SLV vs VTI
iShares Silver Trust vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLV | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $28.5B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | -11.54% | +14.96% | |
| 1Y Return | +66.17% | +22.39% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +41.10% | +21.51% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.50% | +12.36% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 15.4% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | May 24, 2001 |
SLV vs VTI Performance
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLV returned +66.17% while VTI returned +22.39%. Year to date, SLV is down 11.54% versus a gain of 14.96% for VTI.
Over three years, SLV compounded at +41.10% per year against +21.51% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +21.50% and +12.36% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.16% annualized vs +7.34%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLV has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 32.5% compared with 15.4% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 VTI 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 1.07% for VTI.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLV or VTI?
SLV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $47 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLV or VTI?
Over the past year SLV returned +66.17% vs +22.39% for VTI, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SLV annualized +7.34% vs +8.16% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLV or VTI?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 15.4% for VTI. Worst drawdown: SLV -76.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both SLV and VTI?
SLV and VTI 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 VTI?
SLV yields 0.00% while VTI yields 1.07%, so VTI currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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