SIL vs VYM
Global X Silver Miners ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SIL delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 603 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SIL | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $4.8B | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.38% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 44 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +8.03% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +68.47% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +54.82% | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +18.99% | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 40.0% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -83.4% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 19, 2010 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SIL vs VYM Performance
Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SIL returned +68.47% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, SIL is up 8.03% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Over three years, SIL compounded at +54.82% per year against +19.03% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +18.99% and +12.21% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VYM has the edge at +7.10% 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 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 -83.4% for SIL 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 0.30. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SIL charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SIL currently yields 1.38% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SIL and VYM share 0 holdings out of 640 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SIL or VYM?
SIL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SIL or VYM?
Over the past year SIL returned +68.47% vs +24.22% for VYM, so SIL leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SIL annualized +4.82% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SIL or VYM?
SIL has been the more volatile fund at 40.0% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SIL -83.4% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SIL and VYM?
SIL and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.30, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SIL and VYM?
SIL and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 640 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SIL or VYM?
SIL yields 1.38% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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