Definition ∞ Commodity exchanges are organized markets where raw materials and primary agricultural products are traded. These exchanges facilitate the buying and selling of standardized commodity contracts, such as futures and options, for goods like oil, gold, wheat, and livestock. They provide price discovery, liquidity, and risk management mechanisms for producers and consumers globally. Traditional commodity exchanges operate under established regulatory frameworks designed to ensure fair and transparent trading practices.
Context ∞ The discussion around commodity exchanges in crypto news often involves the classification of certain digital assets as commodities, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum. Regulators like the CFTC sometimes assert jurisdiction over these assets, contrasting with securities regulators. This debate influences how digital asset derivatives are regulated and where they can be traded, shaping the landscape for crypto derivatives markets and their participants.