commodity markets with clarity. Schofield’s academic background and decades of experience position him uniquely to bridge theory and practice, making this a valuable resource for those navigating commodity trading and derivatives.
Neil Schofield is the Principal of FMT Ltd, a UK-based firm offering training services in treasury, derivatives, capital markets, and risk management to financial institutions, central banks, and corporations worldwide. From 2001 to 2008 he was Global Head of Financial Markets Training at Barclays Investment Bank. He teaches primarily on the rates business, covering all of the major asset classes and their respective derivative products from foreign exchange through to commodities. Neil holds a B.Sc. in Economics from Loughborough University and an MBA from Manchester Business School. He was elected as a Fellow of the IFS School of Finance in 1999.
Unlike most commodities books that focus narrowly on theory, Neil Schofield draws directly from his extensive experience at Barclays Investment Bank to offer you a thorough exploration of commodity markets and their derivatives. You'll find detailed discussions ranging from gold and crude oil to electricity, alongside advanced topics like dual curve swap valuation and option pricing in negative price scenarios. Chapters blend market fundamentals with practical insights into risk management and portfolio integration, including case studies on corporate failures tied to commodity risks. This book suits traders, analysts, and finance students seeking both foundational knowledge and nuanced applications in commodity derivatives.
Best for novices needing clear, step-by-step guidance
Elliot M. Sage brings over three decades of entrepreneurial and educational expertise to this guide, driven by a passion for teaching complex financial topics in accessible ways. His experience across finance, business management, and tax law uniquely qualifies him to demystify commodities and options trading. This book serves as a practical gateway for you to grasp market fundamentals and trading strategies, opening doors to new investment opportunities with clarity and confidence.
Elliot M. Sage has over three decades of experience as an Entrepreneur and Education Consultant, aiding clients and students across various specialized domains, including finance, business management, real estate, and federal and state tax law. His deep-seated passion lies in teaching, where he relishes the opportunity to impart practical and invaluable knowledge to eager learners, opening doors to entrepreneurial business opportunities, fresh concepts, and innovative ideas.
When Elliot M. Sage first discovered the complexity surrounding commodities and options trading, he committed to simplifying these concepts for beginners. Drawing on over 30 years as an entrepreneur and education consultant, Sage breaks down the mechanics of commodities markets, futures contracts, and options strategies with clear examples and no jargon. You’ll learn how to analyze commodities like gold and oil, understand risk management, and navigate options pricing and trading mechanics confidently. This book suits anyone starting out in commodities trading who wants a structured introduction without feeling overwhelmed by technical details.
Best for readers interested in commodities' global impact
Rupert Russell, a writer and filmmaker with a PhD in sociology from Harvard, brings a unique perspective shaped by filming in twenty countries and producing award-winning documentaries. His broad international experience and sociological expertise drive this compelling investigation into how commodity markets have fueled global chaos, offering you a well-researched lens on economic forces behind political unrest.
Rupert Russell is a writer and filmmaker. He has filmed in twenty countries and made two award-winning documentaries. He has a PhD in sociology from Harvard and has published in The Independent, Dazed, and Salon. Price Wars is his first book.
2022·288 pages·Commodities, Global Economics, Market Instability, Political Economy, Food Security
When Rupert Russell first discovered the deep, often unseen impact of commodity markets on global instability, he set out to trace the roots of modern chaos. Drawing from his extensive sociological research and international filmmaking experience, he reveals how deregulated commodity trading in New York and London directly influences food scarcity, political upheaval, and economic turmoil worldwide. You’ll gain a nuanced understanding of how volatile price swings in essentials like oil and food can undermine societies, enrich corrupt regimes, and trigger protests—even in times of plenty. This book suits readers keen on economics, geopolitics, and the interconnected forces shaping today’s unrest.
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Conclusion
These nine books collectively highlight the multifaceted nature of commodities trading — from foundational mechanics and innovative options strategies to the broader economic forces at play. If you're stepping into commodities trading, starting with A Trader's First Book on Commodities and Commodities and Options Trading for Beginners offers a sturdy base. For those aiming to deepen analytical skills, Advanced Positioning, Flow, and Sentiment Analysis in Commodity Markets and Commodity Derivatives provide deeper dives into market forces.
Investors curious about the broader impact of commodities will find Hot Commodities and Price Wars particularly enlightening, revealing how these markets ripple through economies and geopolitics. Meanwhile, traders looking to refine creativity and risk management can turn to Carley Garner’s works, including Higher Probability Commodity Trading and Trading Commodity Options...with Creativity.
Once you've absorbed these expert insights, consider crafting a personalized Commodities book to bridge general principles with your own trading style and objectives. This tailored approach can accelerate your proficiency and help you navigate the complexities with confidence. Ready to sharpen your edge? Start building your customized roadmap today.
Frequently Asked Questions
I'm overwhelmed by choice – which book should I start with?
Yes, it can be daunting. For a solid foundation, begin with A Trader's First Book on Commodities by Carley Garner. It covers essential market mechanics and practical tips that prepare you for more advanced topics.
Are these books too advanced for someone new to Commodities?
No. Several books like Commodities and Options Trading for Beginners and A Trader's First Book on Commodities are tailored for newcomers, breaking down complex ideas into accessible lessons.
What's the best order to read these books?
Start with beginner-focused guides to build fundamentals, then move to specialized books like Advanced Positioning for deeper analysis, and finish with broader perspectives such as Price Wars for market context.
Do these books assume I already have experience in Commodities?
Not all. Books by Carley Garner and Elliot M. Sage are designed with beginners in mind, while others like Mark Keenan’s work cater to seasoned traders seeking advanced insights.
Which book gives the most actionable advice I can use right away?
Higher Probability Commodity Trading offers practical strategies and risk management techniques that traders can apply immediately to improve decision-making in volatile markets.
Can personalized Commodities books complement these expert reads?
Absolutely. While expert books provide valuable frameworks, personalized Commodities books tailor these insights to your unique background and goals. This custom approach accelerates learning and application. Explore personalized Commodities books for a perfect fit.
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