Gold vs. Silver ETFs: A Descent into Precious Metal Madness

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Look, the market’s a goddamn casino, and right now, everybody’s betting on shiny rocks. Specifically, gold and silver. The iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP +5.44%) and the Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM +6.53%)… they’re both trying to corner this particular racket. But believe me, the angles are getting WEIRD.

SLVP, they’re chasing the silver dragon, global miners, the whole chaotic shebang. SGDM? They’re fixated on U.S. and Canadian gold diggers. A focused obsession, if you will. This isn’t about rational investment; it’s about primal urges and the fear of everything collapsing. Let’s break down this madness, shall we? Because frankly, I need a drink.

The Numbers – Or, What They Try To Tell You

Metric SLVP SGDM
Issuer iShares Sprott
Expense ratio 0.39% 0.50%
1-yr return (as of Feb. 16, 2026) 204.4% 154.3%
Dividend yield 1.56% 0.95%
Beta (5Y monthly) 1.19 0.73
AUM $1.2 billion $731 million

SGDM’s got a slightly higher price of admission, a little extra cut for the house. SLVP, comparatively, is the cheaper buzz. It also throws off a little more income, which, let’s be honest, is the only reason most people are even in this game. It’s about chasing the illusion of security while the world burns.

Performance & Risk: The Edge of the Abyss

Metric SLVP SGDM
Max drawdown (5 y) -56.18% -49.68%
Growth of $1,000 over 5 years $2,533 $2,948

What’s Inside the Beast?

SGDM holds 40 companies, all-in on basic materials, North American gold miners, the usual suspects. Agnico Eagle Mines, Newmont, Wheaton Precious Metals… a quarter of their assets tied up in these behemoths. It’s been around for 11 years, and it’s not diversified. Meaning, one bad quarter from Newmont and the whole thing could wobble. Like a drunk on a tightrope.

SLVP is also 100% basic materials, but they’re chasing the silver mirage, global miners, a little more exotic. Hecla Mining, Industrias Peñoles, Fresnillo… a different breed of hustler. They’re unhedged, no ESG nonsense, no leverage… just pure, unadulterated speculation. Both funds are playing with fire, and they know it.

For more… guidance… on ETF investing, check out that link. But honestly, if you need a link to tell you what to do with your money, you’re already lost.

The Bottom Line: Where Does the Madness End?

Precious metals… “safe havens.” Right. That’s what they tell you. Everybody’s flocking to gold and silver ETFs because they’re terrified of what’s coming. And frankly, so am I.

SGDM and SLVP both focus exclusively on digging up shiny rocks. SGDM’s fixated on gold, SLVP on silver. Silver’s been a goddamn rollercoaster in recent years, more volatile, steeper drops, but also bigger spikes. SLVP’s beta is higher, max drawdown is deeper… it’s a wild ride. But it’s also been more lucrative, at least for now.

If you’re looking for stability, SGDM’s gold focus might be the lesser of two evils. Especially if silver’s bubble pops. But if silver keeps climbing, SLVP could be the one to make you rich… or bankrupt you. It’s a gamble, pure and simple.

Whatever you choose, for God’s sake, diversify! Don’t put all your eggs in one basket, especially when that basket is filled with volatile metals. Gold and silver are on fire right now, but fire doesn’t last forever. And when it burns out, you don’t want to be left holding the ashes.

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2026-02-16 23:04