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iShares Silver Trust vs abrdn Physical Silver Shares ETF
VS
Comparative Analysis
SIVR wins this head-to-head comparison due to its slightly stronger technical positioning and lower expense ratio, despite both ETFs tracking silver and showing similar fundamental weakness. While both SLV and SIVR are trading significantly below their 52-week highs and exhibit bearish technical indicators such as low RSI and negative MACD trends, SIVR's marginally better performance in longer-term trailing returns and its lower cost structure give it a slight edge. Investors seeking silver exposure should consider SIVR for its cost efficiency and marginally more favorable technical setup, while acknowledging the broader headwinds facing the commodity.
Key Differentiator
The most significant differentiator between SLV and SIVR lies in their cost structure and long-term performance. SIVR boasts a lower expense ratio of 0.30% compared to SLV's 0.50%, which translates to better net returns for investors over time. Additionally, SIVR has demonstrated marginally superior trailing returns across multiple timeframes, including 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year periods, suggesting slightly better tracking or management efficiency relative to its benchmark.
Joint Outlook
The outlook for both SLV and SIVR remains cautious, heavily dependent on the future price trajectory of silver. Given the current bearish technicals and the significant distance from 52-week highs, a sustained recovery is not immediately apparent. Macroeconomic factors such as inflation trends, central bank interest rate policies, and US dollar strength will be critical drivers. A potential scenario involves a short-term technical bounce due to oversold conditions, but a significant upward trend would likely require a shift in monetary policy or increased safe-haven demand.
Price Analysis Comparison
Asset Metrics
| Metric | SLV | SIVR |
|---|---|---|
| 52 Week Range | $37.24 - $109.83 | $39.08 - $115.26 |
| Prev. Close | $60.72 | $63.87 |
| Market Cap | 23.49B | N/A |
| 24h Volume | 23.20M | 1.88M |
Instead, their 'valuation' is tied to the spot price of silver and its momentum. Both SLV and SIVR are currently trading significantly below their 52-week highs, with SLV at $57.50 versus a high of $109.83, and SIVR at $60.48 versus a high of $115.26. This indicates substantial downside price action. SLV's current price is closer to its 52-week low of $37.24 than SIVR's is to its low of $39.08, suggesting SLV has fallen further from its peak. However, both are exhibiting weakness, trading well below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages.
Market Performance
| Metric | SLV | SIVR |
|---|---|---|
| Volatility (30D) | 47.94% | 47.74% |
| 24h Range | $57.38 - $58.73 | $60.34 - $61.73 |
| Market Strength (RSI) | 37.8 | 37.7 |
| Trend (SMA 50) | Bullish | Bullish |
Both assets exhibit similar volatility levels (~48%). Market momentum is currently Bullish for both.
Technical Indicators
| Indicator | SLV | SIVR |
|---|---|---|
| RSI (14) | 37.81 | 37.70 |
| 50-Day MA | $56.37 | $59.26 |
| 200-Day MA | $65.51 | $68.82 |
Both SLV and SIVR display weak technical profiles, trading significantly below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages. SLV's 50-day SMA is $56.37 and its 200-day SMA is $65.51, while SIVR's are $59.26 and $68.82 respectively. Both ETFs have extremely low RSI values (SLV: 37.81, SIVR: 37.70) and Stochastic readings (SLV: 1.73, SIVR: 1.93), indicating oversold conditions and a lack of upward momentum. The MACD values are positive but very close to zero (SLV: 0.615, SIVR: 0.657), suggesting a potential shift but no strong trend confirmation. The CCI for both is significantly negative (-137.19), reinforcing the bearish technical picture.
AI Analyst Sentiment
Technical rating — based on current price action versus moving averages and momentum. This measures short-term chart trend, not analyst opinion or company fundamentals.
SLV
Technical Score: 50/100
SIVR
Technical Score: 50/100
Analyst ratings and median price targets are not provided for either SLV or SIVR, making it impossible to gauge institutional sentiment or forward-looking price expectations from these sources. Sentiment must therefore be inferred from price action and technical indicators. The current technical readings, including low RSI and significantly negative CCI, suggest a bearish sentiment among market participants. The significant distance from 52-week highs also points to prevailing negative sentiment towards silver ETFs.
Risk Stratification
| Metric | SLV | SIVR |
|---|---|---|
| Sharpe Ratio | 0.89 | 0.90 |
The primary risk for both SLV and SIVR is the volatility of the underlying silver commodity. Significant price declines in silver, driven by factors such as a strengthening US dollar, rising real interest rates, or reduced industrial demand, would directly impact the value of these ETFs. Furthermore, both ETFs are trading far below their 52-week highs, indicating substantial downside risk has already materialized. For SLV, the higher expense ratio of 0.50% represents a drag on performance compared to SIVR's 0.30%. Unexpected shifts in central bank policy or geopolitical events could also introduce sharp price swings.
Comparative ProTips
- Consider SIVR over SLV due to its lower expense ratio and slightly better long-term performance, which translates to better net returns.
- Be aware that both ETFs are highly sensitive to silver price fluctuations; monitor macroeconomic factors influencing precious metals.
- The current technical indicators suggest oversold conditions, which could precede a short-term bounce, but the overall trend remains bearish without a clear catalyst for silver.
Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)
Actionable Trade Plans
Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets
Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative
3%
Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
✎
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
SLV
Current: $57.50
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$54.63
Aggressive
$57.50
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$52.99
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$57.36
+10%
$60.09
+15%
$62.82
SIVR
Current: $60.48
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$57.46
Aggressive
$60.48
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$55.73
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$60.33
+10%
$63.20
+15%
$66.07
Calculate Your Trade
Disclaimer
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Identifying the stronger asset is based on relative strength (RS) and technical convergence. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss. Note: The AI favored SIVR based on technical setup. This is valid for the specified timeframe only.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which silver ETF is a better buy, SLV or SIVR?+
SIVR is the preferred choice due to its lower expense ratio of 0.30% versus SLV's 0.50%, and its slightly better trailing returns over longer periods. Both ETFs show weak technicals, but SIVR offers better cost efficiency.
What are the key risks for SLV and SIVR?+
The main risks include significant price volatility in the underlying silver commodity, driven by macroeconomic factors like interest rates and USD strength, as well as industrial demand fluctuations. Both ETFs are currently trading far below their 52-week highs, indicating substantial downside risk.
How do SLV and SIVR compare on expense ratios?+
SIVR has a lower expense ratio of 0.30%, making it more cost-effective for investors than SLV, which has an expense ratio of 0.50%. This difference can compound over time, impacting net returns.
What are the trailing returns for SLV and SIVR?+
SIVR has shown slightly better trailing returns than SLV across most periods, including YTD, 1-month, 3-month, 1-year, 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year. For example, SIVR's 10-year return is 0.13786 compared to SLV's 0.13562.
What is the current technical outlook for SLV and SIVR?+
Both ETFs exhibit weak technicals, with low RSI, significantly negative CCI, and prices well below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating bearish momentum and oversold conditions.
How do the net assets of SLV and SIVR compare?+
SLV has significantly larger net assets under management, with $34.68 billion, compared to SIVR's $4.88 billion. This indicates SLV is a more established and larger fund in terms of assets.
What is the inception date for SLV and SIVR?+
SLV was incepted on April 21, 2006, making it older and more established. SIVR was incepted later, on July 24, 2009.