Commodities are important because they are the raw materials that are used to produce many of the goods and services that we use in our daily lives. They are the building blocks of the global economy, and they play a crucial role in determining the prices of goods and services.

There are many reasons why buying commodities can be important:

1. Diversification: Commodities can be a good way to diversify your investment portfolio. Because they have a low correlation with other asset classes like stocks and bonds, investing in commodities can help to reduce the overall risk of your portfolio.

2. Inflation protection: Commodities can also provide protection against inflation. When the prices of goods and services increase due to inflation, the prices of commodities often rise as well. By investing in commodities, you can help to protect the purchasing power of your money.

3. Supply and demand: The prices of commodities are largely determined by supply and demand. When demand for a commodity increases and supply remains the same, the price of the commodity tends to rise. Conversely, when supply increases and demand remains the same, the price tends to fall. By investing in commodities, you can potentially benefit from these supply and demand dynamics.

4. Speculation: Some investors also buy commodities as a speculative investment. They may believe that the price of a particular commodity is going to rise in the future, and they buy it in the hopes of selling it later for a profit.

However, it's important to note that investing in commodities can also be risky. Prices can be volatile, and unexpected events like natural disasters, geopolitical tensions, or changes in government policies can have a significant impact on commodity prices. Additionally, investing in commodities can be more complex than investing in stocks or bonds, and it may require specialized knowledge and expertise.

Additionally, commodities can be important during recessions for several reasons:

1. Store of value: During economic downturns, investors may be looking for safe havens to store their wealth. Commodities like gold, silver and other precious metals are often considered to be a store of value, as they have been used as a form of currency for thousands of years. During times of economic uncertainty, investors may turn to commodities as a way to preserve their wealth.

2. Demand for basic goods: Even during recessions, there is still demand for basic goods like food, clothing, and energy. As a result, commodities that are used to produce these goods can still be in demand. For example, during a recession, the demand for oil may decrease, but it is still an essential commodity for transportation and heating, so there is still some demand for it.

3. Supply and demand dynamics: During recessions, there may be an oversupply of certain commodities due to a decrease in demand. This oversupply can lead to lower prices, which can make it more attractive for investors to buy these commodities. Additionally, if there is a disruption in the supply chain due to the recession, this can lead to shortages and higher prices for certain commodities.

4. Inflation hedge: During recessions, central banks may implement policies like low-interest rates and quantitative easing to stimulate the economy. These policies can lead to an increase in inflation, which can erode the value of currencies. Commodities like gold and other precious metals are often used as a hedge against inflation, as their value tends to increase when inflation is high.

Overall, commodities can be an important part of a diversified investment portfolio during recessions. However, it's important to note that investing in commodities can be risky and volatile, and it may not be appropriate for all investors. It's important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of investing in commodities and to consult with a financial advisor or other investment professionals before making any investment decisions.