A Securities and Commodities Broker is someone who connects buyers and sellers in financial markets. They sell securities to individuals, advise companies that are in search of investors, and conduct trades. Securities and Commodities Brokers deal with a wide range of products and clients. Agents spend much of the day interacting with people, whether selling stock to an individual or discussing the status of a merger deal with a company executive. The work is usually stressful because agents deal with large amounts of money and have time constraints. Commodities Traders negotiate and arrange the sale or purchase of physical goods or raw products such as gold, natural gas, livestock, electricity or coffee.

They research and obtain information about particular commodities and market conditions, correspond with their clients about the purchase and sale of these commodities, negotiate delivery, condition, and other settlement guarantee details, and calculate and record the cost of transactions. They may also be involved in spot trading, where the delivery of goods takes place immediately, as opposed to future delivery, which is the way other commodities trading is undertaken. A Securities Trader works hands-on with the stock market exchange, and he or she plays a pivotal role between stocks and clients.


A securities trader works for a firm and/or individual clients to buy and sell stocks and other commodities at a stock exchange for a commission. Job duties go beyond that, however, and they include bidding, managing paperwork, watching and gauging the stock market for trends and/or changes, devising strategies, working with your clients to build relationships, looking for investment options to discuss with your clients, and working with other traders to discuss the market.

Work Environment

• Most Securities and Commodities Brokers work long hours under stressful conditions. The pace of work is fast, and managers are usually demanding of their workers, because both commissions and advancements are tied to sales. In addition, they may work evenings and weekends because many of their clients work during the day. securities and commodities traders generally spend most of their time in trading rooms or commodities exchanges, but may also work in office environments. Many commodities traders also travel to meet with clients. They usually work long but regular hours that coincide with the hours that commodity exchanges either in the eastern states or overseas are open. They may have to sit or stand for long periods of time, and when working in commodity exchanges their work environment may be stressful.

Entry Level Education

• Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Accounting, or Economics or related field.