Plain-language market explainers
Metals, commodities and market investing, explained
PGM Blog is a plainspoken explainer for self-directed investors: what actually moves bullion, ore and the rates behind them, written to be read once and understood.
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The most recent pieces on this site, newest first.
What Is a Mining Feasibility Study? Key Stages (2026)
What is a mining feasibility study? See how studies test ore, costs and NPV at each stage, and what a positive result…
Physical Gold vs Gold ETF Pros and Cons (October 2026)
Compare physical gold vs gold etf pros and cons, including costs, liquidity, risk, storage and tax, so you can choose the option…
How to Invest in Cocoa Prices Safely (October 2026)
Learn how to invest in cocoa prices safely in , comparing futures, exchange-traded notes, commodity funds and cocoa shares, plus costs, sizing…
How to Invest in Coffee as a Commodity 2026: Guide
How to invest in coffee as a commodity via futures, funds or producer stocks: contract sizing, costs, market checks and beginner mistakes.…
How to Invest in Agricultural Commodities: A Guide (2026)
How to invest in agricultural commodities in : compare futures, ag ETFs and producer shares, learn how contracts and roll yield work,…
How to Invest in Natural Gas for Beginners (October 2026)
How to invest in natural gas for beginners: compare funds, energy stocks and futures, understand roll yield, costs and taxes, and start…
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Reading the metals market
Where metals writing usually loses the reader
No price targets
Nobody knows where spot lands next quarter, so you will not find a forecast here dressed up as analysis.
The spread is part of the price
Premiums, storage and the gap between buying and selling decide what an ounce really costs you, so they belong in the explanation and not in a footnote.
Rates before narratives
Metals and commodities move with real yields, currencies and central bank policy, so the mechanism comes first and the story second.
About
Who this is written for
PGM Blog is written for self-directed investors who would rather understand a market than be hurried through it, in plain language and without the urgency.
It starts with precious metals and commodities, and widens into the rates, currencies and mining equities that move them. More about PGM Blog
Spotted something that reads wrong? Get in touch — corrections are welcome.