ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
Global X is known for developing thematic and alternative investment ETFs with a strong emphasis on income-generating strategies. Their 37-fund lineup spans diverse categories including covered call funds, SuperDividend income products, digital assets, commodities, and sector-specific investments, alongside traditional bond and risk-managed income options. Notable tickers like DIV, MLPA, and BCCC reflect their specialization in high-yield and alternative income strategies, positioning them as a provider focused on investors seeking yield-oriented and thematically-driven exposure.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SIL.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on SLV.
Reflect the performance of the price of silver bullion less trust expenses.
Asset class
Equity
Commodity
Inception date
04/19/2010
04/21/2006
Beta
1.06
1.26
Last dividend
$0.1080
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Ex-dividend date
06/29/2026
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Bottom lineChoose SIL if you want higher current income (0.29% while SLV makes no distribution). Choose SLV if you want a non-correlated hedge against inflation and market stress.
Most used
Income calculator
See how much monthly income a hypothetical investment would generate in each ETF at current yields.
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
SIL has lagged SLV over the trailing twelve months, posting a 51.44% total return against 53.54%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: SLV has compounded at 10.61% a year, against 5.65% for SIL. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 14, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Apr 2010” measures every fund from April 20, 2010 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window. Volatility is the annualized standard deviation of daily total returns over the trailing 3 years. Sharpe and Sortino divide the annualized return in excess of the risk-free rate by, respectively, that volatility and the downside deviation (both over the trailing 3 years) — higher is better. Max drawdown is the largest peak-to-trough total-return decline over the same window — shallower is better.
Quick verdict
SIL (Global X Silver Miners ETF) and SLV (iShares Silver Trust) are both ETFs, but they take different approaches.
SIL currently shows a 0.29% distribution yield. SLV has not yet established a full distribution history, so a comparable yield figure is not available.
SLV is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.50% compared to 0.65%.
SLV is the larger fund by assets ($35.1B), which generally means tighter spreads and better liquidity.
Who should choose each?
Choose SIL
Global X Silver Miners ETF
Want higher current income — SIL yields 0.29% while SLV makes no distribution.
Want broad equity exposure.
Prefer lower volatility — a beta of 1.1 vs 1.3 for SLV.
Choose SLV
iShares Silver Trust
Want a non-correlated hedge against inflation and equity stress.
Want to keep costs low — a 0.50% expense ratio vs 0.65% for SIL.
Not sure? Use the income calculator and snapshot above to weigh these trade-offs against your own goals.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, SIL would generate roughly $2.42/month, while SLV has no reported distribution yield yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available, at current distribution rates.
SIL yield0.29%
SLV yield0.00%
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, SIL would cost approximately $650 in fees vs $500 for SLV (simplified, not compounded). The $150.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
SIL ER0.65%
SLV ER0.50%
Strategy & risk
SIL is an ETF, while SLV tracks Silver bullion spot price with a metals approach. Beta is 1.06 for SIL and 1.26 for SLV, indicating SIL is less volatile relative to the market.
SIL beta1.06
SLV beta1.26
Fund details
SIL is managed by Global X (launched 04/19/2010) with $4.45B in assets. SLV is managed by iShares (launched 04/21/2006) with $35.1B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Which of SIL or SLV pays more dividend income?
SIL currently reports a distribution yield, while SLV has not yet established a full distribution history. A direct income comparison is not yet meaningful — check back once both funds have published several consecutive distributions.
What is the difference between SIL and SLV?
SIL (Global X Silver Miners ETF) is an ETF, while SLV (iShares Silver Trust) tracks Silver bullion spot price with a metals approach. They are issued by Global X and iShares respectively.
Can I hold both SIL and SLV?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, SIL or SLV?
SIL has an expense ratio of 0.65% while SLV charges 0.50%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in SIL vs SLV generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in SIL would generate roughly $2.42 per month ($29.00 annually). SLV has not established a distribution history yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available.
Which has performed better historically, SIL or SLV?
SIL has lagged SLV over the trailing twelve months, posting a 51.44% total return against 53.54%. The lead holds up over 10 years too: SLV has compounded at 10.61% a year, against 5.65% for SIL. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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