Five Pitfalls of Trading Commodities

Those not willing to pay for research may learn quickly that all commodities are different and are subject to separate supply/demand fundamentals, even when they may seem similar on the surface. For instance, corn prices have been rallying to record levels while wheat has fallen back.

If you think trading stocks is stressful, then trading futures is even worse. In some cases, the markets simply don't close. Gold, for instance, can be continuously traded from 4 p.m. Eastern time Sunday through 4 p.m. Friday.

Individual investors are pouring into commodities like never before. Feel free to join the crowd -- but make sure you know what you're doing before jumping in behind the rest.