PPLT vs SPY
PPLT vs SPY
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. PPLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPLT | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -18.51% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.04% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.83% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 8, 2010 | Jan 22, 1993 |
PPLT vs SPY Performance
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) is a ETF from Aberdeen and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year PPLT returned +30.04% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, PPLT is down 18.51% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, PPLT compounded at +23.83% per year against +21.40% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +11.65% and +13.37% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% 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 15.3% 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 -70.7% for PPLT 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPLT charges 0.60% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $9 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPLT currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPLT or SPY?
PPLT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPLT or SPY?
Over the past year PPLT returned +30.04% vs +23.66% for SPY, so PPLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), PPLT annualized -0.02% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPLT or SPY?
PPLT has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: PPLT -70.7% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both PPLT and SPY?
PPLT and SPY 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, PPLT or SPY?
PPLT yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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