Real-Time Commodity Prices on Mobile: Top Apps

Published on 10/10/2024 • 8 min read
Real-Time Commodity Prices on Mobile: Top Apps

Real-Time Commodity Prices on Mobile: Top Apps

Want to track commodity prices on the go? Here's what you need to know:

  • Mobile apps put live commodity data in your pocket
  • They offer real-time updates, charts, and news feeds
  • Popular apps cover energy, metals, grains, livestock, and softs

Top 3 apps for commodity prices:

  1. Plus500: Great for international trading
  2. eToro: Perfect for beginners
  3. Interactive Brokers: Ideal for experienced traders
App Best For Min. Deposit Key Feature
Plus500 International $100 26 commodity futures
eToro Beginners Varies Social trading
Interactive Brokers Pros Varies Low fees

To pick the right app:

  • Know your trading style
  • Check data quality and ease of use
  • Compare costs and available commodities
  • Try demo accounts first

Remember: Commodity trading is high-risk. Most retail traders lose money. Use these apps wisely and don't bet more than you can afford to lose.

What are real-time commodity price apps?

Real-time commodity price apps are mobile tools that give you instant access to up-to-date pricing for various commodities. Think of them as pocket-sized trading desks right on your phone or tablet.

These apps cover a range of commodities:

Category Examples
Energy WTI Crude Oil, Brent, Natural Gas
Metals Gold, Silver
Grains Corn, Wheat, Soybeans
Livestock Lean Hogs, Cattle
Softs Cocoa, Coffee

Their main job? Helping traders, investors, and market watchers make smart decisions with fresh market data. They typically offer:

  • Live price updates
  • Interactive charts
  • Historical data
  • Technical indicators
  • News feeds

For instance, you might see WTI Crude Oil at $70.25 per barrel, up 2.3% in the last hour, with a daily range of $68.90 to $70.50.

Key features

1. Live Updates: Prices refresh in seconds.

2. Comprehensive Coverage: Multiple exchanges like NYMEX, CBOT, CMEX, NYB, and CME.

3. Detailed Info: Beyond prices, you'll see ask, bid, high, low, and volume data.

4. Interactive Charts: View data in portrait or landscape, zoom in on different time frames.

5. User-Friendly: Swipe-to-refresh and full tablet support.

6. Customization: Set up watchlists and alerts for specific commodities.

7. Extra Tools: Some apps offer social trading or demo accounts.

Keep in mind: While many apps have free basic features, you might need to pay for ad-free experiences or advanced tools. For example, Commodity Price Live offers an ad-free version for $8.99 per year.

When picking an app, focus on data accuracy, update speed, and security. As one user, GThorn256, said: "Performs exceptionally but there's a few basic commodities that need to be added (diesel fuel, etc) to help procurement professionals track markets in real time."

Best mobile apps for commodity prices

Here are three top apps for tracking real-time commodity prices on your phone:

Plus500

Plus500

Plus500 is great for international trading. You can access 26 commodity futures across metals, agriculture, and energy markets.

Key features:

  • $100 minimum deposit
  • Free demo account
  • Easy-to-use interface
Pros Cons
Lots of CFDs Basic features
Low fees Not for US traders
Demo account

Pricing: $0.49 per Micro contract, $0.89 per Standard contract (per side)

eToro

eToro

eToro is perfect for beginners. Trade over 25 commodities at good prices.

Key features:

  • Social trading
  • Copy trading
  • Up to 20x leverage
Pros Cons
Social trading Basic tools
Easy to use Limited research
Good prices

Pricing: Spreads from 2 pips

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers is for experienced traders. Low fees and tons of assets.

Key features:

  • Lots of commodity options
  • Pro trading tools
  • Global markets
Pros Cons
Low fees Tough for beginners
Many assets High minimum
Pro tools

Pricing: Varies by product and volume

When picking an app, think about fees, available commodities, how it works on your phone, and your trading skills. Each app has its own perks for different traders, from newbies to pros.

How to pick the right app for you

Picking the best commodity trading app? It's all about matching your needs. Here's how:

  1. Know your style: Day trader? Swing trader? Long-term investor? Each needs different tools. Plus500 works for quick trades, while eToro's social features help long-term investors.

  2. Data matters: Look for real-time data, price charts, and analysis tools. Interactive Brokers shines here with advanced charting.

  3. Easy to use?: eToro's simple design is great for beginners.

  4. Count the costs: Fees can eat profits. Compare:

App Commission Inactivity Fee
Plus500 $0.49-$0.89 per contract $10 after 3 months
eToro Spreads from 2 pips $10
Interactive Brokers Varies $0
  1. Check commodities: Make sure they have what you want to trade. Plus500 offers 26 futures, eToro over 25 commodities, and Interactive Brokers has a wide range.

  2. Try before you buy: Use demo accounts to test the app and your strategies risk-free.

  3. Safety first: Pick apps regulated by FCA, CySEC, or ASIC.

  4. Support when you need it: Look for 24/5 or 24/7 customer service.

sbb-itb-a92d0a3

Getting started with your app

You've picked your commodity trading app. Now let's set it up and start using it.

