Precious Metals Plays: GDX Offers Broader Exposure and Less Volatility Than SLVP

Core Viewpoint - The iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP) and VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) provide different exposures to precious metals mining, with SLVP focusing on silver and GDX on gold, impacting their performance, risk, and investor suitability [2][8]. Cost and Size Comparison - SLVP has an expense ratio of 0.39% and AUM of $816.5 million, while GDX has a higher expense ratio of 0.51% and significantly larger AUM of $27.01 billion [3]. - The one-year return for SLVP is 158.6%, compared to GDX's 132.9%, indicating SLVP's stronger recent performance [3]. Performance and Risk Comparison - Over five years, SLVP has a max drawdown of 56.22%, while GDX has a lower max drawdown of 46.52% [4]. - The growth of $1,000 over five years is $2,208 for SLVP and $2,555 for GDX, showing GDX's superior long-term performance despite its higher expense ratio [4][10]. Portfolio Composition - GDX consists of 55 holdings, including major companies like Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd and Newmont Corp, focusing on global gold mining [5]. - SLVP holds 41 companies, primarily in silver and diversified metals, with major positions in Hecla Mining and Fresnillo Plc, indicating a more concentrated investment strategy [7]. Investor Implications - GDX's larger AUM and lower beta of 0.87 suggest it is less volatile than the market, making it a more stable investment option for those seeking exposure to precious metals [8]. - SLVP, while more volatile due to silver's industrial uses, has performed better over the past year, potentially appealing to investors looking for higher short-term gains [9][11].