This Precious Metal Just Doubled Gold's Returns: Is PPLT or GLD a Better Buy?

Core Insights - SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) provide investors with access to precious metals, focusing on gold and platinum respectively [2][3] - GLD has a lower expense ratio and larger assets under management compared to PPLT, making it more affordable and liquid for long-term investors [4][5][9] Cost & Size Comparison - GLD has an expense ratio of 0.40% and assets under management (AUM) of $153.7 billion, while PPLT has a higher expense ratio of 0.60% and AUM of $2.0 billion [4] - The one-year return for GLD is 77.5%, whereas PPLT significantly outperformed with a return of 185.8% [4] Performance & Risk Analysis - Over five years, GLD experienced a maximum drawdown of -21.03%, while PPLT faced a steeper drawdown of -35.73% [6] - An investment of $1,000 would have grown to $2,396 in GLD compared to $2,133 in PPLT over the same period [6] Fund Structure & Strategy - PPLT is designed for investors seeking direct exposure to platinum with minimal credit risk, existing for 16 years without physical delivery or futures contracts [7] - GLD offers 100% exposure to the basic materials sector through physical gold holdings, being the oldest and largest US-listed gold ETF, which enhances its liquidity and acceptance [8]