SLV vs SPY
iShares Silver Trust vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLV | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $28.5B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | -9.64% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +73.82% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.92% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.41% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.6% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SLV vs SPY Performance
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SLV returned +73.82% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, SLV is down 9.64% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, SLV compounded at +41.92% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +22.41% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +7.46%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.6% 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 -76.3% for SLV 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 0.27. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLV charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLV currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLV or SPY?
SLV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLV or SPY?
Over the past year SLV returned +73.82% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SLV annualized +7.46% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLV or SPY?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.6% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SLV -76.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SLV and SPY?
SLV and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.27, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLV or SPY?
SLV yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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