SPPP vs VYM

Quick Verdict

VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.

Lower Fees: VYMHigher Returns: VYMMore Diversified: VYM

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSPPPVYMWinner
Expense Ratio1.01%0.04%
AUM$573M$79.0B
Dividend Yield0.00%2.86%
Holdings4568
YTD Return-18.16%+16.10%
1Y Return+19.36%+25.99%
3Y Return (annualized)+8.86%+18.29%
5Y Return (annualized)-4.40%+12.35%
Volatility (annualized)24.1%14.6%
Max Drawdown-59.1%-58.8%
Fund FamilySprott Asset Management LPVanguard (US)
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionDec 18, 2012Nov 10, 2006

SPPP vs VYM Performance

Sprott Physical Platinum and Palladium Trust (SPPP) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SPPP returned +19.36% while VYM returned +25.99%. Year to date, SPPP is down 18.16% versus a gain of 16.10% for VYM.

Over three years, SPPP compounded at +8.86% per year against +18.29% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are -4.40% and +12.35% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.08% annualized vs +2.70%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SPPP has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 24.1% compared with 14.6% for VYM. 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 -59.1% for SPPP and -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.26. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.

Fees and Cost Over Time

SPPP charges 1.01% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $101 vs $4 annually, a gap of $97 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SPPP currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SPPP or VYM?

SPPP has an expense ratio of 1.01% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $97 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SPPP or VYM?

Over the past year SPPP returned +19.36% vs +25.99% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SPPP annualized +2.70% vs +7.08% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SPPP or VYM?

SPPP has been the more volatile fund at 24.1% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SPPP -59.1% vs VYM -58.8%.

Should I hold both SPPP and VYM?

SPPP and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.26, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.

Which pays a higher dividend, SPPP or VYM?

SPPP yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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