ETEC vs. SLV

Last updated Jul 12, 2026

ETEC (iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - ETEC is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Global Emerging Green Technologies Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, ETEC returned 4.97%/yr vs 36.53%/yr for SLV. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ETEC charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.

Performance

ETEC vs. SLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ETEC achieves a 14.82% return, which is significantly higher than SLV's -16.25% return.

ETEC

• 1D: -0.26%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: 10.61%
• YTD: 14.82%
• 1Y: 37.37%
• 3Y*: 4.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SLV

• 1D: -0.35%
• 1M: -11.98%
• 6M: -25.46%
• YTD: -16.25%
• 1Y: 54.01%
• 3Y*: 36.53%
• 5Y*: 17.40%
• 10Y*: 10.95%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

ETEC vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ETEC iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF	14.82%	31.89%	-18.16%	-6.50%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	-16.25%	144.66%	20.89%	1.59%

Correlation

The correlation between ETEC and SLV is 0.40, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2023	0.33

Return for Risk

ETEC vs. SLV — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

ETEC

ETEC Risk / Return Rank: 60
ETEC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ETEC Sortino Ratio Rank: 53
ETEC Omega Ratio Rank: 54
ETEC Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
ETEC Martin Ratio Rank: 63

SLV

SLV Risk / Return Rank: 32
SLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
SLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
SLV Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
SLV Martin Ratio Rank: 24

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

ETEC vs. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	ETEC	SLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.54	0.99	+0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	1.41	+0.66
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.22	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.97	1.18	+1.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.96	2.46	+6.50

ETEC vs. SLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ETEC Sharpe Ratio is 1.54, which is higher than the SLV Sharpe Ratio of 0.99. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ETEC and SLV, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

ETEC vs. SLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ETEC drawdown since its inception was -39.71%, smaller than the maximum SLV drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ETEC and SLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ETEC	SLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-39.71%	-76.28%	+36.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.60%	-50.97%	+38.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.71%	-50.97%	+11.26%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-50.97%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-50.97%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.00%	-48.91%	+37.91%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.75%	-44.67%	+29.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.17%	24.40%	-20.23%

Volatility

ETEC vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF (ETEC) is 11.55%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 14.31%. This indicates that ETEC experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ETEC	SLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.55%	14.31%	-2.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.22%	57.38%	-37.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.30%	61.01%	-36.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.60%	36.81%	-12.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.60%	32.14%	-7.54%

ETEC vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ETEC has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ETEC vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison

ETEC's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%, while SLV has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
ETEC iShares Breakthrough Environmental Solutions ETF	0.46%	0.33%	1.24%	4.18%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ETEC and SLV in my portfolio?

ETEC and SLV have a correlation of 0.40, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ETEC or SLV?

SLV has higher volatility (14.31%) compared to ETEC (11.55%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ETEC dropped -39.71% vs SLV's -76.28%.

Which ETF is better, ETEC or SLV?

On 3-year performance, SLV leads with 36.53% vs 4.97% for ETEC. On fees, ETEC is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, ETEC has been the lower-risk option at 11.55%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ETEC or SLV?

Over the 3-year period, SLV has performed better with a 36.53% return vs 4.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ETEC or SLV?

ETEC is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ETEC or SLV?

ETEC has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.00% for SLV.

What is the main difference between ETEC and SLV?

ETEC is categorized as Technology Equities, while SLV is Silver. ETEC tracks Morningstar Global Emerging Green Technologies Select Index - Benchmark TR Net, while SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for ETEC and 0.50% for SLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ETEC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.54 vs 0.99), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.