The best (and worst) asset classes of the last decade

A look back over the best and worst performing asset classes over the last ten years offers few clear answers as to where the canny investor should have put their money.

At first look commodities may have been one of the best choices, leading the pack in three out of the ten years, but these funds typically offer investors a very rocky ride. The sector delivered 25.5% in 2001, 55% in 2005, and 38.9% in 2007. However, it was flat in 2003, down almost 12% in 2006, and fell twice as much in 2008. In 2003, 2006, and 2009 emerging markets delivered the strongest performance, and they were the second best performer in 2007 after commodities. But, again, it would have been a white knuckle rollercoaster for investors backing these funds, with the sector losin...