Episodios

  • How Energy and Gas Prices Move During Conflict

    How Energy and Gas Prices Move During Conflict
    Mar 10 2026
    Oil prices jumped to $120 a barrel. Gas prices followed immediately. Most people blame conflict in the Middle East. Commodity trader James Cordier explains why the real story runs deeper.In this episode of the Courtier Commodity Report, host Joe Pardavila asks the question many people ask during market chaos. Why do prices rise instantly even when supply still exists?Cordier explains the role of trader psychology, media hype, global reserves, and investor panic. He also breaks down why gold and silver surged earlier in the year, why Bitcoin money moved into metals, and what oil prices likely look like months from now.

    Topics include:
    • Why oil jumped so fast
    • The role of conflict in energy markets
    • Panic buying and trader psychology
    • China’s massive oil reserves
    • Floating storage holding hundreds of millions of barrels
    • Why prices rise fast but fall slowly
    • The link between the dollar and commodities
    • What copper reveals about the global economy

    Whether this commodity boom tops soonIf you follow energy markets, commodities, or the global economy, this conversation gives a clear look at what drives the headlines.

    Chapter Breakdown
    00:00 Introduction
    00:30 Where people actually buy gold
    02:00 Oil prices explode to $120
    03:30 Why metals surged earlier this year
    04:30 Bitcoin money moving into gold and silver
    05:00 Middle East conflict and market psychology
    06:00 Do fundamentals support $120 oil
    07:30 Floating oil storage and global reserves
    09:00 Why markets react before facts appear
    10:30 Media hype and panic buying
    12:00 How fast prices fall after conflict ends
    14:00 Why gas prices drop slower than they rise
    15:00 Central banks and gold demand
    16:30 The dollar’s influence on commodities
    17:30 Trader psychology during volatile markets
    19:00 The "Get Me Out" panic trade
    20:30 Why traders struggle with emotional decisions
    21:30 Commodity boom compared with the 2000s
    23:00 Future oil supply from Iran and Venezuela
    25:00 Stable oil price scenario ahead
    26:00 Why copper matters for the global economy
    27:30 Final thoughts
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    29 m
  • What Gold, Oil, and Copper Reveal About Inflation

    What Gold, Oil, and Copper Reveal About Inflation
    Feb 10 2026
    Markets feel shaky. Headlines move fast. Noise feels nonstop.
    In this episode of the Cordier Commodity Report, Joe Pardavila sits down with veteran commodities trader James Cordier to break down what is actually driving gold, silver, oil, and inflation right now.


    James explains why commodities often signal economic reality faster than stocks or headlines, and why real assets sit underneath every major shift, including AI, energy policy, and global conflict. The conversation covers why copper and silver matter more than many tech stocks, how interest rates and the US dollar move commodity prices, and why inflation shows up at the grocery store long before it shows up in reports.


    You will hear why beef prices are not coming down anytime soon, why politicians cannot flip a switch on supply, and why gold behaves differently than almost every other commodity. James also explains who really uses futures markets, why hedgers matter, and how investors think about commodities without chasing speed or leverage.


    This episode strips away buzzwords and focuses on supply, demand, and incentives. If you want to understand inflation, commodities, and the real economy without hype, start here.
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    32 m
  • What’s Actually Driving Gold, Silver, and Oil in 2026

    What’s Actually Driving Gold, Silver, and Oil in 2026
    Feb 5 2026
    In this episode of the Cordier Commodity Report, Joe Pardavila sits down with veteran commodities trader James Cordier to break down what truly moves gold, silver, oil, and the global economy beyond headlines.
    James explains why most market commentary looks backward and how indicators like open interest reveal who is buying with conviction versus who is scrambling to exit losing positions. He walks through his recent call on gold’s historic pullback, the emotional forces behind precious metals, and why silver moves in explosive bursts while gold trends more steadily.


    The conversation traces James’s journey from collecting silver coins as a teenager to building a decades-long career in commodities, including the early soybean trade that launched his path. Together, Joe and James unpack how fear narratives distort oil prices, why supply and demand still rule energy markets, and which commodity trends investors continue to chase too late, including coffee after Brazil’s drought.


    You’ll also hear James’s outlook on crypto flows into gold, the role of central banks, the impact of political cycles on markets, and why commodities are becoming a core part of modern portfolios.


    A grounded, data-driven look at how real market structure beats noise, hype, and headlines every time.
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    31 m
  • Warren Buffett Does It Too: Selling Options on Commodities Explained

    Warren Buffett Does It Too: Selling Options on Commodities Explained
    Nov 10 2025
    Options trading in commodities is no longer an insiders-only strategy. In this episode of Why Commodities, James Cordier of OptionSpreaders.com talks about how he evolved from a young investor analyzing coffee and crude oil data into a leading voice in structured, leveraged option selling.

