Seasonal charts for commodities and futures can help  you see the “big picture” of the markets.  Many commodities have seasonal tendancies to trend higher or lower during certain times of the year.  There is often a very logical fundamental reason for many of the seasonal moves in commodities.

For example, soybean futures tend to peak in the May-June period as the crops get into the ground and a good estimate of production can be made.  Soybean prices tend to move lower into the October timeframe where harvest is nearing completion.  In some years, soybean prices spike dramatically higher in the summer if droughts and severe weather problems develop.

Seasonal charts are a good tool to use for confirming a trade or to get an idea of when strength or weakness usually occurs.  It is not a good idea to make a trade based solely on the seasonals of a commodity or futures market.

Futures Seasonal Charts for each Commodity