PPLT vs VTI
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Which is better, PPLT or VTI?
Precious Metals against Large Cap Blend.
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PPLT led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VTI over the full window.
MarketXLS is not an investment adviser. This comparison is generated automatically from market data and is for information only. A Best mark means the better reading on that one measure, not a recommendation to buy.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PPLT | VTI |
|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.60% | 0.03%Best |
| AUM | $2.2B | $666.9B |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.03% |
| Holdings | 1 | 3,543 |
| YTD Return | -16.14% | +12.30%Best |
| 1Y Return | +29.29%Best | +16.08% |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +23.34%Best | +21.01% |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.87%Best | +12.36% |
| Volatility (annualized) | 23.5% | 14.8%Best |
| Max Drawdown | -70.7% | -35.0%Best |
| $10,000 over 5 years | $19,145Best | $17,908 |
| Fund Family | Aberdeen | Vanguard (US) |
| Category | Commodity | Equity |
| Style | Precious Metals | Large Cap Blend |
| Inception | Jan 8, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
Not shown on this pair: Top 10 Weight.
Volatility and max drawdown are measured over the window both funds cover: Jan 8, 2010 to Sep 18, 2026 (16.7 years).
PPLT vs VTI growth
Month-end closes. Both lines start at 0% in the first month shown, so the gap between them is the difference in growth across that window. The full view covers the 16.7 years both funds cover.
PPLT vs VTI Performance
abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) is an ETF from Aberdeen and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is an ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PPLT returned +29.29% while VTI returned +16.08%. Year to date, PPLT is down 16.14% versus a gain of 12.30% for VTI.
Over three years, PPLT compounded at +23.34% per year against +21.01% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +13.87% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 17-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +12.35% annualized vs +0.15%.
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 14.8% for VTI. 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 -35.0% for VTI. Drawdown depth is what each fund did in the worst stretch of the window measured above.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.41. They move together some of the time, and apart the rest.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PPLT charges 0.60% per year while VTI 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 1.03% for VTI.
You are not choosing between two funds in isolation.
Whichever of PPLT and VTI you pick has to sit alongside everything else you own. Add the rest and see what the combination actually holds.
Free for up to 10 holdings. No account needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PPLT or VTI?
PPLT has an expense ratio of 0.60% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option, by $57 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which performed better, PPLT or VTI?
Over the past year PPLT returned +29.29% vs +16.08% for VTI, so PPLT leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (17 years), PPLT annualized +0.15% vs +12.35% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which is riskier, PPLT or VTI?
PPLT has been the more volatile fund at 23.5% annualized versus 14.8% for VTI. Worst drawdown: PPLT -70.7% vs VTI -35.0%.
Should I hold both PPLT and VTI?
PPLT and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so their returns are far enough apart for the mix to behave differently from either one alone. This is information, not a recommendation.
Which pays a higher dividend, PPLT or VTI?
PPLT yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.03%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Is VTI better than PPLT?
VTI has a lower expense ratio. PPLT led over 1Y, 3Y and 5Y, VTI over the full window. Which one suits a particular account depends on what it is for. This is information, not a recommendation.