Core Viewpoint - The abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF (PPLT) has recently reached a new 52-week high, with shares increasing approximately 154.9% from their 52-week low of $82.35/share, indicating strong momentum in the platinum market [1]. Group 1: ETF Performance - PPLT charges an annual fee of 60 basis points, which is competitive within the Precious Metals ETF category [2]. - The ETF has a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold) and a medium risk outlook, suggesting a stable investment option [5]. Group 2: Market Drivers - Rising platinum prices are attributed to supply shortages, while demand remains robust from the automotive and jewelry sectors, as well as investments [3]. - The automotive sector's use of catalytic converters is a significant driver for platinum demand, and the current political climate may increase the need for these converters, positively impacting platinum prices [3]. Group 3: Broader Market Trends - The transition to green energy and the increasing demand for clean, low-emission technologies are contributing to the rising demand for platinum [4]. - Precious metals, including platinum, are experiencing price increases due to heightened safe-haven demand amid economic and policy uncertainties [4]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The PPLT ETF has a weighted alpha of 87.22, indicating potential for further gains if the operating environment remains favorable [5].

Market Performance - Wall Street experienced a downbeat performance last week, with the S&P 500 declining by 0.3%, the Dow edging lower by 0.2%, and the Nasdaq slipping by 0.7%, marking the first weekly loss in four weeks for both the Nasdaq and the S&P 500 [1] Inflation Data - August's personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index showed core PCE rising at an annual rate of 2.9%, while the all-items index recorded a 2.7% year-over-year increase and a 0.3% monthly gain, reinforcing expectations for two quarter-point interest rate cuts by year-end [2] Consumer Sentiment - The University of Michigan reported a consumer sentiment index of 55.1 for September, slightly below the Dow Jones consensus forecast of 55.4, indicating steady sentiment among households with larger stock holdings [3] Economic Growth - The U.S. economy grew at a robust 3.8% in Q2 of 2025, an upward revision from the previously reported 3.3% growth, driven by stronger consumer spending after a 0.6% decline in Q1 [5] Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve enacted its first rate cut of 2025 in September, with an 87.7% chance of a 25-basis point rate cut in the upcoming October meeting [6] Tariff Developments - President Trump announced new tariffs ranging from 30% to 100% on various imported goods, effective October 1, with exemptions for drugmakers building manufacturing plants in the U.S. [7] Commodity Performance - Platinum prices surged, with the GraniteShares Platinum Trust and abrdn Physical Platinum Shares ETF both up 12%, driven by supply-demand imbalances and declining mine output [9] - Palladium prices rose by 10.6% due to supply crunches and increased industrial demand, influenced by geopolitical tensions [11] - The Sprott Lithium Miners ETF increased by 10.3% following reports of potential U.S. government intervention in Lithium Americas' Thacker Pass mine [13] - The Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF rose by 10.2%, supported by strong safe-haven demand amid ongoing trade tensions [14]

Core Insights - Bitcoin and gold have both experienced a year-to-date return of 28% as of July 16, 2025, indicating a trend towards diversification in investment portfolios [1][8] - The rise in international stocks, a positive return in the bond market, and gains in alternative assets have contributed to this diversification trend [1] Investment Themes - Investors are increasingly turning to ETFs to gain exposure to alternative assets like gold and bitcoin, as well as niche altcoins and precious metals [2] - Total assets under management (AUM) in gold ETFs surpassed $170 billion in April 2025, while cryptocurrency ETFs reached $123.9 billion by April 30 [3] Market Comparisons - Gold's market cap stands at approximately $22.6 trillion, significantly larger than Bitcoin's market cap of around $2.4 trillion [4] - The SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) is the leading gold ETF with $102 billion in AUM, while the iShares Gold Trust (IAU) has $48 billion [5] ETF Performance - The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) is projected to exceed $100 billion in AUM soon, having reached $86 billion by mid-July [7] - IBIT has grown at a remarkable pace, hitting $80 billion in just 374 days, significantly faster than previous records [7] Other Asset Performance - Other metals like platinum and palladium have seen substantial gains, with platinum up over 50% and palladium up 40% in 2025 [9] - Ether has also rebounded, moving back into positive territory after a significant decline earlier in the year [10] Emerging Trends - The crypto market is witnessing innovations and new products, with a focus on Solana and leveraged products for cryptocurrencies like XRP [11] - Active ETF AUM is on the rise, complementing the growth of low-cost index funds, indicating a shift in investment strategies [13] Conclusion - The year 2025 has been characterized by volatility, driving strong performances in gold and bitcoin, with central banks actively purchasing gold and a "buy the dip" mentality in the crypto market [14]