How to Trade Commodities, Best Commodity Brokers

Commodity trading has stood the test of time, evolving from ancient barter systems to today's sophisticated markets. Its enduring popularity lies in the intrinsic value of such commodities as gold, oil, and agricultural products, which play crucial roles in our daily lives. 

For new retail traders, commodity trading presents a unique opportunity to invest in physical goods and raw materials that are foundational to global economies. By understanding the basic principles of buying, selling, and speculating on these tangible assets, you can navigate the dynamic world of commodity markets. In this article, our experts at Arincen will show you how to trade commodities online and tell you about the best commodity brokers around.

Table of top Commodities Brokers 2024

Historical Background and Significance in Trading

Commodity trading has been around since the beginning of formalized trade, tracing its origins to ancient civilizations where people exchanged goods such as grain, spices, and metals long before modern financial systems. Throughout history, commodities have played a huge role in trade, often acting as a measure of wealth and a medium of exchange. The Silk Road and the Spice Trade are prime examples of how commodities shaped global trade routes and world economies.

Commodities are different from other asset classes like stocks or bonds in several ways. First, they are tangible physical assets with intrinsic value, unlike financial assets which derive value from the issuing entity's future earnings. 

Commodities are typically classified into two broad categories: hard commodities, such as metals and energy, which require extraction or mining; and soft commodities, like agricultural products, which are grown or harvested from the earth. Their prices are influenced by global supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and environmental factors, which can lead to significant price volatility. 

Additionally, commodities often serve as a hedge against inflation because their prices tend to rise when the cost of goods and services increases. This unique combination of properties makes commodities an intriguing part of the financial system in which to work.

How Commodities Trading Works

The basic methods of commodities trading are straightforward: you buy commodities at a lower price and sell them at a higher price to make a profit. This can be done directly by purchasing the physical goods or more commonly through financial instruments like futures contracts, which allow you to speculate on the price movements of commodities without owning the physical assets.

Commodity trading usually takes place on specialized marketplaces,known as exchanges. Major exchanges include the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX), and the London Metal Exchange (LME), each of which facilitates the trading of specific types of commodities. These exchanges provide a thriving environment for buying and selling commodities, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

A key feature of commodities trading is the use of futures contracts. A futures contract is an agreement to buy or sell a specific quantity of a commodity at a predetermined price on a set date in the future. These contracts allow you to hedge against price fluctuations, speculate on price movements, and lock in prices for future delivery. 

By leveraging futures contracts, you can manage risk and potentially profit from the volatility inherent in commodity markets without handling the physical commodities themselves. This makes commodities trading accessible and appealing for a wide range of investors, from seasoned professionals to retail traders.

Types of Commodities

As we have mentioned, there are different types of commodities. Here is a breakdown:

Energy Commodities

Crude Oil: Crude oil is a fundamental energy commodity and a key driver of global economies. It is pulled from the earth and refined into various products, including gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. 

Natural Gas: Natural gas is a vital energy source used for heating, electricity generation, and as an industrial feedstock. Natural gas is traded globally, with significant price variations between different regions.

Electricity: Electricity is an essential commodity in the energy sector, traded in regional and national markets. Unlike other commodities, electricity cannot be stored easily, making its supply and demand balance critical. 

Metals

Gold: Gold is a valuable metal prized for its use in jewelry, electronics, and as a financial asset. Due to its ability to retain value, it is often seen as a safe-haven investment, particularly during economic uncertainty. Read our article on the Best Gold Brokers here.

Silver: Silver is a precious metal with industrial applications. It is used in electronics, solar panels, and medical devices, making it price-sensitive to economic trends and industrial demand.

Platinum: Platinum is a rare metal with applications in the automotive industry, particularly in catalytic converters, as well as in jewelry and investment products. Its price is influenced by industrial demand and supply constraints.

Industrial Metals

Copper: Copper is a crucial industrial metal in electrical wiring, plumbing, and electronics. Due to its extensive use in construction and manufacturing, its price is often seen as an indicator of economic health.

Aluminum: Aluminum is essential in the aerospace, automotive, and packaging industries. Production costs and demand from these sectors affect its price.

Zinc: Zinc is primarily used to galvanize steel, protecting it from corrosion. It is also used in the production of alloys and chemicals. The price of zinc is driven by industrial demand and mining supply.

