SLVY vs SPY

Quick Verdict

SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 505 holdings.

Lower Fees: SPYHigher Returns: SPYMore Diversified: SPY

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSLVYSPYWinner
Expense Ratio0.85%0.09%
AUM$1M$821.1B
Dividend Yield0.00%1.01%
Holdings0505
YTD Return+7.05%+14.24%
1Y Return+7.05%+21.71%
3Y Return (annualized)-+22.10%
5Y Return (annualized)-+13.21%
Volatility (annualized)52.2%15.3%
Max Drawdown-64.2%-56.5%
Fund FamilyFirst Trust Portfolios (US)State Street Investment Management
CategoryCommodityEquity
InceptionJul 8, 2026Jan 22, 1993

SLVY vs SPY Performance

FT Vest Silver Strategy & Target Income ETF (SLVY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SLVY returned +7.05% while SPY returned +21.71%. Year to date, SLVY is up 7.05% versus a gain of 14.24% for SPY.

Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns

SLVY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.2% compared with 15.3% for SPY. 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 -64.2% for SLVY and -56.5% for SPY. 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

SLVY charges 0.85% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $9 annually, a gap of $76 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLVY currently yields 0.00% against 1.01% for SPY.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is cheaper, SLVY or SPY?

SLVY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $76 per year of difference.

Which performed better, SLVY or SPY?

Over the past year SLVY returned +7.05% vs +21.71% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SLVY annualized -5.09% vs +8.86% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Which is riskier, SLVY or SPY?

SLVY has been the more volatile fund at 52.2% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SLVY -64.2% vs SPY -56.5%.

Should I hold both SLVY and SPY?

SLVY and SPY 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, SLVY or SPY?

SLVY yields 0.00% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.

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