Core Insights - Gold and silver are significant precious metals, with the iShares Silver Trust (SLV) tracking physical silver prices and the Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) investing in gold mining stocks [1] Cost & Size - Both SLV and SGDM have an expense ratio of 0.50% - SLV has an AUM of $44.77 billion, while SGDM has $823.11 million [2] - The one-year return for SLV is 137.63%, and for SGDM, it is 149.88% [2][3] Performance & Risk Comparison - Over five years, SLV has a max drawdown of 37.65%, while SGDM has 45.05% [4] - A $1,000 investment in SLV would grow to $2,764, compared to $2,667 for SGDM over the same period [4] Holdings - SGDM, launched 11 years ago, invests in 43 gold mining stocks, with major holdings including Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd., Newmont Corp., and Wheaton Precious Metals Corp. [5] - SLV has been offering exposure to silver for nearly 20 years, holding 100% silver bullion in London [5] Market Context - The current economic climate favors precious metals, as they typically perform better during periods of economic uncertainty, with tariffs and global tensions benefiting gold and silver in 2025 and into 2026 [8] Investment Strategy - Both SLV and SGDM can diversify a portfolio with precious metal-related funds, with the choice depending on investor preference for silver or gold and physical assets versus market-related stocks [9]
SLV vs. SGDM: More Direct Silver Exposure or Investing in Gold Mining?
The Motley Fool·2026-02-15 02:09