Despite the Europe-related turbulence in 2011, commodity-based ETFs were up 45 percent during the same period and signs are pointing to strength this year as well, according to an article on Financial News.

As an example, ETF Securities’ physical gold ETF rose 3.95 percent in the week ended Feb. 6, and commodity ETF trading activity rose 10.39 percent in the same period, as investors seek out broad-based commodity ETFs to diversify their investment holdings, the Financial News report said.

Due to its strong growth in the past year, the commodity ETF sector now accounts for 14.4 percent of all ETF trading, the article said.

Given the thriving environment, it’s a great time for ETF providers such as Lyxor and iShares to launch new products, Financial News said.

For the full story, head over to eFinancialNews.com.