The abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) has a higher expense ratio and smaller assets under management compared to SPDR Gold Shares (GLD). PPLT’s one-year total return more than doubled GLD’s, but it also had a steeper five-year drawdown. Both funds offer exposure to physical metals but track different commodities and risk profiles.

GLD and PPLT provide straightforward access to precious metals, with GLD focusing on gold and PPLT on platinum. PPLT has a higher fee, greater five-year risk, and lower liquidity due to its smaller assets under management. Investors should consider cost, recent performance, risk, and portfolio makeup when choosing between the two based on personal preferences.

PPLT comes with a 0.60% expense ratio, while GLD’s is 0.40%. PPLT’s one-year return is 185.8%, compared to GLD’s 77.5%. PPLT has a lower beta at 0.35, while GLD’s is 0.51. GLD has $153.7 billion in assets under management, while PPLT has $2.0 billion.

PPLT is designed for direct platinum exposure without physical delivery or futures contracts, offering a simple investment option without credit risk. GLD provides exposure to physical gold and is the largest US-listed gold ETF, ensuring deep liquidity and broad acceptance among investors. Both funds track the price of a single metal, maintaining straightforward strategies without leverage or currency hedge.

In 2025, gold and platinum hit record highs due to geopolitical tensions, Federal Reserve rate cuts, and a weakening dollar. PPLT’s explosive gains were driven by severe supply shortages and industrial demand, while GLD maintained stability as a safe haven asset. Cautious investors may prefer GLD for stability, while risk-tolerant investors could consider PPLT for potential gains from platinum’s unique market dynamics.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Is PPLT or GLD a Better Buy?