Perhaps one of the most misunderstood things in the investing universe is the commodities supercycle. Basically, commodity prices rise over 17 years, then fall over the next 17 years, and thenincrease again. These commodity bull and bear markets alternate withstocks andsharebull and bear markets.
Yet while it is commonly accepted that these cycles occur with stock markets, people seem to find it difficult to accept that the same process occurs with oil, iron ore, copper and corn.
A time of soaring profits
At the beginning of the cycle commodity supply is low, while demand is high; this causes commodity price inflation. Manufacturersraise prices to maintain their margins, consumers economise, their spending falls, and stock markets fall.
During this time of high commodity prices, the more oil and iron ore you produce, the more you will sell. So the oil majors and the miners invest heavily in exploration and production. These companies profits soar, along with their share prices, as investors flock to commodities. You hardly need me to say that this is the time to invest in resources companies.
As this process continues, commodities supply has been increased vastly. Miners such as Rio Tinto (LSE: RIO) and BHP Billiton (LSE: BLT) have been pouring money into mining developments around the world, companies such as BP are drilling oil wells in the far reaches of the Arctic, and all-the-while US shale oil producers are ramping up production. At the same time, consumers have begun to reduce their dependence on these highly-priced commodities, and there is much talk of a world-wide resource shortage. They buy fuel-efficient, hybrid and electricvehicles. And demand tumbles.
So of course you know what happens next.
followed by a time of sliding share prices
The oil price has been tumbling recently, but you might be surprised to hear that the price of iron ore has fallen even further over the past year. Just as I have said that oil company profits are likely to slide, along with their share prices, I expect the same thing will happen with Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton. Just as it is likely that investment in new oil production will fall, so will investment in metals and minerals production, as supply has to adjust to falling demand.
At thetrough of the commodities bear market in the late 1990sthe share price of BHP Billiton fell to 112p; it now stands at 1369p, having reached as high as 2551p. Just as I think it is time to sell oil company shares, I think it is time to sell Rio Tinto and BHP Billiton, too.
Often the key to making money in the markets is not about finding the share price winners, but avoiding the stock market losers. That’s why looking to the future, and anticipating when trends begin and when they end is so crucial.
Want to learn more? Well, we at the Fool have written a guide givinga series ofpractical steps to future wealth.
Just click on this link to read “So you want to be seriously rich”– it’s available free and without obligation.
Get FREE Issues of The Motley Fool Collective
Get straightforward advice on whats really happening with the stock markets, direct to your inbox. Help yourself with our FREE email newsletter designed to help you protect and grow your portfolio wealth.
By providing your email address, you consent to receiving further information on our goods and services and those of our business partners. To opt-out of receiving this information click here. All information provided is governed by our Privacy Statement.
Prabhat Sakya has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has no position in any of the shares mentioned. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.