SGDM vs. SLVP: Should Investor Choose a Gold or Silver ETF Right Now? Here's What You Need to Know

Core Viewpoint - The iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP) and the Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) provide distinct investment opportunities in precious metals mining, with SLVP focusing on global silver and metals miners, while SGDM targets U.S. and Canadian gold producers [1]. Cost & Size - SLVP has an expense ratio of 0.39%, making it more affordable compared to SGDM's 0.50% [2][3]. - As of February 16, 2026, SLVP reported a 1-year return of 204.4%, significantly higher than SGDM's 154.3% [2]. - SLVP offers a dividend yield of 1.56%, compared to SGDM's 0.95% [2][3]. - SLVP has assets under management (AUM) of $1.2 billion, while SGDM has $731 million [2]. Performance & Risk Comparison - Over a 5-year period, SLVP experienced a maximum drawdown of -56.18%, while SGDM had a lower drawdown of -49.68% [4]. - An investment of $1,000 in SLVP would have grown to $2,533 over 5 years, whereas the same investment in SGDM would have grown to $2,948 [4]. Portfolio Composition - SGDM consists of 40 companies, primarily focused on North American gold miners, with major holdings including Agnico Eagle Mines, Newmont, and Wheaton Precious Metals, which together represent over 25% of its assets [5]. - SLVP also focuses on basic materials but emphasizes global silver and metals miners, with top holdings including Hecla Mining, Industrias Peñoles, and Fresnillo [6]. Market Context - Precious metals are viewed as "safe haven" investments, attracting investors amid stock market volatility [7]. - Silver has shown more volatility recently, as indicated by SLVP's higher beta and greater maximum drawdown, but it has also delivered higher 12-month total returns compared to SGDM [8].