PLTM vs SPY
GraniteShares Platinum Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PLTM delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PLTM | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $170M | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 1 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -18.60% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.02% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.90% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.64% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -94.2% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | GraniteShares | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 22, 2018 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PLTM vs SPY Performance
GraniteShares Platinum Trust (PLTM) is a ETF from GraniteShares and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PLTM returned +30.02% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PLTM is down 18.60% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, PLTM compounded at +23.90% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.64% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 9-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% 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 15.3% for SPY. 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 -56.5% for SPY. 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 0.24. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PLTM charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PLTM currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PLTM or SPY?
PLTM has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PLTM or SPY?
Over the past year PLTM returned +30.02% vs +23.66% for SPY, so PLTM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (9 years), PLTM annualized -18.90% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PLTM or SPY?
PLTM has been the more volatile fund at 40.4% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PLTM -94.2% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PLTM and SPY?
PLTM and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.24, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PLTM or SPY?
PLTM yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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