SLV vs. VYMI

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SLV (iShares Silver Trust) and VYMI (Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price, while VYMI is a Dividend fund tracking the FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, SLV returned 13.99%/yr vs 11.24%/yr for VYMI. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SLV charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.07%/yr for VYMI.

Performance

SLV vs. VYMI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). 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 lower than VYMI's 12.90% return. Over the past 10 years, SLV has outperformed VYMI with an annualized return of 13.99%, while VYMI has yielded a comparatively lower 11.24% annualized return.

SLV

• 1D: 0.77%
• 1M: -22.76%
• YTD: -4.86%
• 6M: 9.25%
• 1Y: 85.39%
• 3Y*: 41.27%
• 5Y*: 18.83%
• 10Y*: 13.99%

VYMI

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 1.26%
• YTD: 12.90%
• 6M: 14.90%
• 1Y: 29.88%
• 3Y*: 21.73%
• 5Y*: 12.29%
• 10Y*: 11.24%

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

SLV vs. VYMI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
SLV iShares Silver Trust	-4.86%	144.66%	20.89%	-1.09%	2.37%	-12.45%	47.30%	14.88%	-9.19%	5.82%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	12.90%	38.05%	7.06%	17.07%	-7.02%	15.39%	-1.11%	18.43%	-12.65%	22.36%

Correlation

The correlation between SLV and VYMI is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.44
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 2, 2016	0.35

The correlation between SLV and VYMI shifts across timeframes, from 0.35 (all time) to 0.45 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

SLV vs. VYMI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SLV	VYMI
Basic Materials	100.0%	6.8%
Communication Services	-	4.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	6.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	7.0%
Energy	-	9.5%
Financial Services	-	41.9%
Healthcare	-	6.6%
Industrials	-	6.6%
Real Estate	-	1.3%
Technology	-	4.3%
Utilities	-	5.6%

Return for Risk

SLV vs. VYMI — 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

VYMI

VYMI Risk / Return Rank: 76
VYMI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 82
VYMI Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
VYMI Omega Ratio Rank: 80
VYMI Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
VYMI Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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. VYMI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Silver Trust (SLV) and Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI). 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	VYMI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	2.26	-0.82
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	3.08	-1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.41	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.89	2.96	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.10	11.60	-7.50

SLV vs. VYMI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLV Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is lower than the VYMI Sharpe Ratio of 2.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLV and VYMI, 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. VYMI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLV drawdown since its inception was -76.28%, which is greater than VYMI's maximum drawdown of -40.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLV and VYMI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLV	VYMI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.28%	-40.00%	-36.28%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-45.40%	-10.14%	-35.26%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-45.40%	-12.84%	-32.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.40%	-24.05%	-21.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.40%	-40.00%	-5.40%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-41.96%	0.00%	-41.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-44.66%	-6.30%	-38.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	20.88%	2.59%	+18.29%

Volatility

SLV vs. VYMI - Volatility Comparison

iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a higher volatility of 16.34% compared to Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF (VYMI) at 4.40%. This indicates that SLV's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VYMI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLV	VYMI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	16.34%	4.40%	+11.94%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	59.10%	11.15%	+47.95%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	59.82%	13.33%	+46.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.46%	14.90%	+21.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.00%	16.85%	+15.15%

SLV vs. VYMI - Expense Ratio Comparison

SLV has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VYMI's 0.07% expense ratio.

Dividends

SLV vs. VYMI - Dividend Comparison

SLV has not paid dividends to shareholders, while VYMI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.39%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
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%
VYMI Vanguard International High Dividend Yield ETF	3.39%	3.68%	4.84%	4.58%	4.70%	4.30%	3.22%	4.20%	4.29%	3.21%	2.39%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLV and VYMI in my portfolio?

SLV and VYMI have a correlation of 0.45, 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 VYMI?

SLV has higher volatility (16.34%) compared to VYMI (4.40%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLV dropped -76.28% vs VYMI's -40.00%.

Which ETF is better, SLV or VYMI?

On 10-year performance, SLV leads with 13.99% vs 11.24% for VYMI. On fees, VYMI is cheaper at 0.07% per year. On volatility, VYMI has been the lower-risk option at 4.40%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLV or VYMI?

Over the 10-year period, SLV has performed better with a 13.99% return vs 11.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLV or VYMI?

VYMI is cheaper with a 0.07% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.

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

VYMI has the higher dividend yield at 3.39%, compared with 0.00% for SLV.

What is the main difference between SLV and VYMI?

SLV is categorized as Silver, while VYMI is Dividend. SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price, while VYMI tracks FTSE All-World ex US High Dividend Yield Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SLV and 0.07% for VYMI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VYMI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.26 vs 1.44), 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.