IVV vs SLV
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs iShares Silver Trust
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | SLV | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.50% | |
| AUM | $865.2B | $28.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.09% | 0.00% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 2 | |
| YTD Return | +14.50% | -11.54% | |
| 1Y Return | +22.02% | +66.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.80% | +41.10% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.37% | +21.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | 32.5% | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -76.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | iShares by BlackRock (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Commodity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Apr 21, 2006 |
IVV vs SLV Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US). Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% while SLV returned +66.17%. Year to date, IVV is up 14.50% versus a loss of 11.54% for SLV.
Over three years, IVV compounded at +21.80% per year against +41.10% for SLV; over five years the annualized figures are +13.37% and +21.50% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SLV has the edge at +7.34% annualized vs +7.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% compared with 15.1% for IVV. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -76.3% for SLV. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while SLV charges 0.50%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $50 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.09% against 0.00% for SLV.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or SLV?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while SLV charges 0.50%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or SLV?
Over the past year IVV returned +22.02% vs +66.17% for SLV, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), IVV annualized +7.07% vs +7.34% for SLV. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, IVV or SLV?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 15.1% for IVV. Worst drawdown: IVV -56.5% vs SLV -76.3%.
Should I hold both IVV and SLV?
IVV and SLV have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or SLV?
IVV yields 1.09% while SLV yields 0.00%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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