Define 'speculation' as it relates to commodities.

Speculation in the context of commodities refers to the act of buying or selling those commodities with the expectation of making a profit from anticipated future price changes. This involves taking on risk based on predictions about price movements, rather than engaging in transactions based on actual production, consumption, or any fundamental economic factors. Speculators often aim to capitalize on short-term price fluctuations, and their activities can contribute to market liquidity and price discovery.

The focus on expectations of profit from price changes is what distinguishes speculation from other strategies, such as investing based on historical data or holding commodities for the long term. While investing based on historical data may involve analyzing trends to make informed decisions, it does not inherently involve the element of risk associated with expecting price changes in the short term. Similarly, holding onto commodities for long-term gains is more aligned with an investment strategy rather than speculative trading. Trading commodities to hedge against losses is a risk management strategy that involves taking positions intended to minimize the potential for loss, rather than seeking profit from price changes.