Jklondon -
I use IG INDEX as my primary SB broker. I also specialise in commodity trading.
In my opinion, IG Index offer the best/most comprehensive service for trading COMMODITIES using SB.
Yes, their spreads can be wide on SOME contracts - most notably LIFFE - but this is more than made up for by the extensive range of commodities listed, the sophistication/ease of use of their dealing platform, and the ability to trade in larger SIZES if applicable. They will also sometimes quote some of the deferred months by phone - depending on liquidity - something which the other SBs might not do.
This point has been made many times before : If you are trading commodities with SB , you SHOULD be position trading (or trading larger swings), therefore the spread should not be so significant/detrimental to the outcome (ie. potential for larger profit, net of spread, over several weeks/months)
As I consult my dealing handbook, I see IG Index offer the following commodities :
London Cocoa, NY Cocoa, London Coffee, NY Coffee, Orange Juice, London Sugar, NY Sugar,Cotton, Lumber, Crude Oil, Heating Oil, Natural gas, London Gas Oil, Unleaded Gasoline, Brent Crude, Gold, Palladium, Platinum, Silver, Aluminium, London Copper, COMEX Copper,Lead, Tin, Zinc, Nickel, Corn, Oats, Wheat, Soybeans, Soyoil, Soymeal, London Wheat, Live Cattle, Lean Hogs,Pork Bellies, CRB Index, Rough Rice.
In addition, their Austrialian website lists : Greasy Wool,and Malaysian Palm Oil.
Do any of the other SB's offer such a comprehensive range?
I have dealt with IG for nearly 3 years now, and have seen them improve their dealing platform and expand their markets. I have has very few problems with their service.
They also offer Mobile dealing/Live prices on Sony Ericcsons/PDA's - with could be useful for monitoring those longer-term trades while away from the screen.
All IMHO.
