ISVL vs. SLV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ISVL (iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - ISVL is a Small Cap Value Equities fund tracking the FTSE Developed ex US ex Korea Small Cap Focused Value Index, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, ISVL returned 10.07%/yr vs 20.76%/yr for SLV. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ISVL charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.

Performance

ISVL vs. SLV - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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, ISVL achieves a 8.45% return, which is significantly higher than SLV's 2.78% return.

ISVL

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: 2.16%
• YTD: 8.45%
• 6M: 12.58%
• 1Y: 28.37%
• 3Y*: 21.34%
• 5Y*: 10.07%
• 10Y*: —

SLV

• 1D: -2.62%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 2.78%
• 6M: 24.76%
• 1Y: 110.59%
• 3Y*: 45.06%
• 5Y*: 20.76%
• 10Y*: 15.55%

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

ISVL vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	8.45%	42.84%	4.58%	17.56%	-13.69%	7.69%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	2.78%	144.66%	20.89%	-1.09%	2.37%	-7.64%

Correlation

The correlation between ISVL and SLV is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.44
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 26, 2021	0.44

ISVL vs. SLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISVL	SLV
Industrials	23.3%	-
Financial Services	20.8%	-
Real Estate	11.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.4%	-
Basic Materials	9.1%	100.0%
Energy	7.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.3%	-
Technology	4.7%	-
Healthcare	3.7%	-
Communication Services	3.0%	-
Utilities	1.5%	-

Return for Risk

ISVL vs. SLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

ISVL

ISVL Risk / Return Rank: 54
ISVL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
ISVL Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
ISVL Omega Ratio Rank: 58
ISVL Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
ISVL Martin Ratio Rank: 52

SLV

SLV Risk / Return Rank: 47
SLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SLV Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SLV Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

ISVL vs. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) 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.

	ISVL	SLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.98	1.89	+0.09
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.78	2.07	+0.71
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.35	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.28	2.62	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.95	5.64	+3.31
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ISVL vs. SLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISVL Sharpe Ratio is 1.98, which is comparable to the SLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISVL 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

	ISVL	SLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.98	1.89	+0.09
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60	0.58	+0.02
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.70	0.25	+0.45

Drawdowns

ISVL vs. SLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISVL drawdown since its inception was -30.48%, smaller than the maximum SLV drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISVL and SLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISVL	SLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.48%	-76.28%	+45.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.48%	-42.45%	+29.97%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.93%	-42.45%	+29.52%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.48%	-42.45%	+11.97%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.16%	-37.30%	+35.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.66%	-44.67%	+38.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.18%	19.67%	-16.49%

Volatility

ISVL vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF (ISVL) is 4.54%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 16.30%. This indicates that ISVL 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

	ISVL	SLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.54%	16.30%	-11.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.01%	58.31%	-46.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.47%	58.90%	-44.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.90%	36.15%	-19.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.78%	31.84%	-15.06%

ISVL vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISVL has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISVL vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison

ISVL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.48%, while SLV has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
ISVL iShares International Developed Small Cap Value Factor ETF	2.48%	2.69%	3.92%	3.82%	3.37%	2.82%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ISVL and SLV in my portfolio?

ISVL and SLV have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISVL or SLV?

SLV has higher volatility (16.30%) compared to ISVL (4.54%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISVL dropped -30.48% vs SLV's -76.28%.

Which ETF is better, ISVL or SLV?

On 5-year performance, SLV leads with 20.76% vs 10.07% for ISVL. On fees, ISVL is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, ISVL has been the lower-risk option at 4.54%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISVL or SLV?

Over the 5-year period, SLV has performed better with a 20.76% return vs 10.07%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISVL or SLV?

ISVL is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.

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

ISVL has the higher dividend yield at 2.48%, compared with 0.00% for SLV.

What is the main difference between ISVL and SLV?

ISVL is categorized as Small Cap Value Equities, while SLV is Silver. ISVL tracks FTSE Developed ex US ex Korea Small Cap Focused Value Index, while SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for ISVL and 0.50% for SLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ISVL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.98 vs 1.89), 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.