Agricultural Commodities

Wheat: Wheat is a staple food crop used for making bread, pasta, and other food products. Its price is influenced by weather conditions, crop yields, and global trade policies.

Corn: Corn is a versatile crop used as a food source, animal feed, and in the production of biofuels. Prices are affected by agricultural conditions, demand for ethanol, and changes in global consumption patterns.

Soybeans: Soybeans are used for food products, animal feed, and oil extraction. Market prices are influenced by crop yields, demand from major importers like China, and the use of soy products in various industries.

Soft Commodities

Coffee: Coffee is one of the most traded commodities worldwide, with prices affected by climate conditions, harvests in major producing countries, and changing consumer preferences.

Cotton: Cotton is a key raw material for the textile industry. Its price is impacted by weather conditions, agricultural practices, and shifts in global textile demand.

Sugar: Sugar is used in food production and ethanol manufacturing. Prices are influenced by crop yields, international trade policies, and demand for sugar-based products.

Other commodities include livestock, forestry, and even renewable energy certificates, but we will concentrate on the main commodities to which we’ve just introduced you. These various types of commodities offer diverse opportunities for traders, allowing you to invest in and speculate on the essential resources that drive the global economy.

Pros and Cons of Commodities Trading

Each type of financial asset comes with its pros and cons. Here is the lowdown on commodities:

Pros

Diversification 

Commodities offer an excellent way to diversify an investment portfolio. Unlike stocks and bonds, commodity prices often move independently of other asset classes, which can reduce overall portfolio risk. This diversification can help protect against market downturns in more traditional investments, providing a buffer against economic and financial instability.

Hedge against Inflation 

Commodities are a natural hedge against inflation. When the prices of goods and services rise, the value of such physical commodities as gold, oil, and agricultural products increases. This can help preserve purchasing power over time, making commodities an attractive option for investors looking to protect their wealth in inflationary environments.

Potential for High Returns

Due to the high price volatility and leverage in the markets, commodities trading can offer substantial profit opportunities. Strategic investments in commodities can yield significant returns, especially when traders successfully predict price movements and capitalize on market trends. The dynamic nature of commodity prices provides short-term gains and long-term growth opportunities.

Cons

High Volatility 

Commodities are notoriously volatile, with prices subject to rapid and unpredictable changes due to geopolitical events, natural disasters, and shifts in supply and demand. This high volatility can lead to significant losses if market movements are not correctly anticipated or if traders are unprepared for sudden price fluctuations.

Leverage Risks 

Trading in commodities often involves using leverage, where traders borrow money to increase their investment potential. While leverage can amplify gains, it also significantly increases the risk of substantial losses. A small adverse price movement can quickly lead to losses that exceed the initial investment, making leverage a double-edged sword that requires careful risk management.

Market-Specific Risks 

Each commodity market comes with its own set of specific risks. For example, agricultural commodities are highly sensitive to weather conditions and crop diseases, while energy commodities are influenced by geopolitical tensions and regulatory changes. 

Popular Commodities and Their Market Dynamics

If you are interested in buying into some of the most popular commodities, this is what you should know about their market dynamics:

Comparison Table of Commodity Assets Offered by Each Broker

Choosing the right broker is essential for accessing a wide range of commodity assets tailored to your trading needs. The table below provides a clear comparison of the commodity assets available with each broker, helping you make an informed decision.

Best Commodities Brokers 2024 With Pros and Cons

How to Invest in Commodities

So, by now you must be wondering how to get in on the action with commodities. If you follow these steps, you’ll be on your way:

Select a Commodity

Choose the commodity in which you want to invest, such as gold, crude oil, or corn. Each commodity has unique factors influencing its price, as we have mentioned, so you’ll need to account for these.

Choose an Investment Method

Futures Contracts 

These are agreements to buy or sell a specific quantity of a commodity at a predetermined price on a future date. Futures contracts are the most direct way to trade commodities and offer leverage but require understanding of the mechanics and risks involved.

Commodity ETFs and Mutual Funds 

These funds invest in a diversified portfolio of commodities or commodity-related stocks. They provide you with indirect exposure to commodity markets and are less risky than futures contracts.

