SIL vs. VDC

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SIL (Global X Silver Miners ETF) and VDC (Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SIL is a Silver fund tracking the Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index, while VDC is a Consumer Staples Equities fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SIL returned 9.80%/yr vs 8.03%/yr for VDC. At a 0.19 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SIL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.09%/yr for VDC.

Performance

SIL vs. VDC - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SIL achieves a -2.20% return, which is significantly lower than VDC's 10.55% return. Over the past 10 years, SIL has outperformed VDC with an annualized return of 9.80%, while VDC has yielded a comparatively lower 8.03% annualized return.

SIL

• 1D: 3.27%
• 1M: -10.83%
• YTD: -2.20%
• 6M: 0.10%
• 1Y: 69.43%
• 3Y*: 46.50%
• 5Y*: 12.56%
• 10Y*: 9.80%

VDC

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 0.43%
• YTD: 10.55%
• 6M: 8.59%
• 1Y: 8.56%
• 3Y*: 9.05%
• 5Y*: 7.16%
• 10Y*: 8.03%

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

SIL vs. VDC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SIL Global X Silver Miners ETF	-2.20%	166.16%	14.62%	1.31%	-22.83%	-18.35%	40.30%	34.78%	-22.42%	1.67%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	10.55%	2.17%	13.30%	2.38%	-1.79%	17.64%	10.86%	26.11%	-7.79%	11.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SIL and VDC is 0.05, meaning there is essentially no relationship between their price movements. Each responds to its own set of market drivers, making them strong candidates for combining in a diversified portfolio.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.05
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.13
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 20, 2010	0.19

The correlation between SIL and VDC shifts across timeframes, from 0.05 (1 year) to 0.20 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SIL vs. VDC - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SIL	VDC
Basic Materials	99.8%	0.3%
Consumer Defensive	0.2%	97.5%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	1.8%
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.0%
Industrials	-	0.3%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SIL vs. VDC — Risk / Return Rank

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

SIL

SIL Risk / Return Rank: 41
SIL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 44
SIL Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
SIL Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SIL Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
SIL Martin Ratio Rank: 37

VDC

VDC Risk / Return Rank: 19
VDC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
VDC Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
VDC Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VDC Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
VDC Martin Ratio Rank: 18

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. VDC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) and Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC). 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	VDC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	0.58	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.79	0.93	+0.86
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.11	+0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.91	0.79	+1.12
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.09	1.60	+3.49

SIL vs. VDC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SIL Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is higher than the VDC Sharpe Ratio of 0.58. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SIL and VDC, 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. VDC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SIL drawdown since its inception was -82.99%, which is greater than VDC's maximum drawdown of -34.24%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SIL and VDC.

Drawdown Indicators

	SIL	VDC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-82.99%	-34.24%	-48.75%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-37.08%	-9.28%	-27.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.08%	-11.78%	-25.30%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-52.77%	-16.55%	-36.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-63.04%	-25.31%	-37.73%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.80%	-4.37%	-26.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-51.40%	-3.73%	-47.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.90%	4.57%	+9.33%

Volatility

SIL vs. VDC - Volatility Comparison

Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) has a higher volatility of 19.29% compared to Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF (VDC) at 4.62%. This indicates that SIL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VDC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SIL	VDC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.29%	4.62%	+14.67%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	43.57%	10.02%	+33.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.69%	12.57%	+39.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	39.64%	13.17%	+26.47%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	39.81%	14.66%	+25.15%

SIL vs. VDC - Expense Ratio Comparison

SIL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than VDC's 0.09% expense ratio.

Dividends

SIL vs. VDC - Dividend Comparison

SIL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.21%, less than VDC's 2.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SIL Global X Silver Miners ETF	1.21%	1.18%	2.40%	0.59%	0.48%	1.59%	1.92%	1.53%	1.21%	0.02%	3.34%	0.38%
VDC Vanguard Consumer Staples ETF	2.08%	2.26%	2.33%	2.65%	2.37%	2.14%	2.50%	2.44%	2.78%	2.52%	2.39%	2.55%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SIL and VDC in my portfolio?

SIL and VDC have a correlation of 0.05, 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 VDC?

SIL has higher volatility (19.29%) compared to VDC (4.62%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SIL dropped -82.99% vs VDC's -34.24%.

Which ETF is better, SIL or VDC?

On 10-year performance, SIL leads with 9.80% vs 8.03% for VDC. On fees, VDC is cheaper at 0.09% per year. On volatility, VDC has been the lower-risk option at 4.62%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SIL or VDC?

Over the 10-year period, SIL has performed better with a 9.80% return vs 8.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SIL or VDC?

VDC is cheaper with a 0.09% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for SIL.

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

VDC has the higher dividend yield at 2.08%, compared with 1.21% for SIL.

What is the main difference between SIL and VDC?

SIL is categorized as Silver, while VDC is Consumer Staples Equities. SIL tracks Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index, while VDC tracks MSCI US Investable Market Consumer Staples 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SIL and 0.09% for VDC.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SIL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 0.58), 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.