PLTM vs QQQ
GraniteShares Platinum Trust vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PLTM delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PLTM | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $170M | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -18.75% | +17.46% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.50% | +26.02% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.85% | +25.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +10.67% | +15.12% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.4% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.2% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2018 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PLTM vs QQQ Performance
GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PLTM returned +30.50% while QQQ returned +26.02%. Year to date, PLTM is down 18.75% versus a gain of 17.46% for QQQ.
Over three years, PLTM compounded at +23.85% per year against +25.51% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +10.67% and +15.12% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.08% annualized vs -18.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PLTM has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.4% compared with 30.6% for QQQ. 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 -94.2% for PLTM and -83.0% for QQQ. 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 0.13. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLTM charges 0.50% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $18 annually, a gap of $32 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLTM currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLTM or QQQ?
PLTM has an expense ratio of 0.50% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $32 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLTM or QQQ?
Over the past year PLTM returned +30.50% vs +26.02% for QQQ, so PLTM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PLTM annualized -18.89% vs +13.08% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLTM or QQQ?
PLTM has been the more volatile fund at 40.4% annualized versus 30.6% for QQQ. Worst drawdown: PLTM -94.2% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PLTM and QQQ?
PLTM and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.13, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLTM or QQQ?
PLTM yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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