Stocks of Commodity Companies 

Invest in companies involved in producing, refining, or distributing commodities, such as mining companies or oil producers. This provides indirect exposure to commodity prices through the company's performance.

Physical Commodities

Another direct investment approach is buying and holding physical commodities, like gold bars or agricultural products. However, this involves storage and insurance costs.

Open a Brokerage Account

Now you are ready to choose a brokerage that offers access to commodity markets and suits your investment needs. Look for platforms that provide competitive fees, various investment options, and robust research and trading tools. We’ll tell you more about these requirements.

Deposit funds into your brokerage account. Ensure you meet any minimum deposit requirements and have enough capital to cover your planned trades and potential margin requirements.

Case Study - Crafting and Buying a Futures Contract for Grain

How would all this look in practice? We hear you ask. Well, here is an example of how it could work. We will use a fictional retail trader named Mr. A.

A retail trader, Mr. A is considering buying a futures contract for corn, a staple grain. He has been following market trends closely and has noticed several factors that lead him to believe that the price of corn is likely to rise in the coming months.

What Mr. A Needs To Think Of

Weather Conditions: Mr. A has observed reports of unfavorable weather conditions in major corn-producing regions, such as prolonged droughts or unexpected frosts, which are likely to reduce crop yields. Lower supply typically leads to higher prices.

Global Demand: There is an increasing demand for corn, driven by both food consumption and the biofuel industry. Reports in newsfeeds like these indicate that major biofuel producers are ramping up production, which will further drive up demand for corn.

Economic Indicators: Economic reports suggest rising inflation, which often results in higher prices for agricultural commodities as the cost of goods and services increases.

Supply Chain Disruptions: Mr. A has noticed news about supply-chain disruptions, such as logistical bottlenecks and trade restrictions, which could delay the distribution of corn and contribute to rising prices.

Crafting the Futures Contract

Based on his analysis, Mr. A decides to buy a futures contract for corn to capitalize on the anticipated price increase. He selects a corn futures contract traded on the CME. Futures contracts are standardized, and each contract typically represents a specific quantity of corn (e.g., 5,000 bushels).

Contract Specifications: Contract Size: 5,000 bushels

Mr. A chooses a delivery month that aligns with his market outlook, to give enough time for his predictions about weather and demand to play out.

Mr. A logs into his broker’s platform, which provides access to the CME futures market. He places a buy order for one corn futures contract, specifying the December delivery month. The current futures price for December corn is $4.00 per bushel. Therefore, the total value of the contract is 5,000 bushels x $4.00 = $20,000.

Mr. A is required to post an initial margin, typically a percentage of the contract value, say 10%. This means he needs to deposit $2,000 into her brokerage account to secure the position.

From there, Mr. A monitors weather forecasts, economic reports, and supply-chain developments closely. If the price of corn rises as anticipated, Mr. A can either hold the contract until closer to the delivery month or sell the contract at a profit before expiration. If the market moves against expectations, he can cut losses and sell the contract.

What to Look For in a Commodity Broker’s Offering?

When considering a broker for trading or investing in commodities, it's important to evaluate their features closely. Here's a checklist of what to seek:

Regulation and Licensing:

Ensure the broker is regulated by a reputable authority. Commodity brokers must be regulated by the same regulators that regulate other financial assets, such as FOREX and crypto. If you want to read more about one such top-tier broker, the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), check our article here.

Spreads and Fees:

Examine the spreads they offer for commodities trading. Check for any hidden fees, such as inactivity fees, withdrawal fees, or account maintenance fees. Here’s a detailed explainer on spreads.

Leverage and Margin Requirements:

Understand the leverage on offer for commodities. While higher leverage can amplify returns, it also increases risk. Also check the margin requirements, especially if you're planning to trade with borrowed funds.

Trading Platform:

Evaluate the user-friendliness and reliability of your broker’s trading platform. Be on the lookout for advanced charting tools, technical indicators, and real-time price feeds for commodities.

Commodities Offered:

Look into the variety of commodities-related products they offer, such as futures, CFDs, ETFs, or other types.

Order Types:

Ensure the broker offers a variety of order types, such as market, limit, stop, and trailing stop orders, which can help your risk-management efforts.

