In the world of investing, there have been many studies over the years showing how portfolios diversified across multiple asset classes are the secret to solid long-term investment returns – possibly producing less upside during stock market booms but offering greater downside protection in periods of market busts. It has been this research and the investment success demonstrated by leading college endowment funds practicing this strategy, including the use of commodities, which was largely responsible for the explosion in commodity investing by individuals.