SLVR vs. GLDI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SLVR (Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF) and GLDI (Credit Suisse X-Links Gold Shares Covered Call ETN) are both exchange-traded funds - SLVR is a Silver fund tracking the Nasdaq Sprott Silver Miners™ Index, while GLDI is a Precious Metals fund tracking the Credit Suisse NASDAQ Gold FLOWS 103 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SLVR returned 118.11% vs 21.23% for GLDI. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.65% expense ratio.

Performance

SLVR vs. GLDI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF (SLVR) and Credit Suisse X-Links Gold Shares Covered Call ETN (GLDI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SLVR achieves a 6.80% return, which is significantly higher than GLDI's 2.06% return.

SLVR

• 1D: -5.47%
• 1M: 1.96%
• YTD: 6.80%
• 6M: 18.93%
• 1Y: 118.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLDI

• 1D: -0.81%
• 1M: 0.90%
• YTD: 2.06%
• 6M: 4.42%
• 1Y: 21.23%
• 3Y*: 19.54%
• 5Y*: 11.15%
• 10Y*: 8.99%

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

SLVR vs. GLDI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SLVR Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF	6.80%	170.44%
GLDI Credit Suisse X-Links Gold Shares Covered Call ETN	2.06%	31.26%

Correlation

The correlation between SLVR and GLDI is 0.66, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 16, 2025	0.65

The correlation between SLVR and GLDI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.65 to 0.66 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

SLVR vs. GLDI — Risk / Return Rank

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

SLVR

SLVR Risk / Return Rank: 51
SLVR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SLVR Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
SLVR Omega Ratio Rank: 48
SLVR Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
SLVR Martin Ratio Rank: 46

GLDI

GLDI Risk / Return Rank: 38
GLDI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
GLDI Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
GLDI Omega Ratio Rank: 47
GLDI Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
GLDI Martin Ratio Rank: 38

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.

SLVR vs. GLDI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF (SLVR) and Credit Suisse X-Links Gold Shares Covered Call ETN (GLDI). 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.

	SLVR	GLDI	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.93	1.46	+0.46
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.25	1.90	+0.35
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.30	+0.01
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.08	1.55	+1.52
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.66	6.07	+1.59
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SLVR vs. GLDI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SLVR Sharpe Ratio is 1.93, which is higher than the GLDI Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SLVR and GLDI, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SLVR	GLDI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.93	1.46	+0.46
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.79	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.02	0.37	+1.65

Drawdowns

SLVR vs. GLDI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SLVR drawdown since its inception was -38.60%, which is greater than GLDI's maximum drawdown of -32.26%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SLVR and GLDI.

Drawdown Indicators

	SLVR	GLDI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.60%	-32.26%	-6.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-38.60%	-13.73%	-24.87%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-14.07%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-14.94%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-28.51%	-7.37%	-21.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.24%	-14.00%	+4.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.47%	3.50%	+11.97%

Volatility

SLVR vs. GLDI - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF (SLVR) has a higher volatility of 19.31% compared to Credit Suisse X-Links Gold Shares Covered Call ETN (GLDI) at 3.88%. This indicates that SLVR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than GLDI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SLVR	GLDI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.31%	3.88%	+15.43%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	51.02%	12.87%	+38.15%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.64%	14.57%	+47.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	57.85%	11.31%	+46.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	57.85%	11.35%	+46.50%

SLVR vs. GLDI - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both SLVR and GLDI have an expense ratio of 0.65%.

Dividends

SLVR vs. GLDI - Dividend Comparison

SLVR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.45%, less than GLDI's 22.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
GLDI Credit Suisse X-Links Gold Shares Covered Call ETN	22.37%	16.15%	10.45%	10.02%	13.73%	10.65%	14.25%	7.25%	5.33%	7.77%	17.26%	10.07%
SLVR Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF	3.45%	3.68%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SLVR and GLDI in my portfolio?

SLVR and GLDI have a correlation of 0.66, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SLVR or GLDI?

SLVR has higher volatility (19.31%) compared to GLDI (3.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SLVR dropped -38.60% vs GLDI's -32.26%.

Which ETF is better, SLVR or GLDI?

On 1-year performance, SLVR leads with 118.11% vs 21.23% for GLDI. Both ETFs have the same 0.65% expense ratio. On volatility, GLDI has been the lower-risk option at 3.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SLVR or GLDI?

Over the 1-year period, SLVR has performed better with a 118.11% return vs 21.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SLVR or GLDI?

SLVR and GLDI have the same expense ratio: 0.65% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SLVR or GLDI?

GLDI has the higher dividend yield at 22.37%, compared with 3.45% for SLVR.

What is the main difference between SLVR and GLDI?

SLVR is categorized as Silver, while GLDI is Precious Metals. SLVR tracks Nasdaq Sprott Silver Miners™ Index, while GLDI tracks Credit Suisse NASDAQ Gold FLOWS 103 Index. They also come from different issuers: Sprott and Credit Suisse.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SLVR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 1.46), 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.