The New York Mercantile Exchange is divided into two branches, NYMEX and COMEX. The New York Mercantile Exchange deals in energy, platinum and palladium. In NYMEX branch, futures and options contracts traded through public bidding include crude oil, gasoline, fuel, natural gas, electricity, coal, propane and palladium. The exchange's European Brent crude oil and gasoline are also traded through open bidding. E-miNY energy futures, some light and low sulfur crude oil and natural gas futures contracts are also listed on the exchange, which provides an effective means for small investors and businessmen to participate in the energy market. The contract is traded through the GLOBEX electronic trading system of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange and cleared through the clearing house of the New York Mercantile Exchange (NYMEX).

COMEX is responsible for the futures and options contracts of other metals (including gold), including gold, silver, copper and aluminum.