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NEWS & ANALYSIS POSTS

How to Trade Oil Futures: A Simple Guide to Commodities Trading

Where there's smoke, there's fire — and where there's geopolitical tension, there are market opportunities. This adage rings especially true in the world of trading, where uncertainty is the only certainty.



In this rapidly evolving landscape, geopolitical events, both big and small, have historically wielded an outsized influence on financial markets. These events can range from elections and trade wars to geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters.


But how do these external events connect to investment opportunities? And how can traders position themselves favourably when the political winds shift?


The Double-Edged Sword of Geopolitical Unrest

From a trader’s lens, geopolitical unrest is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it fuels market volatility, creating price swings that can either bring immense profits or crippling losses.


On the other hand, it also reveals unique trading opportunities that wouldn't exist in a more stable environment.

As far back as the oil crises of the 1970s or the geopolitical tensions that followed 9/11, market volatility has been closely tied to political unrest.


Past Meets Present: A Historical Lens

If we take a look back at history, we'll find endless examples where geopolitics dramatically altered the financial markets.


The Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962 resulted in a sharp drop in stock prices, only to see them rebound after the tension eased.


More recently, the U.S.-China trade war has led to fluctuations in currency values and global stock indices.


Even the Brexit referendum of 2016 sent shockwaves through the financial markets, affecting currency pairs, equities, and commodities.


The Current Scenario: Middle East Tensions and Market Dynamics

Fast-forward to today, the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, and the Middle East is a prime example.


As a significant source of the world's crude oil supply, any instability in this region reverberates through global financial markets.


Whether it's tensions between Iran and the U.S. or conflicts between Israel and Hamas, each news headline has the potential to move oil and gold prices, sometimes dramatically.


oil refinery

Here, we're going to unpack the recent Middle East tensions and its impact on oil and gold prices, turning complex market dynamics into actionable insights for you.

The Headline: Oil Holds Biggest Gain in Six Months on Middle East Tensions

Recently, the market witnessed oil prices soar after renewed conflicts in the Middle East. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil surged 4.3% due to renewed fighting between Israel and Hamas.


With the Middle East supplying about a third of the world’s crude oil, any instability in the region will undoubtedly cause ripples in the oil markets.

Trading Implications of the Geopolitical Unrest This unrest leads to increased volatility in commodities like oil and gold. For oil, a potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes, could lead to a supply crunch, driving up prices.


WTI crude oil price chart, showing oil price rise
WTI crude oil price chart, showing instant oil price rise

Traders could capitalise on this volatility by going long on oil futures or trading oil CFDs. Similarly, gold often serves as a safe haven in times of geopolitical unrest, making it another asset you could consider going long on.


The Gold and Geopolitical Unrest


Gold is universally recognised as a store of value, and it historically performs well during periods of uncertainty. Here's why:

  1. Safe Haven Asset: Investors rush to gold as a safe harbour when geopolitical risks loom large. Its intrinsic value is generally not affected by the performance of other markets.

  2. Currency Devaluation: Geopolitical crises often lead to weaker currencies. Gold, being denominated in U.S. dollars, becomes an attractive option.

  3. Diversification: A volatile market increases the need for diversified portfolios. Since gold often moves inversely to equities and currencies, it’s an ideal diversification tool.

Ways of Trading Oil and Gold


Trading oil and gold offers a variety of avenues to diversify your investment portfolio. For oil, traditional futures contracts allow you to buy or sell this crucial commodity at a predetermined price on a set future date.

If futures seem too complex, Contracts for Difference (CFDs) offer a simpler way to speculate on oil price movements. ETFs focusing on oil and the broader energy sector also provide diversified exposure to this market.


XAUUSD Bar chart showing forex and commodities prices, green/red candles depict daily trading trends. Includes moving average, Bollinger bands, and RSI.
Gold prices rise in time s of war

Similarly, for gold, futures contracts and CFDs are popular instruments. Gold ETFs, which often track the price of gold bullion, are another option.


If you prefer a more hands-on approach, physical gold trading—buying bullion or coins—is a timeless method, although storage and insurance are concerns to consider.


Like oil, gold also has options contracts that offer the right to buy or sell at a present price within a specific time frame.

In essence, whether you're looking at oil or gold, there's a trading method tailored to your strategy and risk tolerance. The Mechanics of Commodities Trading CFD At the heart of commodities trading are futures contracts and CFDs (Contracts for Difference). Futures contracts are agreements to buy or sell an asset, like oil or gold, at a future date at a predetermined price.

Futures were initially developed as a hedging tool but have become a popular speculative instrument. CFDs are even simpler. They allow you to speculate on price movements without actually owning the commodity.


Both instruments can offer leverage, meaning you can trade larger positions than your initial investment would normally allow.


Remember, you can win big, but you can also lose big. Given the risks and the complexity involved, especially for newcomers, we highly recommend starting with a demo account.


When you’re ready to go live, ensure you’re trading with FCA-regulated brokers like Vantage, eToro, or Admiral Markets. If we don't trust it, you shouldn’t either.

Why Use CFDs for Trading Commodities

What makes CFDs particularly enticing are their accessibility and the ability to go both long and short. You can trade commodities 24/5 and leverage your positions to maximize potential profits. But be cautious, leverage also amplifies your losses.

Simplifying Jargon

  • Going Long: Buying an asset with the expectation that its price will rise.

  • Going Short: Selling an asset with the expectation that its price will fall.

  • Futures Contract: A legal agreement to buy or sell a commodity at a predetermined price at a specified time in the future.

  • CFD: A contract between two parties to exchange the difference in value of an asset between the time the contract is opened and closed.

  • Leverage: The ability to control a large position in an asset with a relatively small investment.


Market Opportunities Oil Futures & Gold

In summary, geopolitical tensions, like the recent unrest in the Middle East, can create significant volatility and trading opportunities in commodities such as oil and gold.


Understanding how to navigate these markets through futures contracts and CFDs can open doors to potentially profitable trades.

Actionable Steps:

  1. Start with a demo account to understand the mechanics of commodities trading.

  2. Once confident, move to a live account with an FCA-regulated broker.

  3. Keep an eye on geopolitical headlines as they can offer valuable trading opportunities.

  4. Use the power of leverage cautiously.

For more insights and to navigate the complexities of the financial market in a simple way, follow Champ Profit.


"If we don't trust it, you shouldn’t either" and "Remember, you can win big, but you can also lose big"


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We're committed to providing you with valuable information to stack the odds in your favour.

Turning Market Complexity into Your Profit Opportunity: Trust Champ Profit for Genuine Reviews, Unbiased Insights, and Smart Trading Strategies.


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