What are commodities? It seems like a simple question. Ask someone on the street and they'll probably say "oil" or maybe "gold."
Those are good examples, but they don't tell you what really makes a commodity a commodity. And understanding that is the first step to becoming a better commodities investor.
Now it's time for the big question: Why invest in commodities at all?
The short answer is that, based on historical data, adding commodities exposure will increase your returns while lowering your risk.
Why? Well, to understand that, we first have to talk about the single most important topic in investing: asset allocation.
All commodities are fungible, but not all commodities are created the same.
Generally speaking, investors break commodities down into two categories: "soft" and "hard" commodities.
Gold stock investors got a holiday gift from equity buyers last week, says Managing Editor Brad Zigler. Stocks outperformed bullion by a fivefold margin. Oil, meantime, is building a big contango. When will the sell-off follow?
A top financial advisor and author of The Only Guide To Alternative Investments You'll Ever Need says stick with stocks and commodities and you'll do well. 
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