PPLT vs QQQ
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF vs Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1
Quick Verdict
QQQ has a lower expense ratio. PPLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. QQQ offers more diversification with 103 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPLT | QQQ | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.18% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $455.8B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 0.41% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 108 | |
| YTD Return | -18.20% | +17.85% | |
| 1Y Return | +31.51% | +26.45% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.52% | +26.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.35% | +15.16% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 30.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -83.0% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Invesco (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 8, 2010 | Mar 10, 1999 |
PPLT vs QQQ Performance
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Invesco QQQ Trust, Series 1 (QQQ) is a ETF from Invesco (US). Over the past year PPLT returned +31.51% while QQQ returned +26.45%. Year to date, PPLT is down 18.20% versus a gain of 17.85% for QQQ.
Over three years, PPLT compounded at +23.52% per year against +26.07% for QQQ; over five years the annualized figures are +11.35% and +15.16% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, QQQ has the edge at +13.09% annualized vs +0.00%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
QQQ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 30.6% compared with 23.5% for PPLT. 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 -70.7% for PPLT 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPLT charges 0.60% per year while QQQ charges 0.18%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $18 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPLT currently yields 0.00% against 0.41% for QQQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPLT or QQQ?
PPLT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while QQQ charges 0.18%. QQQ is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPLT or QQQ?
Over the past year PPLT returned +31.51% vs +26.45% for QQQ, so PPLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), PPLT annualized +0.00% vs +13.09% for QQQ. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPLT or QQQ?
QQQ has been the more volatile fund at 30.6% annualized versus 23.5% for PPLT. Worst drawdown: PPLT -70.7% vs QQQ -83.0%.
Should I hold both PPLT and QQQ?
PPLT and QQQ have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPLT or QQQ?
PPLT yields 0.00% while QQQ yields 0.41%, so QQQ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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