PPLT vs VOO
PPLT vs VOO
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. PPLT delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPLT | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.9B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -18.51% | +13.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +30.04% | +23.71% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.83% | +21.50% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +11.65% | +13.44% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 8, 2010 | Sep 7, 2010 |
PPLT vs VOO Performance
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) is a ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPLT returned +30.04% while VOO returned +23.71%. Year to date, PPLT is down 18.51% versus a gain of 13.80% for VOO.
Over three years, PPLT compounded at +23.83% per year against +21.50% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +11.65% and +13.44% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.58% 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.39. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPLT charges 0.60% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $60 vs $3 annually, a gap of $57 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PPLT currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPLT or VOO?
PPLT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $57 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PPLT or VOO?
Over the past year PPLT returned +30.04% vs +23.71% for VOO, so PPLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PPLT annualized -0.02% vs +13.58% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PPLT or VOO?
PPLT has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: PPLT -70.7% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both PPLT and VOO?
PPLT and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.39, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPLT or VOO?
PPLT yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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