    James explains why selling options, not buying them, has been the key to consistent alpha over decades, how high net worth investors use commodities to diversify beyond stocks, and why seasonality matters when you’re picking strike prices. He also shares his advice for stock option sellers making their first move into commodities, the signals he watches for in the market, and why even Warren Buffett and Carl Icahn rely on options to generate returns.

    Whether you’re new to commodities or looking to refine your approach, this episode offers a clear, practical look at how to apply data, timing, and discipline to a market that often flies under the radar.
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    31 m
  • Corn, Cattle, and Commodities: The Cow Guy’s Take on Agriculture, Markets, and the Future of Farming

    Corn, Cattle, and Commodities: The Cow Guy’s Take on Agriculture, Markets, and the Future of Farming
    Mar 26 2025
    In this episode of Why Commodities with James Cordier, James and Joe are joined by Scott Shellady, affectionately known as "The Cow Guy." Together, they dive deep into the world of commodities, focusing on corn and cattle markets. Scott shares his fascinating journey from trading in Chicago to running a Japanese bank in London, and how he became an accidental commentator on agricultural markets. The discussion covers the current state of cattle herds, record-high prices, and the challenges of expanding production to meet growing demand. They also explore the impact of weather, inflation, and global trade dynamics on commodity prices. Scott and James provide valuable insights into why commodities remain a critical investment, especially in today's economic climate, and why they believe the agricultural sector is often overlooked despite its potential for significant returns. Whether you're a seasoned trader or just curious about the commodities market, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective on the industry. Tune in to hear why Scott thinks farmers might just be the ones driving Lamborghinis in the future!
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    40 m
  • Brewing Profits: The Coffee Industry from Farm to Futures

    Brewing Profits: The Coffee Industry from Farm to Futures
    Feb 20 2025
    In this episode of Why Commodities, expert trader James Cordier takes a deep dive into the global coffee industry with agronomist and coffee consultant Jonas Leme Ferraresso. Jonas shares his firsthand insights into coffee farming in Brazil, from his family's deep-rooted history in the industry to the challenges farmers face with climate change, specialty coffee production, and organic farming. The discussion covers how Brazil has become a powerhouse in coffee production, the role of technology and irrigation in maximizing yields, and the impact of shifting consumer demand on the market. James and Jonas also break down the latest trends in coffee trading, commodity pricing, and what the future holds for one of the world’s most beloved beverages. Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a commodities investor, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how coffee makes its way from the farm to your cup.
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    49 m
  • Powering 2025: Energy, Commodities, and Economic Opportunity with Phil Flynn

    Powering 2025: Energy, Commodities, and Economic Opportunity with Phil Flynn
    Jan 16 2025
    In this electrifying episode of Why Commodities, James Cordier is joined by Phil Flynn, senior energy analyst at Price Futures and Fox Business contributor, for a deep dive into the world of energy, commodities, and economic policy in 2025. The two industry veterans discuss the pivotal role energy plays in commodities markets, the intersection of geopolitics and oil, and the evolution of energy policies under new leadership in Washington. From the dynamics of natural gas and gold markets to the ongoing impact of climate change on commodities like cocoa and coffee, Phil and James unpack it all with humor, insight, and decades of expertise. Tune in to learn about the infrastructure challenges, the future of coal, and why the U.S. is positioned for an energy revolution. This episode is a must-listen for investors, market watchers, and anyone looking to understand the complex and ever-changing world of energy and commodities.
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    43 m
  • Exploring Commodities: Judy Ganes on Coffee, Markets, and Long-Term Trends

    Exploring Commodities: Judy Ganes on Coffee, Markets, and Long-Term Trends
    Dec 19 2024
    James Cordier welcomes renowned commodities and futures analyst Judy Ganes to share her remarkable journey from selling jewelry in high school to becoming a trusted expert in agricultural and food markets through her firm, J. Ganes Consulting. With over 30 years of experience and a reputation for sharp market analysis, Judy provides an insider's view of the factors shaping commodities today.

    In this episode, Judy discusses how shifts in the market have redefined trading, the unique appeal of coffee as a commodity, and the critical impact of climate change on crops like cocoa. She also explores how advancements in trading technology and global events continue to disrupt supply chains and influence prices, offering valuable takeaways for investors and enthusiasts alike.

    Whether you're passionate about coffee, curious about global markets, or looking for ways to diversify your portfolio, this conversation delivers fresh, actionable insights into the dynamic world of commodities. Tune in to hear from one of the industry's most respected voices and learn why commodities remain a key player in the global economy.
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    48 m