Core Insights - The Global X - Silver Miners ETF (SIL) and abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) provide different investment approaches in precious metals, with SIL focusing on silver mining companies and PPLT offering direct exposure to physical platinum [1][2] Cost & Size Comparison - SIL has an expense ratio of 0.65% and assets under management (AUM) of $5.05 billion, while PPLT has a lower expense ratio of 0.60% and AUM of $286 billion [3] - The one-year return for SIL is 170.2%, compared to PPLT's 136% [3] - SIL has a beta of 0.90, indicating higher volatility compared to PPLT's beta of 0.35 [3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over the past five years, SIL experienced a maximum drawdown of -56.79%, while PPLT had a lower maximum drawdown of -35.73% [4] - An investment of $1,000 in SIL would have grown to $2,702 over five years, compared to $2,360 for PPLT [4] Investment Structure - PPLT is a physically backed ETF that tracks the price of platinum bullion, providing exposure without the operational risks associated with mining companies [5] - SIL invests in 39 global mining stocks, including major positions in Wheaton Precious Metals Corp, Pan American Silver Corp, and Coeur Mining, which introduces company-specific risks [7][11] Market Context - Platinum is scarcer than gold or silver and has significant industrial uses, particularly in the automotive industry, while silver has demand in technology and green energy markets [9][10] - Both ETFs have outperformed the S&P 500 on a total return basis over the last year, making them viable options for investors looking to hedge against inflation or diversify their portfolios [12]