SIL vs. IBIT

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

SIL (Global X Silver Miners ETF) and IBIT (iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SIL is a Silver fund tracking the Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index, while IBIT is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SIL returned 49.99% vs -44.68% for IBIT. At a 0.22 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SIL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IBIT.

Performance

SIL vs. IBIT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIL achieves a -14.38% return, which is significantly higher than IBIT's -25.70% return.

SIL

• 1D: -0.46%
• 1M: -14.60%
• 6M: -27.29%
• YTD: -14.38%
• 1Y: 49.99%
• 3Y*: 39.46%
• 5Y*: 13.28%
• 10Y*: 5.73%
• ALL TIME*: 4.10%

IBIT

• 1D: 1.49%
• 1M: 3.57%
• 6M: -31.99%
• YTD: -25.70%
• 1Y: -44.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 11.65%

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

SIL vs. IBIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SIL Global X Silver Miners ETF	-14.38%	166.16%	22.02%
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	-25.70%	-6.41%	89.87%

Correlation

The correlation between SIL and IBIT is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 11, 2024	0.22

Return for Risk

SIL vs. IBIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIL

SIL Risk / Return Rank: 33
SIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
SIL Omega Ratio Rank: 36
SIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
SIL Martin Ratio Rank: 28

IBIT

IBIT Risk / Return Rank: 2
IBIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Omega Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 2
IBIT Martin Ratio Rank: 2

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.

SIL vs. IBIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) and iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT). 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.

	SIL	IBIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	-1.01	+1.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.42	-1.50	+2.92
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	0.83	+0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.27	-0.84	+2.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.88	-1.34	+4.22

SIL vs. IBIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIL Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is higher than the IBIT Sharpe Ratio of -1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIL and IBIT, 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

SIL vs. IBIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIL drawdown since its inception was -82.99%, which is greater than IBIT's maximum drawdown of -53.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIL and IBIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIL	IBIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.99%	-53.30%	-29.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-39.41%	-53.30%	+13.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-39.41%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.73%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.04%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-39.41%	-48.25%	+8.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-51.30%	-17.81%	-33.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	17.40%	33.42%	-16.02%

Volatility

SIL vs. IBIT - Volatility Comparison

Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) has a higher volatility of 11.76% compared to iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT) at 10.67%. This indicates that SIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IBIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIL	IBIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.76%	10.67%	+1.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	44.07%	34.60%	+9.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	53.06%	44.40%	+8.66%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.97%	49.85%	-9.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.77%	49.85%	-10.08%

SIL vs. IBIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than IBIT's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIL vs. IBIT - Dividend Comparison

SIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.42%, while IBIT has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IBIT iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SIL Global X Silver Miners ETF	1.42%	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 SIL and IBIT in my portfolio?

SIL and IBIT have a correlation of 0.31, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SIL or IBIT?

SIL has higher volatility (11.76%) compared to IBIT (10.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIL dropped -82.99% vs IBIT's -53.30%.

Which ETF is better, SIL or IBIT?

On 1-year performance, SIL leads with 49.99% vs -44.68% for IBIT. On fees, IBIT is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IBIT has been the lower-risk option at 10.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIL or IBIT?

Over the 1-year period, SIL has performed better with a 49.99% return vs -44.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIL or IBIT?

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

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

SIL has the higher dividend yield at 1.42%, compared with 0.00% for IBIT.

What is the main difference between SIL and IBIT?

SIL is categorized as Silver, while IBIT is Cryptocurrency. SIL tracks Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index, while IBIT tracks CME CF Bitcoin Reference Rate - New York Variant. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SIL and 0.25% for IBIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.95 vs -1.01), 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.