GDE vs. SLV

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. GDE is actively managed, while SLV is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, GDE returned 42.64%/yr vs 41.27%/yr for SLV. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GDE charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.

Performance

GDE vs. SLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) 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, GDE achieves a 3.16% return, which is significantly higher than SLV's -4.86% return.

GDE

• 1D: 0.67%
• 1M: -9.19%
• YTD: 3.16%
• 6M: 4.00%
• 1Y: 41.34%
• 3Y*: 42.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SLV

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -22.76%
• YTD: -4.86%
• 6M: 9.25%
• 1Y: 85.39%
• 3Y*: 41.27%
• 5Y*: 18.83%
• 10Y*: 13.99%

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

GDE vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	3.16%	73.76%	44.79%	33.85%	-8.58%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	-4.86%	144.66%	20.89%	-1.09%	-4.72%

Correlation

The correlation between GDE and SLV is 0.72, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.72
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 17, 2022	0.65

The correlation between GDE and SLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.72 - a consistent structural relationship.

GDE vs. SLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GDE	SLV
Technology	35.6%	-
Financial Services	12.2%	-
Communication Services	12.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.1%	-
Healthcare	8.3%	-
Industrials	7.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	-
Energy	3.4%	-
Utilities	2.1%	-
Real Estate	1.6%	-
Basic Materials	1.4%	100.0%

Return for Risk

GDE vs. SLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 42
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 46
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 38

SLV

SLV Risk / Return Rank: 42
SLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SLV Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
SLV Martin Ratio Rank: 32

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.

GDE vs. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) 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.

	GDE	SLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.39	1.44	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.81	1.76	+0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.29	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.83	1.89	-0.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.36	4.10	+1.26

GDE vs. SLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GDE Sharpe Ratio is 1.39, which is comparable to the SLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.44. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GDE 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

GDE vs. SLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDE drawdown since its inception was -32.01%, smaller than the maximum SLV drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDE and SLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDE	SLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.01%	-76.28%	+44.27%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-22.66%	-45.40%	+22.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.66%	-45.40%	+22.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-45.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.53%	-41.96%	+25.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.93%	-44.66%	+36.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.73%	20.88%	-13.15%

Volatility

GDE vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) is 10.77%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 16.34%. This indicates that GDE 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

	GDE	SLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.77%	16.34%	-5.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	25.97%	59.10%	-33.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.88%	59.82%	-29.94%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.09%	36.46%	-9.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.09%	32.00%	-4.91%

GDE vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

GDE has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

GDE vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison

GDE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.19%, while SLV has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	4.19%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDE and SLV in my portfolio?

GDE and SLV have a correlation of 0.72, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GDE or SLV?

SLV has higher volatility (16.34%) compared to GDE (10.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GDE dropped -32.01% vs SLV's -76.28%.

Which ETF is better, GDE or SLV?

On 3-year performance, GDE leads with 42.64% vs 41.27% for SLV. On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, GDE has been the lower-risk option at 10.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GDE or SLV?

Over the 3-year period, GDE has performed better with a 42.64% return vs 41.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GDE or SLV?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.

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

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 4.19%, compared with 0.00% for SLV.

What is the main difference between GDE and SLV?

GDE is categorized as Gold, while SLV is Silver. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for GDE and 0.50% for SLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs 1.39), 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.