PFFV vs. SIL

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

PFFV (Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF) and SIL (Global X Silver Miners ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PFFV is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the ICE U.S. Variable Rate Preferred Securities Index, while SIL is a Silver fund tracking the Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, PFFV returned 1.92%/yr vs 13.58%/yr for SIL. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. PFFV charges 0.25%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for SIL.

Performance

PFFV vs. SIL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) and Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PFFV achieves a 2.14% return, which is significantly higher than SIL's -7.70% return.

PFFV

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: -0.81%
• YTD: 2.14%
• 6M: 1.98%
• 1Y: 3.88%
• 3Y*: 7.44%
• 5Y*: 1.92%
• 10Y*: —

SIL

• 1D: 2.01%
• 1M: -15.59%
• YTD: -7.70%
• 6M: -11.12%
• 1Y: 64.52%
• 3Y*: 45.56%
• 5Y*: 13.58%
• 10Y*: 8.36%

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

PFFV vs. SIL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
PFFV Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF	2.14%	2.08%	9.45%	10.64%	-13.81%	6.35%	13.36%
SIL Global X Silver Miners ETF	-7.70%	166.16%	14.62%	1.31%	-22.83%	-18.35%	28.59%

Correlation

The correlation between PFFV and SIL is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.23
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.27
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 24, 2020	0.25

Return for Risk

PFFV vs. SIL — Risk / Return Rank

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

PFFV

PFFV Risk / Return Rank: 27
PFFV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
PFFV Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
PFFV Omega Ratio Rank: 25
PFFV Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
PFFV Martin Ratio Rank: 27

SIL

SIL Risk / Return Rank: 37
SIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
SIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
SIL Omega Ratio Rank: 38
SIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
SIL Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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.

PFFV vs. SIL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) and Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL). 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.

	PFFV	SIL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.23	-0.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.35	1.67	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.23	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.21	1.75	-0.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.35	4.34	-0.99

PFFV vs. SIL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PFFV Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is comparable to the SIL Sharpe Ratio of 1.23. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PFFV and SIL, 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

PFFV vs. SIL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PFFV drawdown since its inception was -18.96%, smaller than the maximum SIL drawdown of -82.99%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PFFV and SIL.

Drawdown Indicators

	PFFV	SIL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.96%	-82.99%	+64.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.23%	-37.08%	+33.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.07%	-37.08%	+31.01%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.96%	-49.48%	+30.52%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-63.04%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.07%	-34.69%	+33.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.15%	-51.36%	+47.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.16%	14.91%	-13.75%

Volatility

PFFV vs. SIL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF (PFFV) is 1.22%, while Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) has a volatility of 19.42%. This indicates that PFFV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SIL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PFFV	SIL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.22%	19.42%	-18.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.97%	44.35%	-41.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.23%	52.72%	-48.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	8.86%	39.88%	-31.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	8.65%	39.91%	-31.26%

PFFV vs. SIL - Expense Ratio Comparison

PFFV has a 0.25% expense ratio, which is lower than SIL's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

PFFV vs. SIL - Dividend Comparison

PFFV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.18%, more than SIL's 1.28% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PFFV Global X Variable Rate Preferred ETF	8.18%	8.26%	7.33%	7.17%	6.60%	5.23%	2.29%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIL Global X Silver Miners ETF	1.28%	1.18%	2.40%	0.59%	0.48%	1.59%	1.92%	1.53%	1.21%	0.02%	3.34%	0.38%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PFFV and SIL in my portfolio?

PFFV and SIL have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PFFV or SIL?

SIL has higher volatility (19.42%) compared to PFFV (1.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PFFV dropped -18.96% vs SIL's -82.99%.

Which ETF is better, PFFV or SIL?

On 5-year performance, SIL leads with 13.58% vs 1.92% for PFFV. On fees, PFFV is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, PFFV has been the lower-risk option at 1.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PFFV or SIL?

Over the 5-year period, SIL has performed better with a 13.58% return vs 1.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PFFV or SIL?

PFFV is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SIL.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PFFV or SIL?

PFFV has the higher dividend yield at 8.18%, compared with 1.28% for SIL.

What is the main difference between PFFV and SIL?

PFFV is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while SIL is Silver. PFFV tracks ICE U.S. Variable Rate Preferred Securities Index, while SIL tracks Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index. Their fees differ too: 0.25% for PFFV and 0.65% for SIL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.23 vs 0.92), 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.