If you are looking for the benefits of investing in commodities combined with the ease and efficiency of trading in stocks and shares then look no further than exchange traded commodities (ETCs).
ETCs are open-ended securities that provide investors with exposure to a range of commodities and commodity indices. ETCs are listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) and are traded and settled exactly like shares. The developed of ETCs was pioneered by ETF Securities with the first listing of an ETC, Gold Bullion Securities in Australia and London in 2003.
Where ETCs are tracking futures or indices priced off futures, different types of exposure to underlying futures can be provided, i.e.
Special Notice about Leveraged and Inverse Exchange Traded Commodities
There are leveraged and inverse (or short) ETC products available from some providers within the full range of ETCs available to UK retail investors. Potential investors should be aware of the nature of these products and the risks involved. Find
out more about leveraged and inverse ETCs
You should remember that the value of ETCs can fall as well as rise and you should be prepared to lose your investment. These investments may not be suitable to all investors.
You should be aware that the counterparty risk for ETCs varies between:
ETCs provide you with simple access to what was previously a notoriously difficult area to invest in. Trading in ETCs combines the benefits of direct exposure to commodities with the security of indirect exposure. This means you can gain access to commodities without the risk of trading futures or taking physical delivery of products.
ETCs can be suitable for both the large institutional investor as well as the smaller private investor. They can be combined with your existing portfolio and adapted to suit your short or long term investment strategies. It really depends on the specific requirements of the individual investor and those unsure should seek professional advice.
Already a client? - If you already have an account with us login and select the deal tab to trade or visit the research centre for more latest prices, charts and news.
ETCs research and prices - Whilst logged in, visit the research centre
and type ‘ETFS’ into the search box for
a list of all available ETCs. Click on the name of the commodity you
are interested in for the epic code (ticker) e.g. ETFS Coffee (COFF),
detailed research and current pricing.
New to Barclays Stockbrokers? - Open an account today and get trading online from just £6.95 per online trade when you trade 25 times or more in a calendar month, and £9.95 for between 15 and 24 trades; otherwise it is £12.95.
You can access ETCs from our trading accounts or, if you’re looking for a tax shelter for your investments, you can hold your ETCs in our Investment ISA and SIPP accounts.
Login or apply now to create an account
1.Already a client? If you already have an account select the deal tab to trade or visit the research centre for latest prices, charts and news.
2. Looking for a list of ETCs?
Type ‘ETFS’ into the search box on the research centre for a complete list of all ETCs from ETF Securities. Or type in name of the commodity i.e. 'Gold' for a list of all providers.
3.Looking for a price?
Enter the epic code for the ETC into QuickQuotes/Realtime prices
Related information
Summary table of the different levels of counterparty risk that can apply to ETCs