SLV vs. ETHA

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SLV (iShares Silver Trust) and ETHA (iShares Ethereum Trust ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price, while ETHA is a Cryptocurrency fund tracking the CME CF Ether Dollar Reference Rate - New York Variant. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SLV returned 85.90% vs -34.33% for ETHA. At a 0.20 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SLV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for ETHA.

Performance

SLV vs. ETHA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLV achieves a -4.86% return, which is significantly higher than ETHA's -43.96% return.

SLV

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -18.83%
• YTD: -4.86%
• 6M: 9.25%
• 1Y: 85.90%
• 3Y*: 41.27%
• 5Y*: 18.83%
• 10Y*: 13.99%

ETHA

• 1D: -1.02%
• 1M: -27.59%
• YTD: -43.96%
• 6M: -45.98%
• 1Y: -34.33%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SLV vs. ETHA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
SLV iShares Silver Trust	-4.86%	144.66%	-1.13%
ETHA iShares Ethereum Trust ETF	-43.96%	-11.31%	-4.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SLV and ETHA is 0.23, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.23
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 23, 2024	0.20

Return for Risk

SLV vs. ETHA — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLV

SLV Risk / Return Rank: 42
SLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
SLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SLV Omega Ratio Rank: 53
SLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 43
SLV Martin Ratio Rank: 32

ETHA

ETHA Risk / Return Rank: 5
ETHA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Omega Ratio Rank: 6
ETHA Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
ETHA Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

SLV vs. ETHA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA). 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.

	SLV	ETHA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	-0.56	+1.99
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	-0.51	+2.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	0.94	+0.35
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	-0.57	+2.46
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.10	-0.98	+5.08

SLV vs. ETHA - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is higher than the ETHA Sharpe Ratio of -0.56. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLV and ETHA, 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

SLV vs. ETHA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLV drawdown since its inception was -76.28%, which is greater than ETHA's maximum drawdown of -67.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLV and ETHA.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLV	ETHA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.28%	-67.56%	-8.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-45.40%	-67.56%	+22.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-45.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.40%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-41.96%	-65.65%	+23.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-44.66%	-33.25%	-11.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.88%	39.22%	-18.34%

Volatility

SLV vs. ETHA - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is 16.34%, while iShares Ethereum Trust ETF (ETHA) has a volatility of 17.30%. This indicates that SLV experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ETHA based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLV	ETHA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.34%	17.30%	-0.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	59.10%	46.58%	+12.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	59.82%	69.29%	-9.47%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.46%	72.65%	-36.19%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.00%	72.65%	-40.65%

SLV vs. ETHA - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than ETHA's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLV vs. ETHA - Dividend Comparison

Neither SLV nor ETHA has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLV and ETHA in my portfolio?

SLV and ETHA have a correlation of 0.23, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLV or ETHA?

ETHA has higher volatility (17.30%) compared to SLV (16.34%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLV dropped -76.28% vs ETHA's -67.56%.

Which ETF is better, SLV or ETHA?

On 1-year performance, SLV leads with 85.90% vs -34.33% for ETHA. On fees, ETHA is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, SLV has been the lower-risk option at 16.34%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLV or ETHA?

Over the 1-year period, SLV has performed better with a 85.90% return vs -34.33%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLV or ETHA?

ETHA is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.

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

SLV and ETHA have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between SLV and ETHA?

SLV is categorized as Silver, while ETHA is Cryptocurrency. SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price, while ETHA tracks CME CF Ether Dollar Reference Rate - New York Variant. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SLV and 0.25% for ETHA.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.44 vs -0.56), 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.