SLV vs VYM
iShares Silver Trust vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SLV delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 558 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLV | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $28.5B | $79.0B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.86% | |
| Holdings | 2 | 568 | |
| YTD Return | -12.55% | +15.80% | |
| 1Y Return | +65.42% | +26.12% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +40.15% | +18.25% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +21.49% | +12.51% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 32.5% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -76.3% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Apr 21, 2006 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLV vs VYM Performance
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLV returned +65.42% while VYM returned +26.12%. Year to date, SLV is down 12.55% versus a gain of 15.80% for VYM.
Over three years, SLV compounded at +40.15% per year against +18.25% for VYM; over five years the annualized figures are +21.49% and +12.51% respectively. Across the full 20-year window we track, SLV has the edge at +7.29% annualized vs +7.07%. 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 14.6% for VYM. 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 -58.8% for VYM. 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 0.21. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLV charges 0.50% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $4 annually, a gap of $46 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLV currently yields 0.00% against 2.86% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLV or VYM?
SLV has an expense ratio of 0.50% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $46 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLV or VYM?
Over the past year SLV returned +65.42% vs +26.12% for VYM, so SLV leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (20 years), SLV annualized +7.29% vs +7.07% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLV or VYM?
SLV has been the more volatile fund at 32.5% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SLV -76.3% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLV and VYM?
SLV and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.21, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLV or VYM?
SLV yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.86%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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