Avoid the Commodity Trap
China and other emerging nations need more raw materials—ranging from oil to copper to lumber to grains. As these countries’ economies continue to grow at a rapid clip, they’re stepping up their purchases of commodities. Commodity prices, particularly for oil and gold, soared until fairly recently—and many individual investors are tempted to join the party. My advice: Stay away. Dozens of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) now allow you to invest in commodities. (ETFs are mutual fu
