Description

Commodities traders facilitate transactions related to commodities such as securities, stocks and bonds, currency, agricultural output, and others. These traders work with clients to evaluate the market, analyze its movements and tendencies, and use this information to develop sound financial advice for clients. Once this information has been shared with clients and these clients decide to make a transaction, the commodity trader does the necessary buying and/or selling.

Commodity traders may be employees of banks or brokerage firms, or they may work independently with clients of their own. They may choose to conduct most of their transactions and business from an office via computer or telephone, or they may stand on the floor of a stock exchange, handling deals in person.

A bachelor's degree in finance, economics, or a related field is typically the minimum educational requirement for this position, though many traders have post-baccalaureate degrees as well. Employers and clients may require additional studies with a focus on a specific industry, such as agriculture. Additionally, a trader must be licensed through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). They need to register with the National Futures Association and pass the National Commodity Futures exam; additionally, the FINRA requires licensed traders to continue their education and report at least 12 hours of classroom education every three years to maintain licensing.

Roles & Responsibilities

As a Trader, Commodities with 6-9 years of experience in Singapore, your main responsibilities include:

  • Analyze market trends and monitor commodities prices to make informed trading decisions.
  • Execute trades on various platforms and manage trade positions effectively.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with suppliers, clients, and other market participants to facilitate trading activities.
  • Conduct research and analysis to identify new trading opportunities and strategies in the commodities market.

Qualifications & Work Experience

For a Trader, Commodities job role, the following qualifications are required:

  • In-depth knowledge of commodities trading, including understanding market trends, supply and demand dynamics, and pricing models.
  • Strong analytical and research skills to identify trading opportunities, conduct risk assessments, and make informed decisions.
  • Excellent financial acumen to analyze and interpret market data, monitor trading positions, and manage portfolio risk.
  • Effective communication and negotiation skills to interact with clients, brokers, and other stakeholders, building relationships and executing trades successfully.

Essential Skills For Trader, Commodities

1

Risk Management

Skills That Affect Trader, Commodities Salaries

Different skills can affect your salary. Below are the most popular skills and their effect on salary.

Risk Management

5%

Career Prospects

The role of a Trader, Commodities in Singapore with 6-9 years of experience offers various alternative career paths. Here are following options to consider:

  • Commodity Risk Manager: A role that involves assessing and managing market risks associated with commodity trading, including price fluctuations and supply chain disruptions.
  • Market Research Analyst: A position focused on conducting in-depth research on commodity markets, analyzing trends, and providing insights on investment opportunities.
  • Supply Chain Manager: A role centered around optimizing the flow of commodities from suppliers to customers, ensuring cost efficiency, timely delivery, and quality control.
  • Commodity Trading Analyst: A position that involves analyzing market data, identifying trading opportunities, and executing trades to maximize profitability.

How to Learn

The job role of a Trader, specifically in the commodities market in Singapore, is projected to experience significant growth. Over the past 10 years, there has been a steady rise in the demand for commodities, contributing to an increase in the prominence of this role. With Singapore's strategic location as a key trading hub in Asia, employment opportunities for traders in the commodities sector are expected to expand further in the future. According to recent data from Google, the projected growth in this position indicates a positive outlook with numerous employment prospects in the coming years.