SILJ vs VXUS
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SILJ delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SILJ | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.69% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $3.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.14% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 65 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +7.25% | +15.24% | |
| 1Y Return | +75.92% | +26.32% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +47.26% | +19.85% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +17.34% | +9.23% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 47.8% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -79.0% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | Amplify ETFs | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Nov 28, 2012 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SILJ vs VXUS Performance
Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ) is a ETF from Amplify ETFs and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% while VXUS returned +26.32%. Year to date, SILJ is up 7.25% versus a gain of 15.24% for VXUS.
Over three years, SILJ compounded at +47.26% per year against +19.85% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +17.34% and +9.23% respectively. Across the full 14-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.89% 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 15.1% 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 -79.0% for SILJ 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
SILJ charges 0.69% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $69 vs $5 annually, a gap of $64 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SILJ currently yields 2.14% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
SILJ and VXUS share 20 holdings out of 7908 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SILJ or VXUS?
SILJ has an expense ratio of 0.69% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $64 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SILJ or VXUS?
Over the past year SILJ returned +75.92% vs +26.32% for VXUS, so SILJ leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (14 years), SILJ annualized +3.47% vs +4.89% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SILJ or VXUS?
SILJ has been the more volatile fund at 47.8% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SILJ -79.0% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SILJ and VXUS?
SILJ 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 SILJ and VXUS?
SILJ and VXUS share 20 common holdings with a 0.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 7908 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SILJ or VXUS?
SILJ yields 2.14% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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