The steady flow of commodities has always been the engine that has kept our society moving forward. If you take a glance around you, you'll see that the gasoline in your car is a refined form of crude oil, that the copper used in your home's electrical wiring powers your appliances, and that India is the world's second-largest consumer of gold. The oil refining sector, the wire-producing industry, and the jewellery industry all rely on these commodities as a source of raw materials. As a matter of fact, these firms trade commodities internationally to hedge themselves from potential increases in commodity prices. In addition, traders and investors employ price volatility to protect themselves or earn short-term gains.