SILJ vs SPY
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SILJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SILJ | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +7.25% | +14.47% | |
| 1Y Return | +75.92% | +21.96% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +47.26% | +21.70% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.34% | +13.30% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.8% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2012 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SILJ vs SPY Performance
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% while SPY returned +21.96%. Year to date, SILJ is up 7.25% versus a gain of 14.47% for SPY.
Over three years, SILJ compounded at +47.26% per year against +21.70% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +17.34% and +13.30% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.87% annualized vs +3.47%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SILJ has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 47.8% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -79.0% for SILJ and -56.5% for SPY. 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
SILJ charges 0.69% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $9 annually, a gap of $60 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SILJ currently yields 2.14% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SILJ and SPY share 0 holdings out of 570 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, SILJ or SPY?
SILJ has an expense ratio of 0.69% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $60 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SILJ or SPY?
Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% vs +21.96% for SPY, so SILJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SILJ annualized +3.47% vs +8.87% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SILJ or SPY?
SILJ has been the more volatile fund at 47.8% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SILJ -79.0% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SILJ and SPY?
SILJ and SPY 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 SILJ and SPY?
SILJ and SPY share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 570 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SILJ or SPY?
SILJ yields 2.14% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SILJ currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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