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You don’t need an expensive terminal to follow commodity markets. Many of the most important numbers come from free commodity data sources published by government agencies and exchanges. These free commodity data sources are often the same reports professional traders read the moment they’re released.
Why primary sources matter
News articles and social media posts often summarize these reports, sometimes inaccurately. Going to the original source shows you the actual numbers, the release timing and any revisions. It also helps you avoid outdated or invented statistics.
Free commodity data sources at a glance
| Source | What it covers | How often |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) | Oil, natural gas, fuel inventories, production and outlooks | Weekly and monthly |
| USDA WASDE report | Supply and demand for grains, oilseeds, cotton, sugar, meat | Monthly |
| CFTC Commitments of Traders | Positions held by different trader groups in futures markets | Weekly |
| CME Group | Contract specifications, settlement prices, volume and open interest | Daily |
| World Gold Council | Gold demand, supply and central bank activity | Quarterly and ongoing |
Energy: the EIA
The EIA publishes a weekly petroleum status report and a Weekly Natural Gas Storage Report, both closely watched by energy traders. Its monthly Short-Term Energy Outlook gives forecasts for production, consumption and prices. The EIA also explains the drivers of oil prices in plain language on its website.
Agriculture: the USDA
The USDA’s World Agricultural Outlook Board releases the WASDE report monthly with annual forecasts for U.S. and world crops, including wheat, corn, soybeans and cotton. It publishes release dates a year in advance. The USDA also releases weekly crop progress reports during the growing season.
Positioning: the CFTC
The CFTC’s Commitments of Traders report shows how different groups are positioned in U.S. futures markets. According to the CFTC, it’s generally released on Fridays with data from the prior Tuesday. The CFTC publishes it as raw data without analysis.
Exchange data: CME Group and others
Exchanges publish contract specifications, daily settlement prices, trading volume and open interest. Contract specs are essential reading before trading any futures market, since they tell you the contract size and what each price move is worth. Delayed price data is usually free; real-time data often requires a subscription.
Precious metals: the World Gold Council
The World Gold Council publishes quarterly Gold Demand Trends reports, covering jewelry, investment, technology and central bank demand. It’s one of the most widely cited sources on the gold market.
Tips for using free commodity data sources
- Bookmark release calendars. Know when the reports you care about come out.
- Read the actual numbers. Compare them with prior releases and with analyst expectations.
- Watch for revisions. Agencies often revise past figures, which can change the picture.
- Note the date. Check when data was collected, not just when it was published.
- Combine sources. Pair supply data with positioning data and prices for a fuller view.
To see how these reports work in practice, read our guides to crude oil trading basics and agriculture commodities trading.
Frequently asked questions
Is free commodity data reliable?
Government and exchange data is generally the most reliable starting point, though agencies do revise figures.
Where can I get real-time commodity prices for free?
Many sites offer delayed quotes for free. Real-time exchange data usually requires a paid subscription or a brokerage account.
Which report moves oil prices most?
The EIA’s weekly petroleum inventory data and OPEC+ decisions are among the most closely watched events for oil.
Trading commodities involves risk. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This article is for education only and is not financial advice.
