A big day for the metal ETFs has investors searching for the metal ETF that best fits their portfolio. Most investors initially turn to the SPDRs Gold ETF (NYSE: GLD), one of the most widely held ETFs in the market. GLD is having a nice day, up 0.4% and up 20% over the last 52-weeks, however there is much more to the metals sector than just gold.
Within the precious metal arena there is the E-TRACS UBS Platinum ETN (NYST: PTM) up over 1% today and over the last 52-weeks has doubled the gain of GLD, rising 41%. Splitting the difference over the last year is the iShares Silver ETF (NYSE: SLV), gaining 30% and up nearly 3% today alone. A new addition to the sector is the ETFS Palladium Shares ETF (NYSE: PALL) surging over 4% today and closing in on breaking out above the $48 level.
Away from the precious metals are the base metals, also referred to as industrial metals. The PowerShares Base Metals ETF (NYSE: DBB) is composed of aluminum, copper, and zinc and is rising by over 3% today and is close to a 2-month high and a new breakout. Over the last year DBB is up 73% and is one of my firms largest holdings (so is GLD). For investors that want to take the risk of a single metal, look at the iPath Copper ETN (NYSE: JJC), which is poised to close at a fresh 18-month high today on the back of a 3% daily gain. The ETF is up over 92% in the last 52 weeks.
My suggestion is to diversify with exposure to the precious metals and base metals for coming inflation, weaker US Dollar, and an improved global economy (base metals). | 
