What are commodities? It seems like a simple question. Ask someone on the street and they'll probably say "oil" or maybe "gold."
Those are good examples, but they don't tell you what really makes a commodity a commodity. And understanding that is the first step to becoming a better commodities investor.
Now it's time for the big question: Why invest in commodities at all?
The short answer is that, based on historical data, adding commodities exposure will increase your returns while lowering your risk.
Why? Well, to understand that, we first have to talk about the single most important topic in investing: asset allocation.
All commodities are fungible, but not all commodities are created the same.
Generally speaking, investors break commodities down into two categories: "soft" and "hard" commodities.
We talk peak oil with Weeden & Co.'s senior energy analyst, who explains how investors can not only protect their portfolios, but profit as well. 
When it comes to performance in the commodities markets, do exchange-traded products really offer a better mousetrap? 
Uranium prices have sagged since the 2008 commodities crash. But is the bear market finally over?
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