SLVY vs VYM
FT Vest Silver Strategy & Target Income ETF vs Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF
Quick Verdict
VYM has a lower expense ratio. VYM delivered stronger 1-year returns. VYM offers more diversification with 616 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SLVY | VYM | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.85% | 0.04% | |
| AUM | $1M | $81.6B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.00% | 2.24% | |
| Holdings | 0 | 616 | |
| YTD Return | +9.50% | +15.60% | |
| 1Y Return | +9.50% | +23.48% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | - | +19.07% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.50% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 52.6% | 14.6% | |
| Max Drawdown | -64.2% | -58.8% | |
| Fund Family | First Trust Portfolios (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Commodity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 8, 2026 | Nov 10, 2006 |
SLVY vs VYM Performance
FT Vest Silver Strategy & Target Income ETF (SLVY) is a ETF from First Trust Portfolios (US) and Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year SLVY returned +9.50% while VYM returned +23.48%. Year to date, SLVY is up 9.50% versus a gain of 15.60% for VYM.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SLVY has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 52.6% 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 -64.2% for SLVY 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 0.09. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SLVY charges 0.85% per year while VYM charges 0.04%. On a $10,000 position that is $85 vs $4 annually, a gap of $81 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SLVY currently yields 0.00% against 2.24% for VYM.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SLVY or VYM?
SLVY has an expense ratio of 0.85% while VYM charges 0.04%. VYM is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $81 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SLVY or VYM?
Over the past year SLVY returned +9.50% vs +23.48% for VYM, so VYM leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (15 years), SLVY annualized -4.94% vs +7.05% for VYM. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SLVY or VYM?
SLVY has been the more volatile fund at 52.6% annualized versus 14.6% for VYM. Worst drawdown: SLVY -64.2% vs VYM -58.8%.
Should I hold both SLVY and VYM?
SLVY and VYM have a monthly-return correlation of 0.09, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
Which pays a higher dividend, SLVY or VYM?
SLVY yields 0.00% while VYM yields 2.24%, so VYM currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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