PLTM vs SCHD

Quick Verdict

SCHD has a lower expense ratio. SCHD delivered stronger 1-year returns. SCHD offers more diversification with 100 holdings.

Lower Fees: SCHDHigher Returns: SCHDMore Diversified: SCHD

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPLTMSCHDWinner
Expense Ratio0.50%0.06%
AUM$170M$103.7B
Dividend Yield0.00%3.31%
Holdings1104
YTD Return-18.60%+24.26%
1Y Return+30.02%+31.38%
3Y Return (annualized)+23.90%+15.08%
5Y Return (annualized)+11.64%+9.72%
Volatility (annualized)40.4%13.6%
Max Drawdown-94.2%-33.4%
Fund FamilyGraniteSharesCharles Schwab Asset Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJan 22, 2018Oct 20, 2011

PLTM vs SCHD Performance

GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM) is a ETF from GraniteShares and Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) is a ETF from Charles Schwab Asset Management. Over the past year PLTM returned +30.02% while SCHD returned +31.38%. Year to date, PLTM is down 18.60% versus a gain of 24.26% for SCHD.

Over three years, PLTM compounded at +23.90% per year against +15.08% for SCHD; over five years the annualized figures are +11.64% and +9.72% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SCHD has the edge at +11.39% annualized vs -18.90%. 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 13.6% for SCHD. 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 -33.4% for SCHD. 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 0.28. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

PLTM charges 0.50% per year while SCHD charges 0.06%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $6 annually, a gap of $44 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLTM currently yields 0.00% against 3.31% for SCHD.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, PLTM or SCHD?

PLTM has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SCHD charges 0.06%. SCHD is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $44 per year of difference.

Which performed better, PLTM or SCHD?

Over the past year PLTM returned +30.02% vs +31.38% for SCHD, so SCHD leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PLTM annualized -18.90% vs +11.39% for SCHD. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, PLTM or SCHD?

PLTM has been the more volatile fund at 40.4% annualized versus 13.6% for SCHD. Worst drawdown: PLTM -94.2% vs SCHD -33.4%.

Should I hold both PLTM and SCHD?

PLTM and SCHD have a monthly-return correlation of 0.28, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, PLTM or SCHD?

PLTM yields 0.00% while SCHD yields 3.31%, so SCHD currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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