Top 5 Commodity Futures to Trade Right Now

Commodity futures aren't just for grizzled traders anymore. In today's market, they're where macro meets momentum especially when global politics, tariffs, and inflation start shaking hands in a very messy, very expensive way.

If you’re new to the the futures industry, commodity futures are standardized contracts to buy or sell a specific amount of a raw material (like gold, oil, or corn) at a predetermined price and date. They're used to hedge risk or speculate on price movements. In short, you're speculating on whether the stuff that makes the world go round is going up or down.

What moves them? A lot. Supply shocks, demand surges, weather patterns, OPEC meetings, Fed rate decisions, war, peace, and every awkward handshake between world leaders. 

With all that in mind, here are the top 5 commodity futures, in my opinion, you should have your eyes on right now. These aren't just the usual suspects, they're the contracts riding the biggest waves of global tension, volatility, and opportunity.

1. Crude Oil (WTI) 

Oil futures are never boring, but lately, they've been extra dramatic. Between ongoing tensions in the Middle East, surprise OPEC production cuts, and the recent tariff chess match between the U.S. and China, WTI crude is doing its usual thing: overreacting.

Supply remains tight, demand is seesawing thanks to global economic uncertainty, and traders are flipping bullish and bearish faster than a caffeinated day trader on earnings season. If you like volatility and macro plays, crude oil is still the heavyweight champion.

Why trade it? Because oil doesn't just reflect energy markets it's a proxy for everything from geopolitical stability to inflation. One wild headline and you could be staring at a five-dollar move before lunch.

You can access WTI crude futures contracts through platforms like Plus500, where the spreads are tight and the leverage is real.

2. Gold 

Whenever things get weird, gold shines. That's the rule. And 2025 is serving up weirdness in spades: rate cuts in the U.S., inflation that refuses to go quietly, and enough global unrest to keep risk appetite in check.

Gold futures have rallied multiple times this year, not because anyone suddenly found new industrial use cases, but because fear is a powerful buying signal. Add in rising central bank demand and potential dollar weakness, and you've got all the ingredients for another potential gold rush.

Why trade it? Gold isn't just a hedge. It's a trader's playbook for uncertainty. If you think things are about to hit the fan, or if they already are, gold may be your safety net and your potential profit driver.

3. Natural Gas 

Natural gas is that wildcard commodity that either makes your week or blows up your stop-loss like a bad action movie. And with global energy supply chains still sorting themselves out post-Ukraine invasion and green energy transitions sputtering into place, natural gas futures are having a serious moment.

Add in unpredictable weather, storage data, and tariff spats disrupting export flows, and you've got a contract that's doing Olympic-level flips.

Why trade it? Because nothing spikes like natural gas when the forecast changes or someone sneezes near a pipeline. The potential upside (and downside) is massive but it's not for the faint of heart.

Platforms like Plus500 give traders access to natural gas futures with built-in risk management tools. 

4. Copper

This industrial metal is considered a reliable barometer for global economic health and right now, it’s flashing signals like a broken traffic light.

China's construction rebound is still in limbo, electric vehicle (EV) demand is steady but not exploding, and infrastructure spending in the U.S. and EU is both a catalyst and a question mark. Tariff shifts on raw materials are also making copper prices jumpy, as global trade policies tighten up again.

Why trade it? Because copper moves in sync with the economy, but it also has a sneaky speculative streak. If you’re betting on a rebound or a reversal this is one of the more nuanced plays in the futures market.

5. Soybeans 

They may not have the glitz of gold or the grit of oil, but don't sleep on agricultural commodities, especially this one. Soybean futures are red-hot thanks to shifting weather patterns, trade disruptions, and rising global demand.

China's buying again, U.S. farmers are juggling yields and costs, and Latin American production is in flux. Soybeans are suddenly a lot more interesting than their salad-bar reputation would suggest.

Why trade it? Because food security is now a geopolitical issue, and soft commodities like soybeans are right in the middle of it. When yields drop or exports surge, prices can explode and traders can cash in.

Futures Wait for No One

Commodity futures aren't just relics of old-school finance, they're the high-octane corner of the market where real-world events translate into real-time profits (or losses, if you're not careful). These contracts are highly liquid, volatile, and move on macro headlines you probably saw this morning.

If you’re looking to get tactical in 2025, the 5 futures above are where the smart money, and the brave money, is paying attention. They're volatile, yes, but they're also full of opportunity if you know where to look and how to play.

Platforms like Plus500 make it easy to jump into these markets with risk tools and global coverage. Whether you're hedging, speculating, or just curious, it's one of the fastest ways to tap into what's really moving the world right now.

Trading in futures involves the risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone. Not all applicants will qualify.