SLVR vs VYM
Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. SLVR delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLVR | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.65% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $747M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 4.30% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 78 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +6.76% | +16.42% | |
| 1Y Return | +87.64% | +24.22% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.03% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.21% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.9% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -43.7% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | Sprott ETFS | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jan 14, 2025 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLVR vs VYM Performance
Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF (SLVR) is a ETF from Sprott ETFS and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLVR returned +87.64% while VYM returned +24.22%. Year to date, SLVR is up 6.76% versus a gain of 16.42% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLVR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.9% 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 -43.7% for SLVR 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 0.51. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLVR charges 0.65% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $65 vs $4 annually, a gap of $61 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLVR currently yields 4.30% against 2.24% for VYM.
Holdings Overlap
SLVR and VYM share 0 holdings out of 679 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.0% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLVR or VYM?
SLVR has an expense ratio of 0.65% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $61 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLVR or VYM?
Over the past year SLVR returned +87.64% vs +24.22% for VYM, so SLVR leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (2 years), SLVR annualized +95.42% vs +7.10% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLVR or VYM?
SLVR has been the more volatile fund at 52.9% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SLVR -43.7% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLVR and VYM?
SLVR and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.51, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SLVR and VYM?
SLVR and VYM share 0 common holdings with a 0.0% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 679 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLVR or VYM?
SLVR yields 4.30% while VYM yields 2.24%, so SLVR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.