Exchange traded funds (ETFs) that invest in silver are leading the pack in commodities this year as the metal hits 31-year highs.
Bespoke Investment Group reports the year-to-date performance of ten key commodities.
Silver is up the most so far in 2011 with a gain of 26.9%. Corn ranks second with a gain of 20.9%, followed by oil (18.3%) and coffee (11.8%).
Gold and platinum are both in positive territory for the year but not by much. Gold is up 2.2% YTD while platinum is up 1.4%.
Investors who want to play the bullish silver move can consider the iShares Silver Trust ETF (NYSEArca: SLV).
Or if you prefer corn, the Teucrium Corn ETF (NYSEArca: CORN) has a 17.5% YTD return.
The iPath DJ-UBS Coffee Sub-Index ETN (NYSEArca: JO) gained 11.7% YTD.
Investors with the gold bug can look at SPDR Gold Trust ETF (NYSEArca: GLD). If platinum is your thing, the ETFS Physical Platinum Shares ETF NYSEArca: PPLT) has gained 1% YTD.
Four commodities are down year to date, according to Bespoke. Copper is down the most at -4%, followed by wheat and orange juice.
Natural gas, which has easily been the worst performing commodity over the past few years, is down 3.1% YTD. U.S. Natural Gas ETF (NYSEArca: UNG) fell Wednesday on forecasts of milder weather. [Natural Gas ETFs Decline.]
Investors who want to add copper to their portfolio can look at the iPath DJ-UBS Copper ETN (NYSEArca: JJC).
iShares Silver Trust ETF
Gregory A. Clay contributed to this article.
For full disclosure, Tom Lydon’s clients own GLD, SLV and UNG.