PSLV vs VYM
Sprott Physical Silver Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. PSLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | PSLV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.56% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $12.6B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 3 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -12.13% | +16.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +66.59% | +26.05% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +39.99% | +18.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +20.71% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.4% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott Asset Management LP | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Oct 27, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
PSLV vs VYM Performance
Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) is a ETF from Sprott Asset Management LP and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year PSLV returned +66.59% while VYM returned +26.05%. Year to date, PSLV is down 12.13% versus a gain of 16.16% for VYM.
Over three years, PSLV compounded at +39.99% per year against +18.43% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +20.71% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.09% annualized vs +4.88%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.23. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
PSLV charges 0.56% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $56 vs $4 annually, a gap of $52 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, PSLV currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, PSLV or VYM?
PSLV has an expense ratio of 0.56% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $52 per year of difference.
Which performed better, PSLV or VYM?
Over the past year PSLV returned +66.59% vs +26.05% for VYM, so PSLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), PSLV annualized +4.88% vs +7.09% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, PSLV or VYM?
PSLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.4% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: PSLV -79.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both PSLV and VYM?
PSLV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.23, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, PSLV or VYM?
PSLV yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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