GLD vs SLV: which ETF is right for you?
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) and iShares Silver Trust (SLV) compared on cost, size, returns, holdings and sector mix.
GLD has a 0.1% lower expense ratio than SLV
SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) has an expense ratio of 0.4%, while iShares Silver Trust (SLV) has 0.5%. This difference in fees can impact long-term returns for investors.
- GLD has $131.01 billion in assets; SLV has $25.19 billion.
- GLD's YTD return is -9.46%; SLV's is -30.71%.
- GLD's five-year return is 16.75%; SLV's is 15.27%.
- GLD has a beta of 0.3; SLV's beta is 0.79.
may suit investors looking for lower fees and stability.
may suit investors seeking higher potential returns despite higher volatility.
Summary written from the figures below by an AI model. Past returns do not predict future results; this is educational, not advice.
Side-by-side
GLD SPDR Gold Shares | SLV iShares Silver Trust | |
|---|---|---|
| Expense ratio | 0.400%● | 0.500% |
| Fund size (assets) | $131.0B● | $25.2B |
| Dividend yield | 0.00%● | 0.00% |
| Return YTD | -9.46%● | -30.71% |
| Return 1 year | -2.84% | 1.81%● |
| 3 years (annualised) | 24.65% | 28.61%● |
| 5 years (annualised) | 16.75%● | 15.27% |
| 10 years (annualised) | 11.45%● | 10.38% |
| Volatility (5y std dev) | 18.2%● | 39.6% |
| Beta vs market (5y) | 0.30 | 0.79● |
| Issuer | State Street Investment Management | iShares |
| Launched | 2004-11-18 | 2006-04-21 |
● marks the best value in a row (lowest cost or volatility, highest return, yield or size). Returns as of 2026-11-06; past performance does not predict future results.
What the fees cost you
A simple illustration: the same $0M growing at an assumed 7% a year before fees. Only the expense ratios differ. This is not a forecast.
Top holdings and overlap
Holdings not published for this fund type (for example commodity or bond funds).
Holdings not published for this fund type (for example commodity or bond funds).
Sector mix
No sector breakdown for this fund type.
No sector breakdown for this fund type.
Common questions
Which has lower fees, GLD or SLV?
GLD has the lower expense ratio at 0.400% a year, against 0.500% for SLV. On $10,000 that is about $10 a year in fees.
Which is bigger, GLD or SLV?
GLD manages about $131.0 billion in assets, compared with $25.2 billion for SLV.
Do GLD and SLV hold the same stocks?
Their top holdings differ, so the two funds are exposed to different parts of the market. Compare the holdings and sector tables above.
Compare any ETFs
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Open the compare toolFund data comes from public fund filings and market data and is refreshed daily; returns are total returns and past performance does not predict future results. This page is educational and is not investment advice. Check the fund's official documents before investing.