Tags: China | commodities | emerging markets | European zone | world economy

The number of contracts on 13 key commodities fell an average 19% last year, the biggest rush to the exits since 2000.

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Price volatility caused by concern over the European and Chinese economies led retail investors and hedge fund managers alike to flee the commodities market in 2011.

The collapse of commodity-trading firm MF Global Holdings in October also likely contributed to the decline, according to the Wall Street Journal.

The pull-back reversed a decade-long rally spurred by growth in developed economies and emerging-market economies. In the past, declines in the number of contracts have preceded the end of price surges.

Some analysts say commodities could resume their upward course this year, especially if the European debt crisis is resolved.

The slide in contracts occurred in a wide range of commodities, from crude oil to copper and cotton. The major exception was natural gas, with contracts surging 24% last year.