Liquidity:

Brokers connected to liquid markets will provide more efficient trade execution, reducing the risk of slippage, which is when a deal goes through at a different price than when you placed the trade. This happens in low-liquidity environments.

Customer Support:

Consider the quality and availability of their customer support. Prompt assistance can be crucial, especially if you encounter issues during trading.

Education and Research:

A quality broker often provides educational resources, such as webinars, articles, and tutorials, to help traders make informed decisions.

Deposits and Withdrawals:

Check for ease and speed of depositing and withdrawing funds. Ensure there are no excessive fees associated with these transactions. Verify the methods available, such as bank transfer, credit card, e-wallets, etc.

Reputation:

Look for online reviews and feedback from other traders or independent websites. This is where you will often get the scoop on whether the broker engages in such fair trade practices as efficient trade execution and no manipulation of market prices.

Demo Account:

A broker offering a demo or practice account allows you to test its platform and your strategies with virtual money before committing real funds.

How to Choose the Best Commodities Broker?

Taking all the factors we’ve mentioned above, you must pay attention to regulations and platforms:

Regulation:

Authority and Jurisdiction: Ensure that the commodity broker you choose is regulated by a well-known and reputable regulatory body, such as the FCA in the UK, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) in the US, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) in Australia, or other equivalent entities. Different jurisdictions have varying levels of oversight and protection.

Investor Protection: Some regulatory bodies offer compensation schemes that protect investors' funds in the event of broker insolvency. For instance, the FCA provides the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) in the UK.

Account Segregation: Ensure that client funds are kept separate from the broker's operational funds. This offers additional protection for traders.

Platforms:

User-Friendly Interface: The best app for commodity trading should be intuitive and easy to navigate, especially for new traders.

Stability: Ensure the platform is reliable and doesn't frequently crash or freeze, especially during high-volatility periods.

Features and Tools: The best commodity trading platform should ideally offer advanced charting tools, numerous technical indicators, and a range of time frames to help traders analyze the commodities market effectively.

Order Types: A variety of order types such as market, limit, stop, and trailing stop orders should be available, allowing for effective risk management.

Mobile Trading: In today's world, having a robust mobile trading application is crucial. Ensure the broker's platform is available and functional on smartphones and tablets.

Automated Trading: If you're into algorithmic trading, see if the platform supports automated trading systems and with what programming languages it can work (like MetaTrader’s MT4 MQL4). If you want more details on two of MetaTrader’s platforms, see our article here

Trading Fees:

When trading commodities through brokers, understanding the various fees involved is crucial. Here's a breakdown of some common fees you might encounter:

Spreads:

The spread is the difference between the buying price (Ask) and the selling price (Bid) of a commodity at any given time. It's essentially the broker's markup on the market price

Commission:

This is a fee charged by the broker for facilitating a trade. When your broker charges a commission, you must account for this cost each time you enter and exit a position. A word of warning: Some brokers offer "commission-free" trading but might make up for it with wider spreads. Always assess the total cost of trading.

Inactivity Fee:

An inactivity fee is charged when a trader does not engage in any trading activity for a specified period. It’s often around 90 days, but could differ by broker. If you have funds in a trading account but haven't traded for a while, the broker might deduct an inactivity fee from your account balance.

Leverage & Stopout

Different regulators have different guiding policies in leverage. Key regulators have implemented specific rules to limit the leverage offered to retail traders as a means of consumer protection.

Here are the leverage rules for commodity CFDs according to some key regulators:

European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA)

ESMA caps the leverage for commodity CFDs at 20:1. This means that traders need to have a minimum of 5% margin of the total trade value.

CFTC

In the United States, CFD trading isn't permitted for retail traders. However, for related products like commodity futures, there are specific margin requirements set by exchanges and overseen by the CFTC.

ASIC

ASIC has recently implemented rules capping the leverage for commodity CFDs for retail traders at 20:1, aligning with ESMA's restrictions.

FCA

The FCA has adopted rules similar to ESMA, capping leverage for commodity CFDs at 20:1 for retail traders.

As we can see, responsible regulators closely monitor leverage levels. Leverage is a double-edged sword because you can make a lot of money, but you can just as easily become financially ruined!

Similarly with stopouts, many major regulators offer negative balance protection. This is important as your open positions are automatically closed by the broker due to insufficient margin in the account. This mechanism protects you from accruing negative balances and owing money to the broker.

