SUSL vs. SLV

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SUSL (iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - SUSL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the MSCI USA Extended ESG Leaders Index, while SLV is a Silver fund tracking the LBMA Silver Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, SUSL returned 13.77%/yr vs 20.76%/yr for SLV. At a 0.21 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SUSL charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SLV.

Performance

SUSL vs. SLV - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SUSL achieves a 9.27% return, which is significantly higher than SLV's 2.78% return.

SUSL

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 4.53%
• YTD: 9.27%
• 6M: 10.06%
• 1Y: 27.64%
• 3Y*: 22.34%
• 5Y*: 13.77%
• 10Y*: —

SLV

• 1D: -2.62%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 2.78%
• 6M: 24.76%
• 1Y: 110.59%
• 3Y*: 45.06%
• 5Y*: 20.76%
• 10Y*: 15.55%

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

SUSL vs. SLV - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
SUSL iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF	9.27%	18.97%	23.51%	29.08%	-20.22%	31.53%	18.89%	16.29%
SLV iShares Silver Trust	2.78%	144.66%	20.89%	-1.09%	2.37%	-12.45%	47.30%	20.52%

Correlation

The correlation between SUSL and SLV is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.24
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.22
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 13, 2019	0.21

SUSL vs. SLV - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SUSL	SLV
Technology	36.9%	-
Communication Services	14.5%	-
Financial Services	10.6%	-
Healthcare	9.6%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	-
Industrials	8.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.2%	-
Real Estate	2.2%	-
Basic Materials	2.1%	100.0%
Energy	2.1%	-
Utilities	1.1%	-

Return for Risk

SUSL vs. SLV — Risk / Return Rank

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

SUSL

SUSL Risk / Return Rank: 60
SUSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
SUSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
SUSL Omega Ratio Rank: 62
SUSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 50
SUSL Martin Ratio Rank: 59

SLV

SLV Risk / Return Rank: 47
SLV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
SLV Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
SLV Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SLV Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
SLV Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

SUSL vs. SLV - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV). 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.

	SUSL	SLV	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.14	1.89	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.99	2.07	+0.93
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.38	1.35	+0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.44	2.62	-0.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.49	5.64	+4.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SUSL vs. SLV - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SUSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.14, which is comparable to the SLV Sharpe Ratio of 1.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SUSL and SLV, 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

	SUSL	SLV	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.14	1.89	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.79	0.58	+0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.49	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.85	0.25	+0.61

Drawdowns

SUSL vs. SLV - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SUSL drawdown since its inception was -34.26%, smaller than the maximum SLV drawdown of -76.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SUSL and SLV.

Drawdown Indicators

	SUSL	SLV	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.26%	-76.28%	+42.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.37%	-42.45%	+31.08%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.91%	-42.45%	+22.54%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.98%	-42.45%	+15.47%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.81%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.38%	-37.30%	+35.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-44.67%	+38.97%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	19.67%	-17.03%

Volatility

SUSL vs. SLV - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF (SUSL) is 3.68%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has a volatility of 16.30%. This indicates that SUSL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SLV based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SUSL	SLV	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.68%	16.30%	-12.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	58.31%	-48.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.98%	58.90%	-45.92%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.48%	36.15%	-18.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.80%	31.84%	-12.04%

SUSL vs. SLV - Expense Ratio Comparison

SUSL has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than SLV's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SUSL vs. SLV - Dividend Comparison

SUSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.93%, while SLV has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
SLV iShares Silver Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SUSL iShares ESG MSCI USA Leaders ETF	0.93%	0.99%	1.10%	1.27%	1.57%	1.12%	1.38%	1.12%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SUSL and SLV in my portfolio?

SUSL and SLV have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SUSL or SLV?

SLV has higher volatility (16.30%) compared to SUSL (3.68%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SUSL dropped -34.26% vs SLV's -76.28%.

Which ETF is better, SUSL or SLV?

On 5-year performance, SLV leads with 20.76% vs 13.77% for SUSL. On fees, SUSL is cheaper at 0.10% per year. On volatility, SUSL has been the lower-risk option at 3.68%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SUSL or SLV?

Over the 5-year period, SLV has performed better with a 20.76% return vs 13.77%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SUSL or SLV?

SUSL is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SLV.

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

SUSL has the higher dividend yield at 0.93%, compared with 0.00% for SLV.

What is the main difference between SUSL and SLV?

SUSL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SLV is Silver. SUSL tracks MSCI USA Extended ESG Leaders Index, while SLV tracks LBMA Silver Price. Their fees differ too: 0.10% for SUSL and 0.50% for SLV.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SUSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.14 vs 1.89), 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.