1. Download and install

Go to your app store. Search for the app. Download and install.

2. Create an account

Open the app. Make a new account. You'll need:

  • Personal info (name, email, phone)
  • Financial details (for funding)
  • ID proof (for KYC)

3. Fund your account

Most apps need a minimum deposit. Forex.com, for example, wants $100. Add funds your way.

4. Set up your watchlist

Make a list of commodities you want to track:

Type Examples
Precious Metals Gold, Silver, Platinum
Energy Crude Oil, Natural Gas
Agricultural Wheat, Corn, Soybeans

5. Configure price alerts

Want to know when prices move? Here's how:

  • Find app settings
  • Look for "Notifications" or "Alerts"
  • Turn on push notifications
  • Set your price threshold

6. Customize your dashboard

Make the app show what YOU care about:

  • Price charts
  • News
  • Your positions
  • Account balance

7. Learn more

Use the app's learning tools. eToro, for instance, has a demo account. Practice without risk.

8. Start small

Begin with tiny trades. Get comfy with the app and market. You can always go bigger later.

Tips for using commodity price apps

Here's how to get the most out of commodity price apps:

Set up smart alerts

Don't miss important market moves. Use price alerts:

  • Set specific price thresholds
  • Enable push notifications
  • Use MetaTrader's alert feature

Use demo accounts

Practice without risk:

  • Trade with fake money
  • Test strategies
  • Get familiar with the app

eToro offers a demo account for new users.

Mind the fees

Know what you're paying. For example:

Platform Fee Example
Plus500 $0.49 per Micro contract, $0.89 per Standard contract (per side)

Be careful with leverage

Commodity trading can offer high leverage. But remember:

  • It magnifies gains AND losses
  • Start small and increase slowly

Stay informed

Use your app's tools:

  • Read market updates
  • Check technical indicators
  • Follow economic calendars

Understand market cycles

Commodities follow patterns:

  • Look for long-term trends
  • Note seasonal changes
  • Consider factors affecting supply and demand

Start with less volatile commodities

Build confidence:

  • Begin with steadier markets like wheat or corn
  • Move to oil as you gain experience

Use multiple alert types

Get a fuller market picture:

  • Price movement alerts
  • News alerts
  • Trend notifications

Fixing common problems

Using commodity price apps can sometimes be tricky. Here's how to fix the most common issues:

Price updates not working

If prices aren't updating:

  1. Uninstall and reinstall the app
  2. Check your internet connection
  3. Compare with another source (like Yahoo! Finance)

In September 2020, iPhone users saw CBOT prices stop updating in the Stocks app. The problem stuck around even after removing and re-adding commodities.

Incorrect data display

Seeing weird numbers? Try this:

  • Restart the app
  • Add it to your Home screen
  • Update to the latest version

Connection problems

Can't connect? Do these:

  • Check your internet
  • Restart your device
  • Use a supported browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)

Contacting support

When nothing else works, call in the cavalry:

App Support Options
ICIS Email: [email protected]
MetaTrader In-app support chat
eToro 24/7 live chat, email support

Before you reach out, check if there's a known issue. In mid-August, lots of users saw corn and soybean prices stop updating across different apps.

Missing alerts

Not getting price alerts?

  1. Check your Junk/Spam folder
  2. Whitelist the app's email (like [email protected] for ICIS)
  3. Double-check your alert settings in the app

Wrap-up

Real-time commodity price apps have changed the game. They put global markets in your pocket, letting you track and trade on the go.

Why these apps matter:

  • Live prices for everything from gold to soybeans
  • Trade commodities from your phone, anytime
  • Set alerts and stop-losses to manage risk

But here's the thing: commodity trading isn't for everyone. It's high-risk, high-reward. eToro says 76% of retail CFD accounts lose money.

To use these apps smart:

1. Practice first

Use demo accounts before risking real cash.

2. Stay in the loop

Keep up with news that could shake up prices.

3. Mix it up

Don't go all-in on commodities. Spread your bets.

When picking an app, look at:

Factor Why It Counts
Fees They eat profits
Interface Easy use = fewer errors
Learning stuff Grow as you go
Help when needed Don't get stuck

Sandra Cho, CEO of Pointwealth Capital Management, says: "Commodities can serve as a hedge during high inflationary times." That makes these apps extra useful right now.

Bottom line: Do your homework. These apps are tools, not magic 8-balls. They can help you decide, but they can't see the future. Use them smart, and they might just boost your investment game.

FAQs

Which app is best for commodity trading?

Zerodha Kite is a top pick for commodity trading, especially in India. Here's why:

  • It's easy to use
  • It has lots of useful tools

But the best app depends on what you need. Consider these factors:

Factor Why It Matters
Brokerage fees Affects your costs
Margin options Impacts trading capacity
Support Helps solve problems
Live data Keeps you up-to-date

"Good trading platforms need live market data, analysis tools, and smooth execution", says an industry report.

To get the most out of any trading app:

  1. Try a demo account first
  2. Keep up with market news
  3. Know the app's margin and leverage rules