SIL vs VTI
Global X Silver Miners ETF vs Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SIL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 3,543 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SIL | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $4.8B | $666.9B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +15.65% | +13.67% | |
| 1Y Return | +86.61% | +22.17% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +59.22% | +21.93% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.06% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.4% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2010 | May 24, 2001 |
SIL vs VTI Performance
Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Morningstar Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIL returned +86.61% while VTI returned +22.17%. Year to date, SIL is up 15.65% versus a gain of 13.67% for VTI.
Over three years, SIL compounded at +59.22% per year against +21.93% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +22.06% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.11% annualized vs +5.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.3% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -83.4% for SIL and -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.32. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIL charges 0.65% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $3 annually, a gap of $62 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIL currently yields 1.38% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
SIL and VTI share 1 holdings out of 2823 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Top Shared Holdings
| Stock | Weight in SIL | Weight in VTI | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CDE | 11.05% | 0.02% | 11.03% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIL or VTI?
SIL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $62 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIL or VTI?
Over the past year SIL returned +86.61% vs +22.17% for VTI, so SIL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SIL annualized +5.26% vs +8.11% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIL or VTI?
SIL has been the more volatile fund at 40.3% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SIL -83.4% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SIL and VTI?
SIL and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.32, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIL and VTI?
SIL and VTI share 1 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2823 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIL or VTI?
SIL yields 1.38% while VTI yields 1.07%, so SIL currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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