SLV: iShares Silver Trust returns, drawdowns and risk
Funds and ETCs backed by physical gold, silver or platinum.
Data updated October 2026
SLV · US exchange · USDCategory: Gold and precious metals ETFsData from October 2006
From October 2006 to October 2026 SLV returned 7.8% a year on average with dividends reinvested, in US dollars: $10,000 invested at the start grew to $45,216.
Its deepest fall was 76.3%, from April 2011 to March 2020, and it took about 174 months to get back to the previous high. Annual volatility was 33.0%; at the last close it was 50.5% below its high.
Key figures
- Annual return (CAGR)
- +7.8%
- 1-year return
- +19.3%
- 5 years, a year
- +18.5%
- 10 years, a year
- +12.2%
- Annual volatility
- 33.0%
- Maximum drawdown
- −76.3%
- Sharpe ratio
- 0.35
- Worst year
- 2013: −36.3%
Trailing returns
| Period | SLV |
|---|---|
| 1 year | +19.3% |
| 3 years, a year | +34.7% |
| 5 years, a year | +18.5% |
| 10 years, a year | +12.2% |
To the last close of October 2026. Periods longer than a year are annualised.
SLV drawdowns
Percentage below the previous high, weekly.
Returns by calendar year
| Year | SLV |
|---|---|
| 2026(partial) | −18.9% |
| 2025 | +144.7% |
| 2024 | +20.9% |
| 2023 | −1.1% |
| 2022 | +2.4% |
| 2021 | −12.3% |
| 2020 | +48.1% |
| 2019 | +14.9% |
| 2018 | −9.2% |
| 2017 | +5.8% |
| 2016 | +14.6% |
| 2015 | −12.4% |
| 2014 | −19.5% |
| 2013 | −36.3% |
| 2012 | +9.0% |
| 2011 | −10.7% |
| 2010 | +82.5% |
| 2009 | +47.7% |
| 2008 | −23.8% |
| 2007 | +14.2% |
| 2006(partial) | +10.5% |
SLV compared
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Sharpe ratio uses the return of short-term government bills in the same currency as the risk-free rate. The growth chart uses month-end values; drawdowns and volatility use daily closes.
Questions
What is the average annual return of SLV?
From October 2006 to October 2026 SLV returned 7.8% a year on average (CAGR) with dividends reinvested, in USD. Over the last 5 years: +18.5% a year. Over the last 12 months: +19.3%.
What was the worst drawdown of SLV?
76.3%, from April 2011 to March 2020; it took about 174 months from the previous high to get back to it.
How volatile is SLV?
Annual volatility was 33.0% over the period. Its worst month was −28.5% and 50% of months were positive. Worst calendar year: 2013 (−36.3%).
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Other Gold and precious metals ETFs
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.