Reuters recently reported that China was losing out on millions in business in the commodities market because of a lack of local talent to handle the work. While the rest of the world may not be suffering such an acute shortage, demand for commodity traders is sizzling, the Financial Times reports. Commodity traders are so hot, in fact, that big firms – such as Citigroup, which just announced it was doubling the size of its commodities trading staff – are throwing big money at prospects. In some cases, says the FT, top energy traders are receiving offers with seven – count ‘em – seven-figure sign-on fees with equally large bonuses. What a difference a couple of years make: It wasn’t that long ago that commodity traders were the unwanted stepchildren of the financial industry, especially after the collapse of Enron. Now, even less experienced traders are getting hefty offers with six-figure signing bonuses for three years, according to the FT. Such new-found popularity, though, may benefit those looking for a job, but not necessarily those looking to make money. As one unnamed analyst told the newspaper, “There is more potential for blow-up if you have someone that does not have experience to deal properly with the risk a bank is taking on.”