Dividend comparison

SLV vs PSLV: Which Is Better?

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

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SLV vs PSLV: key differences
The short answer, from the latest data on this page.
  • Performance. Over the last 5 years, SLV returned 131.3% versus 119.5% for PSLV, with dividends reinvested. $10,000 would have grown to $23,134 in SLV and $21,953 in PSLV.
  • Risk. Their worst declines over the last 5 years were similar: -52.4% for SLV and -50.8% for PSLV from peak to trough.

Bottom line: SLV has the edge on these figures, with stronger 5-year returns. PSLV does not lead on any of the measures compared here.

Side-by-side snapshot
Trailing twelve-month figures where available. Higher yield is highlighted — not a buy recommendation.
MetricSLV
iShares Silver Trust
PSLV
Sprott Physical Silver Trust
Price$52.12$18.66
Beta1.260.48
Max drawdown (5Y)-52.4%-50.8%
Market cap$28.39B$11.68B
ExchangeAMEXAMEX
Expense ratio0.50%—
Assets under management$28.46B—
Income on a $10,000 investment
Illustrative only — assumes current TTM yield stays constant. Actual distributions change.

SLV

—/mo

Yield data unavailable

PSLV

—/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 $23,134 in SLV and $21,953 in PSLV.
PeriodSLVPSLV
1 month-13.03%-14.05%
3 months2.24%3.44%
Year to date-19.09%-21.10%
1 year9.22%6.63%
3 years143.55%136.50%
5 years131.34%119.53%
  • SLV
  • PSLV
52217382202120222023202420252026231220

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.
  • SLV
  • PSLV
0%25%50%75%100%Basic Materials100.0%Cash & Others100.0%

Quick verdict

SLV has the edge on these figures, with stronger 5-year returns. PSLV does not lead on any of the measures compared here. Model the holding inside your real portfolio before deciding.

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Frequently asked questions

Is SLV or PSLV 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 SLV and PSLV?
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is an ETF listed on AMEX. Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) 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 has performed better, SLV or PSLV?
Over the last 5 years, SLV has the higher total return with dividends reinvested: SLV returned 131.3% and PSLV returned 119.5%. Past performance does not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, SLV or PSLV?
Measured by the worst peak-to-trough decline over the last five years, SLV has been riskier: SLV fell as much as 52.4% and PSLV as much as 50.8%. Their betas are 1.26 and 0.48.
Can I hold both SLV and PSLV?
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 SLV vs PSLV with my full portfolio?
Create a free Dividend Wealth account to import or enter holdings, forecast dividend income, and see how SLV and PSLV 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.