IYW vs. SLV
IYW (iShares U.S. Technology ETF) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - IYW is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, IYW returned 26.11%/yr vs 15.55%/yr for SLV. At a 0.18 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IYW charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.
Performance
IYW vs. SLV - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, IYW achieves a 29.03% return, which is significantly higher than SLV's 2.78% return. Over the past 10 years, IYW has outperformed SLV with an annualized return of 26.11%, while SLV has yielded a comparatively lower 15.55% annualized return.
IYW
- 1D
- -0.92%
- 1M
- 16.53%
- YTD
- 29.03%
- 6M
- 28.22%
- 1Y
- 59.52%
- 3Y*
- 35.24%
- 5Y*
- 22.87%
- 10Y*
- 26.11%
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%
IYW vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IYW iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 29.03% | 25.38% | 30.25% | 65.44% | -34.83% | 35.44% | 47.45% | 46.64% | -0.93% | 36.60% |
SLV iShares Silver Trust | 2.78% | 144.66% | 20.89% | -1.09% | 2.37% | -12.45% | 47.30% | 14.88% | -9.19% | 5.82% |
Correlation
The correlation between IYW and SLV is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.25 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.23 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.21 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.17 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 1, 2006 | 0.18 |
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
IYW vs. SLV — Risk / Return Rank
IYW
SLV
IYW vs. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) 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.
| IYW | SLV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.09 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.63 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.48 | 1.35 | +0.13 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 3.36 | 2.62 | +0.74 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 11.00 | 5.64 | +5.35 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| IYW | SLV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 2.98 | 1.89 | +1.09 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.89 | 0.58 | +0.31 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 1.04 | 0.49 | +0.55 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.35 | 0.25 | +0.11 |
Drawdowns
IYW vs. SLV - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum IYW drawdown since its inception was -81.90%, which is greater than SLV's maximum drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IYW and SLV.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| IYW | SLV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -81.90% | -76.28% | -5.62% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -17.81% | -42.45% | +24.64% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -26.47% | -42.45% | +15.98% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -39.44% | -42.45% | +3.01% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -39.44% | -42.81% | +3.37% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -0.92% | -37.30% | +36.38% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -34.66% | -44.67% | +10.01% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 5.43% | 19.67% | -14.24% |
Volatility
IYW vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for iShares U.S. Technology ETF (IYW) is 6.30%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 16.30%. This indicates that IYW 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.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| IYW | SLV | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 6.30% | 16.30% | -10.00% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 15.85% | 58.31% | -42.46% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 20.09% | 58.90% | -38.81% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 25.87% | 36.15% | -10.28% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 25.09% | 31.84% | -6.75% |
IYW vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison
IYW has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.
Dividends
IYW vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison
IYW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.11%, while SLV has not paid dividends to shareholders.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IYW iShares U.S. Technology ETF | 0.11% | 0.14% | 0.21% | 0.34% | 0.50% | 0.31% | 0.56% | 0.72% | 0.92% | 0.82% | 1.14% | 1.12% |
SLV iShares Silver Trust | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
IYW and SLV have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
SLV has higher volatility (16.30%) compared to IYW (6.30%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IYW dropped -81.90% vs SLV's -76.28%.
On 10-year performance, IYW leads with 26.11% vs 15.55% for SLV. On fees, IYW is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IYW has been the lower-risk option at 6.30%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 10-year period, IYW has performed better with a 26.11% return vs 15.55%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
IYW is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.
IYW has the higher dividend yield at 0.11%, compared with 0.00% for SLV.
IYW is categorized as Technology Equities, while SLV is Silver. IYW tracks Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index, while SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IYW and 0.50% for SLV.
IYW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.98 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.
Find the right allocation for IYW and SLV
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer