Quick Verdict

IVV has a lower expense ratio. PPLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: IVVHigher Returns: PPLTMore Diversified: IVV

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricIVVPPLTWinner
Expense Ratio0.03%0.60%
AUM$865.2B$1.9B
Dividend Yield1.09%0.00%
Holdings5082
YTD Return+13.80%-18.51%
1Y Return+23.70%+30.04%
3Y Return (annualized)+21.49%+23.83%
5Y Return (annualized)+13.43%+11.65%
Volatility (annualized)15.1%23.5%
Max Drawdown-56.5%-70.7%
Fund FamilyiShares by BlackRock (US)Aberdeen
CategoryEquityCommodity
InceptionMay 15, 2000Jan 8, 2010

IVV vs PPLT Performance

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) is a ETF from Aberdeen. Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% while PPLT returned +30.04%. Year to date, IVV is up 13.80% versus a loss of 18.51% for PPLT.

Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.49% per year against +23.83% for PPLT; over five years the annualized figures are +13.43% and +11.65% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, IVV has the edge at +7.05% annualized vs -0.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

PPLT has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 23.5% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.

The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -70.7% for PPLT. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.

The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

IVV charges 0.03% per year while PPLT charges 0.60%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $60 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for PPLT.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, IVV or PPLT?

IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while PPLT charges 0.60%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.

Which performed better, IVV or PPLT?

Over the past year IVV returned +23.70% vs +30.04% for PPLT, so PPLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), IVV annualized +7.05% vs -0.02% for PPLT. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, IVV or PPLT?

PPLT has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs PPLT -70.7%.

Should I hold both IVV and PPLT?

IVV and PPLT have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or PPLT?

IVV yields 1.09% while PPLT yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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