Information about metal markets can help you generate major returns for your portfolio. Raw materials like aluminum, steel and zinc are essential to manufacturing; gold and platinum are frequently deemed luxury metals--not essential to sustaining everyday life, but the jewelry made of these metals is extremely desirable.

Metals are broken into two categories: base metals and precious metals. The distinctions are based on a metal's resistance to oxidation and corrosion. Base metals have a low resistance to corrosion, while precious metals have a much higher resistance. Regular metal market analysis will help you assess the likelihood of metals market ups and downs.

When considering an investment in the metals market, you can use three strategies:

1. Invest in the precious metals market.

2. Invest in the base metals market.

3. Invest in metal futures.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use market research on metal commodities to plan investments in precious metals

Precious metals are valued beyond their use in jewelry. They are also used in electronics, dentistry and industry. Central banks in many countries hold reserves of gold. Investors use metal commodity market research to invest in precious metals as a hedge against inflation, and as a means of protecting their assets during global turmoil.

I recommend: Look for companies that offer a metal market analysis, profiles of precious metals and a means of getting all your questions answered about precious metal market research and investing. Two companies with decades of experience in the precious metal market are Monex and Excalibier Precious Metals.

Use online market research on metal commodities to create your base metals investment strategy

Base metals are used in construction, packaging, galvanization, wiring and engineering, and have come to the forefront as an excellent investment strategy. Base metal market information can give you the edge you need to take the plunge into base metal investing.

I recommend: Rely on companies with regularly updated base metal market statistics. Base metal market analysis, market news about general base metals and specific base metal market research will help you make informed decisions about investing in base metals. BaseMetals.com, GFMS and Metal Bulletin are all good resources.

Focus your strategy with metal commodity market research on metal futures

Market research on metal commodities is vital if you are considering investment in metal futures.

I recommend: Use Futures Knowledge.com because it has a wealth of information on metals futures and on options trading and individual brokers. Find training tools and resources to aid your metals market futures investment. Get real-time charts, news updates, and base metal market analysis on FutureSource.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  The Commodity Futures Trading Commission, which regulates the New York Mercantile Exchange, is your best resource should your investment go horribly awry.
• •  Keep up-to-date with global events. What's happening on the other side of the world today can have an effect on the price in the metals market tomorrow.