"The ETFS Physical Precious metals Basket (GLTR) is the first physical-bullion ETF to own more than one metal. GLTR's all-in-one convenience and relatively low expense ratio make it an attractive option," notes exchange traded fund specialist Mark Salzinger.

The editor of The Investor's ETF Report explains, "We like this ETF for investors who want to complement exposure to gold bullion with extensive exposure to silver and modest exposures to platinum and palladium.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Our top stock pick for 2011 is a very speculative play, based on our conviction that at some point during the year, gold bullion will experience a strong run-up in price, perhaps reminiscent to the peak that occurred in January 1980," says Alan Newman.

The editor of CrossCurrents explains, "The Global X Explorers ETF (GLDX) is a brand new addition and began trading this past November.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Gold and silver were top performers in 2010. In fact, they've been top performers over the past eight to 10 years. We believe this will continue in 2011," says resource expert Mary Anne and Pamela Aden.

The co-editors of The Aden Forecast explains, "As the year was drawing to a close, gold hit an all time record high and silver reached a 30 year high. It was super bullish action. And it's not over yet.

"We hear that gold is in a bubble, it can't rise much further and so on," content resource experts Mary Anne and Pamela Aden.

The co-editors of The Aden Forecast explain, "Many wonder, why is it even rising so much? For that, you have to look at history from a global perspective and it'll provide the answer.

"We've often pointed out that gold is money. It has been for thousands of years. Paper money is not really money and there isn't one paper currency that has survived over time.

Gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and exchange-traded notes (ETNs) have become the new fad for 401k plans and individual investors. Folks have been flocking to the key gold ETFs via SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX), iShares COMEX Gold Trust (IAU) and even the ETFS Physical Swiss Gold Shares (SGOL). In fact, the SPDR Gold Trust would be one of the top five or six central government banks in the world if measured solely in gold holdings.

Anytime you get a hot market, as we can see now with gold, you can bet more investment vehicles pop up to capitalize on the fad. Enter leveraged gold ETFs and ETNs, which add another layer to playing the gold market right now.

Gold is back in the news. December gold futures were up $17.20 to $1,215.10 per ounce. Gold buying is spurred by safe-haven demand. Investors simply want to buy gold. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) the world's largest gold-traded fund, added 3.04 metric tons to 1,285.79 metric tons.

Demand also rose after the Federal Reserve announced another bout of quantitative easing. The Fed is using the proceeds from its previous purchases to buy additional Treasuries. This in an effort to keep interest rates low.

"I do believe a lot of fundamentals and technicals and time-cycle indicators are now pointing to an up-trend in gold," says Mike Turner.

The editor of Mastering the Markets explains, "As such, my latest recommendation is to buy the SPDR Gold Trust (GLD), a gold ETF that tends to reflect one-tenth the actual price of gold.

"My proprietary forecasting software system indicates that GLD could stay relatively flat for the next three weeks before beginning a rather sharp upward trend. The uptick in my indicators suggests that this could be the start of the more significant uptrend for August.

"Investors that understand the role gold will play in the financial markets stand to benefit tremendously; gold has been an object of ardor and a target of scorn throughout the centuries but has never been refused as a means of payment; gold has no substitutes," asserts Yiannis Mostrous.

The editor of The Silk Road Investor explains, "The yellow metal has three characteristics that make it one of the most unique assets in the world. It's relatively scarce, it is easily broken apart and transported, and it's almost impossible to destroy."

With gold and silver prices testing new highs, we turn to several leading resource experts -- Mary Anne and Pamela Aden, Mark Skousen and Larry Edelson -- for their favorite plays in the sector.

In The Aden Forecast, the Aden sisters explain, "Gold and silver recently moved well into record high territory, and it looks like they are poised to head even higher.

"Most impressive, gold's leading indicator still has room to rise further before it reaches the high area. This tells us that gold's current C rise is very strong and it's now likely headed to our next target level near $1200. Meanwhile, December gold will remain super strong above $1,020.

"I want to profit from a weak dollar," says Jack Adamo. In Insider Plus newsletter, he adds, "We will do it by adding two newly-launched ETFs -- one for silver, one for gold."

"The huge creation of money in the last year must go somewhere. The Fed is creating yet another bubble to offset the deflation in demand.

"Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar has weakened in almost exact proportion to the rise in stock and commodity prices. By keeping interest rates near zero, Central Bankers force investors to participate in the asset inflation unless they're willing to accept zero return on their money.

"Gold and silver have taken the limelight," says Mary Anne and Pamela Aden, adding "Gold looks ready for take off and silver is poised to outperform gold."

In addition, Doug Fabian is a fan of silver. In Making Money, he suggests, "When inflation threatens, silver offers a safe haven; even when inflation worries subside, silver still retains appeal due to its many uses."

We begin with the Adens; in their The Aden Forecast, they explain, "Technically, gold's 'C rise' is off and running and the triangle it's formed has clearly broken to the upside, with gold recently closing at a three month high today.

"Getting invested in precious metal for the long term is our end game," says Daniel Frishberg, host of BizRadio and editor of The MoneyMan.com Gold & Oil. Here's a look at two ETFs.

"It looks as if prices could go higher short term, especially if US dollar weakness continues. The risk of owning gold at today's price level is that net commercial short positions continue to increase.

"Attempts by producers and speculators to bid up prices are matched by increases in commercial short positions. Gold prices are being controlled not by physical buyers and sellers, but by futures traders.

"Population growth will likely spur increased demand commodities," says ETF expert Doug Fabian. In Making Money Alert he looks at PowerShares DB Commodity (NYSE: DBC).

"World population growth trends suggest massive numbers of new global citizens on the way -- citizens that are going to require essentials such as food, clothing and shelter.

"For investors who want to ride this population wave, I offer you the PowerShares DB Commodity Index, an exchange-traded fund that seeks to track the performance of the Deutsche Bank Liquid Commodity index.

Mary Anne and Pamela Aden are among the advisory world's top authorities on metals and resources.

In a recent Q&A session, the editors of The Aden Forecast answer the most common questions that they are asked by readers as to the current state and future outlook for the precious metals markets.

In addition, the sisters answer what they say is the most frequent question they receive: "What is the best way to buy gold." Here, they offer a review of five strategies for investing in gold, including their top picks among stocks, closed-end funds and ETFs.

This post is part of a 12-article feature that can be read here: Today's best income ideas.

"It's time to buy Gabelli Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (NYSE: GGN) a closed-end management investment company that seeks to provide a high level of current income," says Bryan Perry.

The growth and income expert -- and editor of The 25% Cash Machine -- highlights the high-yielding play on gold and natural resources.

"Back in December we sold our position in GGN for a 45% gain in two months. But at that time, I promised to jump back on board after a sharp pullback, since gold is going to be a good inflation hedge this year and could hit $1,000 per troy ounce. Well, now it is time to buy back into GGN.