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Commodity Corner: Profiting from Raw Materials

Commodity Corner: Profiting from Raw Materials

01/08/2026
Matheus Moraes
Commodity Corner: Profiting from Raw Materials

After a prolonged bear cycle from 2022 to 2024, the commodity landscape is set for a powerful resurgence.

Analysts forecast a new cyclical bull market emerging in 2026, fueled by years of underinvestment and shifting global dynamics.

This pivotal moment creates a rare chance for investors to harness the potential of raw materials.

With monetary easing and technological advances on the horizon, the stage is set for significant growth.

Understanding this shift is key to unlocking profits in a volatile yet promising arena.

The Dawn of a New Commodity Supercycle

Broad commodities are entering a phase of sustained expansion, often dubbed a supercycle.

This optimism stems from multiple macro themes converging to drive demand higher.

Key factors include the energy transition, AI advancements, and infrastructure rebuilding efforts.

Investor sentiment remains lukewarm, with historically low allocations to commodities.

This contrarian positioning signals substantial upside potential as markets evolve.

Global commodity prices may see sector-specific rallies despite overall declines.

Profiting from this trend requires a strategic approach across different asset classes.

  • Underinvestment in supply chains has created bottlenecks.
  • Cyclical demand upturns are accelerating post-pandemic recovery.
  • Geopolitical events add volatility but also opportunities.
  • Monetary policies, like Fed rate cuts, enhance liquidity.

Embracing this narrative can lead to outsized returns for those prepared.

Energy Commodities: Navigating the Transition

The energy sector faces a complex landscape with abundant supply and softer pricing.

Oil markets are expected to remain well-supplied through 2025 and into 2026.

Non-OPEC production growth outpaces demand, leading to manageable price declines.

However, a potential recovery is anticipated in the latter half of 2026 as surpluses diminish.

The rise of electric vehicles cools oil demand growth, marking a structural shift.

LNG markets will see a significant supply glut with 29 million metric tons of new capacity.

This includes major projects in Qatar and Texas coming online.

Despite fossil fuel challenges, the energy transition boosts demand for related metals.

Investments in renewables and grid infrastructure create new profit avenues.

  • Oil prices may moderate but offer stability amid transitions.
  • Lower fossil fuel prices can ease inflationary pressures globally.
  • Transition efforts drive gains in industrial metals over traditional energy.
  • Supply gluts present buying opportunities for long-term investors.

Adapting to these changes is crucial for capitalizing on energy commodities.

Metals: The Spark of a Supercycle

Metals are at the forefront of the commodity rally, with strong fundamentals.

Copper faces an acute deficit of 1 million tons in 2026 due to supply constraints.

Demand from EVs, data centers, and electrification projects pushes prices higher.

Aluminum and tin also benefit from infrastructure spending and clean energy needs.

Precious metals, especially gold, are leading the charge with targets reaching $5000.

Silver enters price discovery above $65, supported by ongoing deficits.

Central bank buying and geopolitical tensions bolster safe-haven assets.

Base metals have shown resilience despite headwinds from China's economy.

Green tech and infrastructure development position metals for sustained growth.

  • Copper shortages highlight critical supply chain issues.
  • Gold's rally is driven by fiscal deficits and lower real rates.
  • Silver deficits persist for the sixth consecutive year.
  • Industrial demand synergizes with precious metal trends.

Investing in metals offers exposure to multiple high-growth sectors.

This table provides a snapshot of investment strategies across sectors.

Agriculture: Stability Amid Global Growth

Agricultural commodities offer relative stability after years of volatility.

Strong harvests and adequate inventories have led to softer prices in 2025.

Demand is rising from population growth and income increases in emerging markets.

Diet diversification and protein consumption drive upward trends.

Trade volumes are expanding, supported by new uses like biofuels.

China's grain purchases are a wildcard, potentially absorbing surpluses.

Policies in Europe and the UK promote sustainable aviation fuels.

This boosts markets for vegetable oils and other agricultural products.

Agro-exporters benefit from technological advancements and logistics improvements.

  • Biofuels create new demand streams for crops.
  • China's stock rebuilding impacts global grain flows.
  • Stability aids both consumers and long-term investors.
  • Weather patterns remain a key risk factor.

Profiting in agriculture requires attention to geopolitical and policy shifts.

Risks and Opportunities: A Strategic Framework

While the outlook is optimistic, several risks could derail commodity gains.

Geopolitical shocks and supply disruptions pose constant threats.

Policy uncertainty, such as the EU's CBAM, adds complexity to markets.

This carbon border mechanism may impose over €12 billion in costs on importers.

It affects sectors like steel, cement, and fertilizers, with downstream impacts.

Decarbonization efforts mainstream carbon pricing, influencing commodity valuations.

The US-China power race in AI and technology spurs demand for critical materials.

Global growth reacceleration, tracked by manufacturing PMIs, supports commodity cycles.

EV adoption reduces oil demand but accelerates needs for metals like copper.

Investors can ride these waves by focusing on supply-side constraints.

  • Geopolitical events offer both risks and hedging opportunities.
  • Policy changes require adaptive investment strategies.
  • Technological advancements drive long-term structural demand.
  • Sentiment shifts can create entry points for contrarian plays.

Balancing these factors is essential for successful commodity investing.

How to Profit: Practical Investor Insights

To capitalize on the 2026 commodity boom, consider diversified approaches.

Direct investments in futures or physical commodities offer high leverage but higher risk.

Commodity-related stocks and ETFs provide more accessible exposure.

Equal-weighted global commodity stocks are front-running the bull market.

Gold is leading the rally, with other metals poised for catch-up gains.

Energy transition themes favor metals over traditional fossil fuels.

Agriculture offers stability through trade growth and biofuel policies.

Monitor key indicators like supply deficits and policy implementations.

Low investor allocations mean there is room for sentiment-driven price increases.

Staying informed on macro trends can help time entries and exits.

  • Diversify across sectors to mitigate specific risks.
  • Focus on long-term structural drivers like electrification.
  • Use volatility to build positions during pullbacks.
  • Consider geopolitical hedges in precious metals.

By embracing these tactics, investors can navigate the commodity corner effectively.

The 2026 outlook promises a transformative period for raw materials.

With careful planning, the profits from this supercycle can be substantial.

Matheus Moraes

About the Author: Matheus Moraes

Matheus Moraes