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Cotton makes up around half of the fibre used in the production of our clothes and other fabrics. 20 million tonnes is harvested and traded each year; for comparison, that is around 20 t-shirts for each human being annually.
Due to its demand cotton has a large and fairly stable presence on the stock market making it a favourite for investors. Find out the different investment methods to invest in cotton and the risks involved.
Invest in cotton ETFs
Instead of investing in the stock of one or two companies, ETFs give you the option of placing your money with a bundle of assets. You can learn more about ETFs here.
ETFs are a simpler way of entering the market. While they work much like regular stocks ETFs are protected somewhat from market movements because they don’t rely on the performance of one company.
If you are still learning the basics of investing then ETFs are a great introduction. Cotton is a massive industry with a number of companies offering ETFs, so it may be a good place to start.
Pros
By bundling stocks from different companies together ETFs give you access to a larger part of the industry.
ETFs are considered by some to be the safest choice for investors.
Cons
Because you are investing in a collection of stocks you lose some of the control you might have had with a single company’s stock.
Futures are one of the riskier methods of investing, and while they can be very profitable they can just as easily lose you a lot of money.
By investing in futures you are agreeing to buy a commodity at an agreed price to receive at a later date. If the price you agree to buy at ends up being lower than the price of the commodity when you receive it you will have made a solid return, however the market may be against you and you could end up paying more than necessary.
Futures operate on both buyer knowledge and luck. If you are new to investing it is recommended you learn the ropes before considering futures as an option.
Pros
Investing in futures gives you complete ownership over a commodity.
If you make the right investment futures can bring you solid returns.
Cons
There is a real element of gambling present in futures, and you can end up paying dearly for a mistake.
Futures expire if they aren’t used within a certain period of time, becoming worthless.
Stocks are a common option for investors, taking back the control you lose when investing in ETFs while also remaining less risky than futures. While stocks run a comfortable middle ground between the other options, they are still vulnerable to market movements and should be approached with a bit of market knowledge.
Cotton is a massive industry and will continue to be as long as we choose to wear clothes. There are plenty of brokers offering a selection of company stocks for you to choose from, and with its prevalence cotton may be a good place to start.
Pros
A range of company stocks to choose from.
Withdraw from the market whenever you want.
Stable and conventional approach to investing.
Investment control.
Cons
While futures are certainly more dangerous, stocks still have their risks. Market fluctuations are unavoidable and can have a real impact on your investment.
As worldwide energy consumption rises, and resources such as fossil fuels decline, the demand for sustainable, renewable energy sources is growing rapidly.
The world is becoming more environmentally conscious, renewables can be an ethical investment.
As the technology behind renewable energy production advances, renewable resources are becoming more efficient, reliable and lower in cost.
Is cotton a safe investment?
Stockpiles: Countries hoarding cotton can influence prices if they decide to withhold their stockpiles during a shortage or put them on the market when there is no domestic demand.
Subsidies: Policies to keep prices low and supply high can be altered over time, influencing prices both positively and negatively.
Substitutes: Synthetic materials such as polyester can undercut the price of cotton and weaken its market share. Large but struggling economies can drastically influence prices if they switch to a cheaper material.
Environment: Weather shifts will influence pollination, growth and yield, subsequently impacting supply.
External influences: Other industries can have an influence on cotton prices. If oil becomes more expensive, the harvesting and production costs for cotton can rise as a result. It is a good idea to keep an eye on relevant industries.
Compare these providers for access to cotton ETFs and more
All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.
Frequently asked questions
Cotton prices have ranged from $0.65 to $0.75 over the last 6 months.
The biggest producers of cotton are India, China and the USA. Cotton requires a warm climate and a good supply of rain to grow properly. It is harvested and refined for its different uses.
Zoe was a senior writer at Finder specialising in investment and banking, and during this time, she joined the Women in FinTech Powerlist 2022. She is currently a senior money writer at Be Clever With Your Cash. Zoe has a BA in English literature and a Diploma for Financial Advisers. She has several years of experience in writing about all things personal finance. Zoe has a particular love for spreadsheets, having also worked as a management accountant. In her spare time, you’ll find Zoe skating at her local ice rink. See full bio
Zoe's expertise
Zoe has written 164 Finder guides across topics including:
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