10-Q: abrdn Palladium ETF Trust Reports Increase in Net Assets Despite Palladium Price Decline in Q2 2024

Sentiment:

Quarterly Report


abrdn Palladium ETF Trust saw a 26.75% increase in net assets during Q2 2024, driven by an increase in outstanding shares, despite a decrease in the price of palladium.

Worse than expectedThe price of palladium decreased, negatively impacting the NAV per share.The NAV per share decreased by 4.56% during the quarter and 14.69% over the six month period.

Summary

  • abrdn Palladium ETF Trust's net assets increased by 26.75% to $283.97 million in Q2 2024 from $224.05 million at the end of Q1 2024.
  • The increase was primarily due to a rise in outstanding shares from 2,400,000 to 3,187,500, despite a 4.42% decrease in the price of palladium from $1,017.00 to $972.00 per ounce.
  • The NAV per share decreased by 4.56% from $93.35 to $89.09 during the quarter.
  • For the six months ended June 30, 2024, the Trust's NAV increased by 29.48% from $219.31 million to $283.97 million.
  • The NAV per share decreased 14.69% from $104.43 at December 31, 2023, to $89.09 at June 30, 2024.
  • The Sponsor's Fee for the quarter was $396,037 and $711,329 for the six month period, representing an annualized rate of 0.60% of the Trust's ANAV.
  • Effective June 18, 2024, the number of Shares that constituted a Basket decreased from 25,000 to 12,500, and prior information has been retroactively adjusted to conform with the change in Basket size.
  • The Trust's investment objective is to reflect the performance of the price of physical palladium, less the Trust's expenses.

Sentiment

Score: 5

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral. While net assets increased, the price of palladium and NAV per share decreased. The report provides factual information without expressing strong positive or negative views.

Positives

  • The Trust's net assets increased significantly, indicating investor interest and inflows.
  • The number of outstanding shares increased, suggesting growing demand for the ETF.
  • The Trust provides investors with a cost-effective way to invest in palladium.

Negatives

  • The price of palladium decreased, negatively impacting the NAV per share.
  • The NAV per share decreased by 4.56% during the quarter and 14.69% over the six month period.
  • The Sponsor's Fee reduces the overall return for investors.

Risks

  • The Trust's performance is highly dependent on the price of palladium, which is subject to various market risks.
  • Fluctuations in global palladium supply and demand can significantly impact the Trust's value.
  • Economic, political, and financial events can affect the price of palladium and, consequently, the Trust's performance.
  • The Trust's concentration in palladium exposes it to risks associated with a single commodity.

Future Outlook

The discussion and analysis may contain forward-looking statements relating to the Trust's financial condition, operations, future performance, and business, based on the Sponsor's assumptions and analyses of historical trends, current conditions, and expected future developments.

Industry Context

This announcement reflects the performance of a commodity-based ETF, which is directly tied to the price of palladium. The ETF's performance is influenced by factors affecting the palladium market, such as global supply and demand, economic conditions, and investment activities.

Comparison to Industry Standards

  • Comparable palladium ETFs include those offered by other providers such as Sprott and GraniteShares.
  • The expense ratio of 0.60% is within the typical range for commodity-based ETFs.
  • Performance should be compared against benchmarks such as the LBMA Palladium Price PM.

Related Party Transactions

  • The Sponsor and the Trustee are considered to be related parties to the Trust.
  • The Trustee and the Custodian and their affiliates may from time to time act as Authorized Participants and purchase or sell Shares for their own account, as agent for their customers and for accounts over which they exercise investment discretion.
  • The Trustees and Custodians fees are paid by the Sponsor and are not separate expenses of the Trust.

Stakeholder Impact

  • Shareholders are impacted by the fluctuations in the price of palladium and the resulting changes in NAV per share.
  • Authorized Participants are affected by the creation and redemption processes and the associated costs.
  • The Sponsor benefits from the Sponsor's Fee, which is a percentage of the Trust's ANAV.

Key Dates

DateDescription
2009-12-30The abrdn Palladium ETF Trust was formed under New York law.
2024-05-23The Trustee entered into an Allocated Account Agreement and Unallocated Account Agreement with ICBC Standard Bank Plc for custody of the Trust's palladium.
2024-05-28The standard settlement period for Shares changed to one business day.
2024-06-18The number of Shares that constituted a Basket decreased from 25,000 to 12,500.
2024-06-30End of the quarterly period.
2024-08-07Date as of which abrdn Palladium ETF Trust had 3,262,500 abrdn Physical Palladium Shares ETF outstanding.
2024-08-09Date of report filing.

Keywords

palladium, ETF, abrdn, investment, net asset value, shares, sponsor's fee, physical palladium, authorized participants

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