Comparing iShares Gold Trust (IAU +0.97%) and iShares MSCI Global Silver and Metals Miners ETF (SLVP +0.76%) highlights the significant differences between holding a physical commodity and investing in leveraged mining equities.
Both iShares funds target precious metals but utilize different investment vehicles. The Gold Trust tracks gold bullion directly, offering pure commodity exposure. The Silver and Metals Miners ETF invests in global mining companies, meaning its performance is tied to both silver prices and the operational success of the businesses themselves.
Snapshot (cost & size)
MetricSLVPIAUIssueriSharesiSharesShare price$37.08 (as of 2026-08-10)$82.51 (as of 2026-08-10)Expense ratio0.39%0.25%1-yr return (as of 2026-08-10)87.2%28.8%Dividend yield1.9%NoneBeta0.940.19AUM$0.9 billion$63.8 billion
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from…