Customer Support

Be sure to choose a broker that offers reliable customer support with multiple channels of communication, such as phone, email, and live chat. Ensure they provide timely assistance and are available during your trading hours. Evaluate the quality of customer support by reading reviews and assessing the responsiveness and helpfulness of the support team. Good customer service is crucial for resolving trading issues and technical problems quickly.

Withdrawal and Deposit 

Ideally, the payment deposit and withdrawal process among the best commodities brokers should be straightforward and convenient. If you have chosen a broker from a developed nation with an advanced banking system, making transactions, including withdrawals from brokerage accounts, is relatively straightforward. The best brokerages offer multiple withdrawal methods, including bank wire transfers, credit/debit card transactions, and even online payment systems. The efficiency of these methods can vary, with wire transfers, for example, typically taking several business days, whereas online payments tend to be much quicker.

What to Avoid when Choosing a Commodity Trading Broker?

Choosing a commodities trading broker is a crucial decision for traders and investors. Making an informed choice is essential to ensure a safe and efficient trading experience. Here are some things to avoid when selecting a commodities trading broker:

• Lack of regulation

• Hidden fees

• Poor customer support

• Limited trading platforms

• Unfavorable reviews and feedback

• High spreads

• Slow execution speeds

• Limited research and educational tools

• Lack of cybersecurity measures

• Restrictions on trading strategies

• Unfavorable withdrawal conditions

• Lack of transparency

A word on proprietary platforms: While some proprietary trading platforms are excellent, being restricted to only one (especially if it's not well-reviewed) can be limiting. Many traders prefer brokers that offer popular platforms, like MetaTrader 4 or 5.

The key is to do thorough research. Check reviews, compare fee structures, and even test the broker's platform with a demo account before committing real funds.

Tips to Get Started Trading With a Commodity Broker

Trading commodities can be both exciting and rewarding, but you must approach it with knowledge and caution. Here are some tips to help you get started with a commodities broker

• Educate yourself on commodities and its intricacies

• Choose a reputable broker that is regulated by a top regulator

• Check reviews and feedback from other traders to understand the broker’s reputation

• Understand all the costs

• Have a defined trading plan

• Start small as you gain experience

• Use risk management tools, like setting stop-loss and take-profit

• Avoid using excessive leverage

• Diversify and don't put all your capital into commodities trading

• Avoid emotional trading and don't let fear or greed drive your trading decisions

• Be wary of any "hot tips" or "insider information," anything sounding too good to be true probably is

Remember, while trading commodities can offer lucrative opportunities, it also comes with significant risks. Approach it with diligence, preparedness, and a commitment to continuous learning.

How to Open a Trading Account to Start Trading Commodities

Opening a trading account to start trading commodities typically involves several standardized steps. While the exact process may vary slightly, depending on the broker, here's a general step-by-step guide to get you started:

Research Brokers:

Look for brokers that are regulated by reputable financial regulatory bodies. Compare fees, spreads, leverage options, platforms, and customer reviews to choose the most suitable broker for your needs. Ensure the broker offers commodities trading in the format in which you're interested (e.g., spot, futures, CFDs, ETFs).

Visit the Broker's Website:

Navigate to the account registration or sign-up section. Provide personal details, such as your full name, address, date of birth, phone number and email address. Choose the account type you want to open (e.g., standard, mini, micro, professional).

Submit Identification Documents:

Due to Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) regulations, brokers will typically require identification verification. You might need to provide a copy of a government-issued ID (passport, driver's license) and proof of address (recent utility bill, bank statement). 

After submitting your documents, the broker will review them. This can take anywhere from a few hours to several days, depending on the broker. Once approved, you'll need to deposit funds into your trading account to start trading. Many brokers will offer platforms, like MT4 or MT5, cTrader or their proprietary platform. Download the platform, log in using your account credentials, and familiarize yourself with its interface. From there, you are good to start trading!

How to Improve Your Knowledge of Commodities Trading

Improving your knowledge of commodities trading is crucial for success in the markets. A well-informed trader is more likely to make sound decisions and better navigate market complexities. Here are several steps and resources to enhance your commodities-trading knowledge:

Educational Content: 

With commodities trading for beginners, educational resources are crucial. Look out for platforms offering webinars, tutorials, articles, and even demo accounts to familiarize users with trading concepts.

