Sophisticated investors are being offered easy access to the world of commodities trading via EFT Securities' new exchange traded commodities service launched with Euronext Amsterdam. Investors can gain direct exposure to oil trading in denominations of as little as one share, with the launch of ETFS WTI Oil Securities and ETFS Brent Oil Securities. The New York Mercantile Exchange and the ICE Futures Exchange in London will be used to price contacts. The management charge for either is 0.49 per cent per annum. "After years in the bear market we believe commodities are ready for an upswing given that markets all operate in a cyclical manner," Nik Bienkowski, head of listings, ETF Securities, told WealthBriefing. "Some people say that commodities have been correlated to equities but that is only over the short term. Commodities are affected by all sorts of things, the main barrier has been access, which has traditionally been via hedge funds for example. With this new system you don't have to worry about margin calls, there is a maximum loss, and anyway how can things like oil and gold reach zero? Its not like Enron," he added.