PSLV vs VXUS
PSLV vs VXUS
Sprott Physical Silver Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. PSLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSLV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $12.6B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -14.07% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +60.52% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +38.63% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.34% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.4% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
PSLV vs VXUS Performance
Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSLV returned +60.52% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, PSLV is down 14.07% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, PSLV compounded at +38.63% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +20.34% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.86% annualized vs +4.73%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
PSLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.4% compared with 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -79.4% for PSLV and -39.9% for VXUS. 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 0.41. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSLV charges 0.56% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $5 annually, a gap of $51 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSLV currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSLV or VXUS?
PSLV has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $51 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSLV or VXUS?
Over the past year PSLV returned +60.52% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so PSLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSLV annualized +4.73% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSLV or VXUS?
PSLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.4% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: PSLV -79.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both PSLV and VXUS?
PSLV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.41, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSLV or VXUS?
PSLV yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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