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MCX Multi Commodity Exchange - Definition & Advantages of MCX Multi Commodity Exchange | What is MCX Multi Commodity Exchange?

Defining MCX.

The full name of MCX is Multi Commodity Exchange of India Ltd. The Indian government owns this commodity trading exchange. The Mumbai-based MCX has been in operation since 2003. The MCX is India's biggest exchange for commodities derivatives. MCX is an online marketplace where buyers and sellers trade commodities. These could include soft commodities like agricultural goods and hard commodities like mined goods.

What does MCX do? 

The Multi Commodity Exchange of India Limited (MCX), the first publicly traded exchange in India, is a cutting-edge commodity derivative exchange that enables online trading of commodity derivatives transactions. Therefore it is used as a platform for price determination and risk management.

What is MCX Trading?

Buyers and sellers can enter into spot, future, options, and other contracts through trading on the MCX. The future market aids the ability to estimate the future pricing of different goods. In addition, the MCX aids in contract settlement in cash or physically through the delivery of products.

How do you trade on the MCX?

Your standard online Demat account can be used to trade on the MCX. Before 2017, the Securities and Exchange Board of India did not allow direct trading for retail investors. But subsequently, all broking firms have offered standard accounts for direct trading on the MCX. Before trading, you must understand margins.

Trading in commodities frequently uses initial, market-to-market, and exceptional margins. On commodity trading accounts, several brokers provide traders with significant leverage.

The commodities that can be traded on MCX are broadly classified into four categories:

  • Metals: This category includes commodities such as gold, silver, copper, zinc, nickel, and aluminium.

  • Energy: This category includes crude oil, natural gas, and petrochemicals.

  • Agriculture: This category includes commodities such as cereals, pulses, oilseeds, spices, and fibres.

  • Others: This category includes commodities such as bullion, processed foods, and other miscellaneous items.

Examples of specific commodities that can be traded on MCX include:

  • Gold (both 1 kg and 100 grams gold futures)

  • Silver (both 30 kg and 5 kg silver futures)

  • Crude Oil (both Brent and West Texas Intermediate)

  • Natural Gas

  • Soybean

  • Cotton

  • Cardamom

One of the widely used types of trading is futures trading. In its most basic form, futures trading is an agreement between two parties to purchase or sell an item at a specified price.

In addition, MCX provides the following services:

  • Trading in commodity derivatives.

  • Trading futures.

  • Trading in options.

  • Over-the-counter trading, or OTC trading.

  • Finance for both domestic and foreign trade.

  • Mine-related services.

MCX is the nation's most cutting-edge, high-tech, and user-friendly exchange. It has taken the initiative to create various advanced commerce products, meeting the demands of all key trading groups around the nation.

The platform provides a range of contracts depending on the commodity traded in the exchange.

Benefits of MCX

The following are MCX's key benefits:

Transparency 

Making an informed decision is more accessible through its transparency and well-organized presentation of all the information.

Low margins for profits  

Commodities are traded with margins that are only about 1/5th or less of the total purchase price of the commodity. A longer-term expiry with the far-off month contracts is conceivable if price changes for the specific commodity can be correctly predicted.

Flexibility and diversification

Numerous month contracts of futures and options and abundant commodities available for trading provided multiple commodity exchange trading diversification and liquidity needs.

Importance of an MCX account

With an MCX trading account, you can:

  • Purchase a variety of commodities.

  • Construct a smooth transaction.

  • Obtain access to thorough reports, which are necessary for due diligence.