Analytics Tools: 

The platform should offer robust analytical tools and many methods to evaluate trader performance. This includes historical returns, risk metrics, trading strategies, and more. Study these as often as you can.

Community Engagement: 

A vibrant community can provide peer reviews, insights and discussions, which can be invaluable for both novices and experienced traders.

Real-time Data: 

This is the lifeblood of social trading. Make sure your broker gives you access to live market data, news updates and economic calendars that can help in making informed decisions.

How to Avoid Commodity CFD Scams

It’s a sad reality that scams exist in the trading world. Here are just some examples of how you could get caught:

• Fake platforms where scammers set up sophisticated-looking trading platforms

• Brokers offering extreme leverage as high as 2000:1 as bait for unsuspecting retail traders

• Some unscrupulous brokers might manipulate commodities prices on their platform and list fake prices

• “Expert” account managers who make bad trades intentionally, causing the trader to lose money

• Hidden fees and charges

• Withdrawal issues when trying to take profits

• False advertising using fake testimonials that show luxurious lifestyles and promise guaranteed returns

• Promoting a platform as regulated when it isn't

Ultimately, all this goes away if you’ve chosen a well-regulated broker. This is because it is the job of regulators to stringently vet the best commodities brokers to ensure their operations are legit. A good regulator should be doing the following to protect commodities traders:

Public Warnings: If a regulator finds out about entities operating without the necessary licenses, it issues public warnings. The regulator should maintain a warning list on its Website, alerting the public about brokers that might be conducting unauthorized activities.

Consumer Education: While it may not be a direct service, the presence of a robust regulatory body indirectly educates and informs consumers about the standards they should expect from financial entities. Knowing that a financial institution is well-regulated can offer consumers a level of confidence.

Investigations and Enforcement: If there's any suspicion or indication of a scam or fraudulent activities, a regulator can launch investigations. If a commodities broker is found to be in violation, the regulator should typically have the authority to enforce punishment, which can include penalties or revoking licenses. 

Ask Other Traders on Our Network

Here at Arincen, we’ve gone to extensive lengths to create an enabling environment of networks, where traders of all backgrounds can take part in a vibrant trading space. After all, Arincen’s goal is to simplify the world of trading. Our Website provides an unrivaled slate of tools, like our market-leading signals, rolling news, and a thriving community where traders of all levels of experience can learn and profit from each other.

Let’s Recap

For new retail traders, commodities offer a unique opportunity to invest in physical goods and raw materials, which are essential for global economies. Once you understand the principles of buying, selling, and speculating on commodities, you can become well-placed to trade everything from metals to agricultural products. By leveraging futures contracts, you can hedge risks and capitalize on price volatility without the need to handle physical assets. Once you’ve decided which commodities you’d like to trade, you now have a list of excellent brokers from which to choose as well as the tools with which to decide. Happy commodity investing!

Arincen’s Review Methodology

The team at Arincen collected more than 120 pieces of data covering in excess of 100 licensed commodities brokers. Data collection was done in three ways:

1. Companies’ Websites.

2. Other Websites that have ranked commodities companies.

3. A survey questionnaire (referred to here as Survey “1”) was sent to the companies invited to participate in the exercise. We have identified 13 criteria for our assessment, each containing several aspects and carrying its own relative weight. These include licensing, deposits and withdrawals, number of assets, etc.     

Afterward, we validated the data by:

1. Registering with commodities companies as a secret shopper and/or as Arincen.

2. Survey number “2,” in which we asked these companies’ customers for important feedback and past experience.

The next step saw us evaluate and rank each company, relying on the hard work of 15 Arincen employees. We were cautious in ensuring the most accurate assessment possible, including taking into account different languages, as well as the various mobile-app operating systems, e.g., Apple, Samsung, etc.

To add credibility to our research project, we sent a third and final survey (referred to here as Survey “3”) to enable participating commodities companies to evaluate our own research and whether it accurately reflects the realities on the ground. We were fortunate enough to receive a mark of 9.9 out of 10! We have kept to a minimum the margin of error, which stood at a measly 1%. To learn more about how we came up with the evaluation, please click here.