Be a commodities trader

SMU has launched a course in commodities trading for its students, reported the Business Times today.

Students get to learn about things like agri-commodities, oil and energy products, transhipment of commodities, financing, and management of credit and operational risks.

I think it's a good start.

As mentioned previously in the top 100 jobs in Singapore, the 75th-percentile commodities futures broker can make $10,000 per month. And this excludes bonuses and commissions.

http://www.salary.sg/2007/be-a-commodities-trader/

Hi there,

Am working as an IT manager for 5years now and thinking of switching to another job nature. What qualifications/education/knowledge do I have to pursue to become a commodities trader?

Looking forward to your reply.

Rgds,
Libra

Hi Libra,

The short answer is that if you know the right people, you can get in pretty easily. I know of airline stewardesses who switched to commodities trading simply because of friends' recommendations.

Qualifications are secondary. Really.

So, do you have friends in this line who can help you?

Wishing you all the best.

Commodities TRADER and commodities BROKER and 2 VERY different jobs...

Hi there,
I am an engineer. Decides for a career switch. I knew that academic qualifications are secondary to become a commodities trader. But that could also work against me, cause there is nothing you can work towards to embark on this career. Usually people who get into this lines are through friends. If a company is looking for one, usually it must come with prior experience. I would like to learn more about this line. Please revert. Thanks.

Alan Tan

Hi Alan, it's quite hard if you do not know of people who can pull you in.
If money is the motivation (nothing wrong with that), you might wish to look at alternative income sources while "working towards" or simply waiting for the commodities opportunity to happen.
Or you can further your education, not just for education's sake, but more for the purpose of knowing more people.

Hi,
Can someone enlighten me what is the differences between trader,broker and dealer?

hi can i know what should I do to have a head start to become a trader

A broker is a middleman.
A trader on the other hand does trading on commodities (buy\sell)
There are 2 types of traders. Proprietary traders and market traders
Prop traders basically buy\sell accordin to what they think will be profitable.
Market traders maximise profits from trade requirements set by their sales team.
Dealer is usually an interchangeable term for trader.

Hello

Can I check are there any difference between start point 1: Students get to learn about things like agri-commodities, oil and energy products, transhipment of commodities, financing, and management of credit and operational risks.

start point 2; commodities futures broker