SLV vs VOO
iShares Silver Trust vs Vanguard S&P 500 ETF
Quick Verdict
VOO has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VOO offers more diversification with 505 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLV | VOO | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28.5B | $979.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.09% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 509 | |
| YTD Return | -9.64% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +73.82% | +23.01% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.92% | +21.78% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +22.41% | +13.39% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.6% | 14.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.3% | -34.3% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Sep 7, 2010 |
SLV vs VOO Performance
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLV returned +73.82% while VOO returned +23.01%. Year to date, SLV is down 9.64% versus a gain of 13.79% for VOO.
Over three years, SLV compounded at +41.92% per year against +21.78% for VOO; over five years the annualized figures are +22.41% and +13.39% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, VOO has the edge at +13.57% 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 14.1% for VOO. 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 -34.3% for VOO. 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 0.29. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLV charges 0.50% per year while VOO charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $3 annually, a gap of $47 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLV currently yields 0.00% against 1.09% for VOO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLV or VOO?
SLV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VOO charges 0.03%. VOO is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLV or VOO?
Over the past year SLV returned +73.82% vs +23.01% for VOO, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SLV annualized +7.46% vs +13.57% for VOO. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLV or VOO?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.6% annualized versus 14.1% for VOO. Worst drawdown: SLV -76.3% vs VOO -34.3%.
Should I hold both SLV and VOO?
SLV and VOO have a monthly-return correlation of 0.29, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLV or VOO?
SLV yields 0.00% while VOO yields 1.09%, so VOO currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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