IBIT vs. SLV
IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IBIT returned -43.61% vs 58.79% for SLV. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBIT charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.
Performance
IBIT vs. SLV - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IBIT achieves a -31.78% return, which is significantly lower than SLV's -19.62% return.
IBIT
- 1D
- -4.08%
- 1M
- -21.16%
- YTD
- -31.78%
- 6M
- -31.52%
- 1Y
- -43.61%
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
SLV
- 1D
- -7.09%
- 1M
- -24.25%
- YTD
- -19.62%
- 6M
- -20.61%
- 1Y
- 58.79%
- 3Y*
- 36.01%
- 5Y*
- 16.45%
- 10Y*
- 11.85%
IBIT vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | |
|---|---|---|---|
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF | -31.78% | -6.41% | 89.87% |
SLV iShares Silver Trust | -19.62% | 144.66% | 25.74% |
Correlation
The correlation between IBIT and SLV is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.27 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024 | 0.22 |
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Return for Risk
IBIT vs. SLV — Risk / Return Rank
IBIT
SLV
IBIT vs. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) 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.
| IBIT | SLV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -1.96 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -2.84 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 0.84 | 1.22 | -0.38 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | -0.83 | 1.16 | -1.99 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | -1.42 | 2.66 | -4.08 |
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Drawdowns
IBIT vs. SLV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IBIT drawdown since its inception was -52.49%, smaller than the maximum SLV drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBIT and SLV.
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Drawdown Indicators
| IBIT | SLV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -52.49% | -76.28% | +23.79% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -52.49% | -50.97% | -1.52% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -50.97% | — |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | — | -50.97% | — |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -50.97% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -52.49% | -50.97% | -1.52% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -16.91% | -44.66% | +27.75% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 30.76% | 22.14% | +8.62% |
Volatility
IBIT vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) is 13.48%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 15.67%. This indicates that IBIT 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.
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Volatility by Period
| IBIT | SLV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 13.48% | 15.67% | -2.19% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 34.60% | 59.65% | -25.05% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 44.48% | 60.78% | -16.30% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 50.25% | 36.73% | +13.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 50.25% | 32.16% | +18.09% |
IBIT vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison
IBIT has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.
Dividends
IBIT vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison
Neither IBIT nor SLV has paid dividends to shareholders.
Frequently Asked Questions
IBIT and SLV have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SLV has higher volatility (15.67%) compared to IBIT (13.48%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBIT dropped -52.49% vs SLV's -76.28%.
On 1-year performance, SLV leads with 58.79% vs -43.61% for IBIT. On fees, IBIT is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IBIT has been the lower-risk option at 13.48%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 1-year period, SLV has performed better with a 58.79% return vs -43.61%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IBIT is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.
IBIT and SLV have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.
IBIT is categorized as Cryptocurrency, while SLV is Silver. IBIT tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant, while SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for IBIT and 0.50% for SLV.
SLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs -0.98), 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.
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