This is an edited collection of 24 articles on commodities as an "asset class." There is little about the underlying markets, as the focus is on futures trading—and especially commodity trading advisors (CTAs). There is plenty of information about the business of managing commodity futures portfolios to "diversify" portfolios or "enhance returns." Little of it is balanced. Honestly, this is a book-length infomercial ...

For a comprehensive treatment of the cotton trade, this book is outstanding. It covers the history of cotton back to ancient times. It looks at sourcing, determinants of quality and the production of yarn. The shipping process and role of the controller are explained. Both the physical and derivatives markets are described in detail. The writing and depth of detail are so good, even a layman would enjoy browsing. For someone entering the cotton trade, the book is a godsend ...

This is a broad overview of commodities markets that seems to target either finance professionals who need to understand commodities markets or commodity professionals who want to benefit from financial insights. The author is a finance professor who has considerable experience consulting to energy companies and some exposure to other commodities ... Read more