SIL vs VXUS
Global X Silver Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SIL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 8,747 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SIL | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $4.8B | $158.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 2.59% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +8.03% | +15.22% | |
| 1Y Return | +68.47% | +26.86% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +54.82% | +20.34% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.99% | +9.38% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.0% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.4% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2010 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SIL vs VXUS Performance
Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIL returned +68.47% while VXUS returned +26.86%. Year to date, SIL is up 8.03% versus a gain of 15.22% for VXUS.
Over three years, SIL compounded at +54.82% per year against +20.34% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +18.99% and +9.38% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% annualized vs +4.82%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SIL has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 40.0% 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 -83.4% for SIL 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 0.46. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIL charges 0.65% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $5 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIL currently yields 1.38% against 2.59% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SIL and VXUS share 12 holdings out of 7894 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIL or VXUS?
SIL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIL or VXUS?
Over the past year SIL returned +68.47% vs +26.86% for VXUS, so SIL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SIL annualized +4.82% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIL or VXUS?
SIL has been the more volatile fund at 40.0% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SIL -83.4% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SIL and VXUS?
SIL and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.46, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIL and VXUS?
SIL and VXUS share 12 common holdings with a 0.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7894 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIL or VXUS?
SIL yields 1.38% while VXUS yields 2.59%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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