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Even if you don't think you do, you already know plenty about commodities. Want us to prove it? No problem.
What makes oil produced in Saudi Arabia different from oil exported from Nigeria? It's the same thing that makes the corn you ate at last summer¿s barbecue different from the corn used to produce ethanol. Stumped? Well, don't feel bad, it's a trick question. The answer? Absolutely nothing. Corn is corn no matter where it comes from -- just as wheat is wheat and natural gas is -- right! -- natural gas. (Though the quality may differ, the make-up is uniform.)
So, in less elaborate terms, corn and oil (and all other commodities) are homogenous goods that can be processed, resold and more often than not, used as an input to the production of other goods or services. These goods are traded on a commodity exchange, thus setting the price-per-barrel (or other metric unit) used to value them.
Now pay attention, here's a question that indeed does have an answer: What is the difference between a commodity and a stock? While a stock can tank and become worthless, a commodity cannot have its value be wiped to zero. One other difference: Most commodities are traded in futures, meaning traders buy and sell where they think the price of a product will be at a certain point in the future. Stocks trade based on the value of the underlying company at that point in time.
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Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Why You Should Consider Purchasing Renters Insurance
Marshall Loeb
MarketWatch
NEW YORK -- With so many college graduates migrating from the dorms this month, one item they may neglect in their move to the real world is a critical one: renters insurance. Renters insurance is an often ignored insurance that covers everything from personal property to personal liability.
If you're renting for the first time, or have been renting for years without insurance, you'll want to consider purchasing some insurance. From MSN.com, here are four myths about renter's insurance that might convince you to buy a plan:
My landlord's covered. In most cases, a landlord's insurance covers only structural damage to the building itself -- and many landlord policies don't even go that far if the damage is caused by a tenant. If you leave the tub running and it turns your floor into cardboard and dribbles downstairs, damaging your neighbor's couch, you may be liable for the whole drippy mess. If your building went up in flames, your landlord's coverage would include repairs, but only to the building, not to the possessions of tenants. It's out of my price range. Is $10 to $20 per month too much? For lower rates, you can raise the deductible. For more protection, you can pay more for replacement cost coverage where the reimbursement is based on today's replacement cost rather than original value. I'm in a great building and I'm not worried about security. Renters insurance extends beyond on-premise theft and hazards. If your suitcase is stolen while you're on vacation, you'll likely be covered. Same with property stolen from your car. If you're prone to barroom brawls you might need more help than renters insurance, but you'll probably be covered if you hurt someone. Speaking of injuries, you'll also likely be protected if someone slips and sprains their ankle at your annual dance-a-thon; you may even receive compensation for legal defense costs in the case of a lawsuit. My stuff isn't really worth much. You might be surprised at how quickly all those books, CDs and kitchen appliances add up.
Copyright © 2008 MarketWatch, Inc.
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