Oil

Simon looks at commodities markets in oil or petroleum.

How is it produced? Why is this trade different to others? Is our over-reliance on it dangerous?

Simon Evans has the answers in this series which asks us to get involved in the funny side of investment.

Rather than being cowed by an apparently complicated and overwhelming system, Simon jumps right in. He takes as his focus four commodities which are so intrinsic to our lives they have an almost elemental significance - land, gold, oil and grain. Yet, despite the fact we encounter them everywhere we look, very few people have been able to build a fortune on them.

All that's about to change as, Simon enlists help from the experts to help brings us closer to understanding of how global economic forces have a far-reaching and often surprising impact on our lives.

Simon is joined by regular guests:

* Tim Harford
* Merryn Somerset-Webb

And to talk about oil markets:

* Paul Horsnell.

Written by Simon Evans with Benjamin Partridge, Guy Venables and Andy Wolton.

Producer: Tilusha Ghelani.

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2014.