iShares Silver Trust posts stronger trailing 12-month returns than VanEck Gold Miners ETF amid divergent precious metals performance.
iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has outperformed VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) over the past year, reflecting a stronger rally in physical silver prices compared to gold mining equities. SLV, which tracks silver bullion, offers direct exposure to metal price movements, while GDX holds a basket of gold miners influenced by operational risks and equity market dynamics.
Both funds carry similar expense ratios—0.5% for SLV and 0.51% for GDX—but differ in risk profiles. SLV’s beta indicates volatility relative to the S&P 500, while GDX’s performance hinges on mining company execution. GDX’s top holdings include Newmont Corp (11.46%), Agnico Eagle Mines (11.38%), and Barrick Gold (7.62%).
Precious metals often move in tandem, yet the vehicles used to access them can yield divergent returns based on market conditions and investor sentiment.