GLD vs. SLV

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

GLD (SPDR Gold Shares) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - GLD is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price PM, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, GLD returned 12.80%/yr vs 14.72%/yr for SLV. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. GLD charges 0.40%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.

Performance

GLD vs. SLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 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, GLD achieves a -0.02% return, which is significantly higher than SLV's -4.42% return. Over the past 10 years, GLD has underperformed SLV with an annualized return of 12.80%, while SLV has yielded a comparatively higher 14.72% annualized return.

GLD

• 1D: -3.65%
• 1M: -8.06%
• YTD: -0.02%
• 6M: 2.54%
• 1Y: 28.10%
• 3Y*: 29.53%
• 5Y*: 17.47%
• 10Y*: 12.80%

SLV

• 1D: -8.08%
• 1M: -12.21%
• YTD: -4.42%
• 6M: 16.28%
• 1Y: 89.74%
• 3Y*: 41.68%
• 5Y*: 19.02%
• 10Y*: 14.72%

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

GLD vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
GLD SPDR Gold Shares	-0.02%	63.68%	26.66%	12.69%	-0.77%	-4.15%	24.81%	17.86%	-1.94%	12.81%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	-4.42%	144.66%	20.89%	-1.09%	2.37%	-12.45%	47.30%	14.88%	-9.19%	5.82%

Correlation

The correlation between GLD and SLV is 0.77, 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	0.77
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.75
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.77
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2006	0.79

The correlation between GLD and SLV has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.79 - a consistent structural relationship.

GLD vs. SLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	GLD	SLV
Basic Materials	100.0%	100.0%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

GLD vs. SLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

GLD

GLD Risk / Return Rank: 29
GLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
GLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
GLD Omega Ratio Rank: 33
GLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
GLD Martin Ratio Rank: 26

SLV

SLV Risk / Return Rank: 41
SLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
SLV Omega Ratio Rank: 50
SLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SLV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

GLD vs. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) 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.

	GLD	SLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.05	1.52	-0.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.43	1.81	-0.38
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.30	-0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.40	2.13	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.56	4.51	-0.95
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

GLD vs. SLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current GLD Sharpe Ratio is 1.05, which is lower than the SLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of GLD 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	GLD	SLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.05	1.52	-0.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97	0.53	+0.44
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.80	0.46	+0.34
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.59	0.23	+0.36

Drawdowns

GLD vs. SLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GLD drawdown since its inception was -45.56%, smaller than the maximum SLV drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GLD and SLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	GLD	SLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.56%	-76.28%	+30.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.10%	-42.45%	+22.35%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.10%	-42.45%	+22.35%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-21.03%	-42.45%	+21.42%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-22.00%	-42.81%	+20.81%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-20.10%	-41.70%	+21.60%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.16%	-44.67%	+28.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.91%	19.98%	-12.07%

Volatility

GLD vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is 5.66%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 17.11%. This indicates that GLD 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

	GLD	SLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.66%	17.11%	-11.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.47%	58.94%	-35.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	26.86%	59.50%	-32.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.07%	36.32%	-18.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.00%	31.94%	-15.94%

GLD vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

GLD has a 0.40% expense ratio, which is lower than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

GLD vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison

Neither GLD nor SLV has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GLD and SLV in my portfolio?

GLD and SLV have a correlation of 0.77, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, GLD or SLV?

SLV has higher volatility (17.11%) compared to GLD (5.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, GLD dropped -45.56% vs SLV's -76.28%.

Which ETF is better, GLD or SLV?

On 10-year performance, SLV leads with 14.72% vs 12.80% for GLD. On fees, GLD is cheaper at 0.40% per year. On volatility, GLD has been the lower-risk option at 5.66%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, GLD or SLV?

Over the 10-year period, SLV has performed better with a 14.72% return vs 12.80%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, GLD or SLV?

GLD is cheaper with a 0.40% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.

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

GLD and SLV have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between GLD and SLV?

GLD is categorized as Gold, while SLV is Silver. GLD tracks LBMA Gold Price PM, while SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.40% for GLD and 0.50% for SLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.52 vs 1.05), 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.