Dividend comparison

GLD vs SLV: Which Is Better?

Fees, yield, total returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history for SPDR Gold Shares and iShares Silver Trust, side by side. Updated October 21, 2026.

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GLD vs SLV: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
  • Fees. GLD is cheaper at 0.40% a year versus 0.50% for SLV. On $10,000 that is $10 a year less in fees.
  • Performance. Over the last 5 years, SLV returned 131.3% versus 126.3% for GLD, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $23,134 in SLV and $22,627 in GLD.
  • Risk. SLV has been the bumpier ride. Its worst peak-to-trough decline over the last 5 years was -52.4%, against -26.4% for GLD.
  • Size. GLD is the larger fund with $141.1 billion in assets, against $28.5 billion for SLV.

Bottom line: GLD fits better if you care most about lower fees and smaller drawdowns. SLV fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns.

Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
MetricGLD
SPDR Gold Shares
SLV
iShares Silver Trust
Price$377.65$52.12
Beta0.451.26
Max drawdown (5Y)-26.4%-52.4%
Market cap$141.19B$28.39B
ExchangeAMEXAMEX
Expense ratio0.40%0.50%
Assets under management$141.12B$28.46B
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.

GLD

—/mo

Yield data unavailable

SLV

—/mo

Yield data unavailable

Strategy: Precious metals
Funds that hold physical gold or silver in vaults, or the companies that mine it. Physical-metal funds that hold the same bullion differ mainly in fee, share price and trading liquidity, while miner funds behave like leveraged equity bets on the metal price. None of them pay a dividend from the metal itself.

Metal prices can fall for years with no income to cushion the decline, and gains in physical-metal funds can be taxed at the higher collectibles rate in the US.

Performance
Total returns with dividends reinvested, from the adjusted closing price series. $10,000 invested on Oct 20, 2021 would now be worth $22,627 in GLD and $23,134 in SLV.
PeriodGLDSLV
1 month-5.86%-13.03%
3 months2.51%2.24%
Year to date-4.71%-19.09%
1 year-6.33%9.22%
3 years105.70%143.55%
5 years126.27%131.34%
  • GLD
  • SLV
53218382202120222023202420252026226231

Both series indexed to 100 on 2021-10-20 using the adjusted closing price series. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

Sector allocation
Weight of each sector within the fund. Sectors are aligned on the same row so the two funds can be read against each other directly.
  • GLD
  • SLV
0%25%50%75%100%Basic Materials100.0%100.0%Cash & Others100.0%100.0%

Quick verdict

GLD fits better if you care most about lower fees and smaller drawdowns. SLV fits better if you care most about stronger 5-year returns. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.

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Forecast dividend income, track payouts, and see how GLD vs SLV fits with the rest of your holdings. Free to start — no credit card required for the trial.
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Frequently asked questions

Is GLD or SLV better for dividend income?
Compare yield, payout sustainability, and how each fund or stock fits your income goals. Use Dividend Wealth to model both holdings inside a real portfolio forecast.
What is the difference between GLD and SLV?
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) is an ETF listed on AMEX. iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Side-by-side metrics on this page cover yield, fees, returns, drawdowns, holdings overlap and dividend history when available.
Which is cheaper, GLD or SLV?
GLD has the lower expense ratio. GLD charges 0.40% a year and SLV charges 0.50%, a difference of $10 a year on a $10,000 investment.
Which has performed better, GLD or SLV?
Over the last 5 years, SLV has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: GLD returned 126.3% and SLV returned 131.3%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, GLD or SLV?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, SLV has been riskier: GLD fell as much as 26.4% and SLV as much as 52.4%. Their betas are 0.45 and 1.26.
Can I hold both GLD and SLV?
Yes. Many income investors hold both to diversify strategy or index exposure. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on overlapping holdings and factor exposure. Model both inside Dividend Wealth to see combined income, sector mix, and forecast impact.
Where can I compare GLD vs SLV with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how GLD and SLV fit alongside the rest of your portfolio. A 14-day free trial of Standard is available with no credit card required; a limited Free plan is also available.

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For informational and educational purposes only. Not investment advice. Past performance and current yields do not guarantee future results. Verify figures independently before making investment decisions.