SLV vs VXUS
SLV vs VXUS
iShares Silver Trust vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLV | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $28.5B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | -12.55% | +14.57% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.42% | +27.82% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.15% | +19.27% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +9.28% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.3% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Jan 26, 2011 |
SLV vs VXUS Performance
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLV returned +65.42% while VXUS returned +27.82%. Year to date, SLV is down 12.55% versus a gain of 14.57% for VXUS.
Over three years, SLV compounded at +40.15% per year against +19.27% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +21.49% and +9.28% respectively. Across the full 16-year window we track, SLV has the edge at +7.29% annualized vs +4.86%. 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 15.1% 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 -76.3% for SLV 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 0.45. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLV charges 0.50% per year while VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $5 annually, a gap of $45 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLV currently yields 0.00% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLV or VXUS?
SLV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $45 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLV or VXUS?
Over the past year SLV returned +65.42% vs +27.82% for VXUS, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (16 years), SLV annualized +7.29% vs +4.86% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLV or VXUS?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: SLV -76.3% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both SLV and VXUS?
SLV and VXUS have a monthly-return correlation of 0.45, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLV or VXUS?
SLV yields 0.00% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so VXUS currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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