Key Points

Sprott Gold Miners ETF offers a lower expense ratio of 0.46% compared to 0.65% for Global X Silver Miners ETF
Global X Silver Miners ETF provides pure-play exposure to global silver mining, while Sprott Gold Miners ETF targets gold producers in the U.S. and Canada
Sprott Gold Miners ETF has delivered higher 5-year growth and shows a lower beta, indicating less historical volatility relative to the S&P 500

Investors seeking exposure to the precious metals sector often choose between Global X Silver Miners ETF (NYSEMKT:SIL) and Sprott Gold Miners ETF (NYSEMKT:SGDM) to gain equity-based leverage on metal prices.

A closer examination of the funds highlights notable differences in commodity focus and costs, with one tracking global silver and the other targeting North American gold producers. These funds act as alternatives to holding physical bullion, providing potential outperformance when metal prices increase due to the operational leverage of mining companies. Yet they also involve specific risks tied to mine operations, regional stability, and rising costs that direct metal ownership sidesteps.

Snapshot (cost and size)

Metric	SIL	SGDM
Issuer	Global X	Sprott
Share price	$77.19 (as of 2026-07-01)	$63.36 (as of 2026-07-01)
Expense ratio	0.65%	0.46%
1-yr return (as of July 1, 2026)	61.9%	42.0%
Dividend yield	1.30%	1.10%
Beta	0.83	0.53
AUM	$4.2 billion	$558.7 million

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield as of July 1 closing price.

SGDM stands out as the more cost-effective choice with an expense ratio of 0.46%, versus 0.65% for SIL. Both distribute dividends, though SIL provides a modestly higher yield of 1.30% compared to SGDM's 1.10% yield.

Performance and risk comparison

Metric	SIL	SGDM
Max drawdown (5 yr)	(49.50%)	(45.00%)
Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return)	$1,896	$2,349

What's inside

The Sprott Gold Miners ETF concentrates on gold-producing companies based in the United States and Canada. It is a non-diversified fund that generally allocates at least 90% of its net assets to its underlying index. Top holdings feature Agnico Eagle Mines (NYSE:AEM) at 10.6%, Barrick Mining (NYSE:B) at 9%, and Newmont (NYSE:NEM) at 8.3%. The fund includes 39 stocks overall and launched in 2014. Sprott Gold Miners ETF has distributed $0.73 per share over the trailing 12 months, equating to a 1.10% yield based on its recent $63.36 share price.

The Global X Silver Miners ETF seeks to follow the Solactive Global Silver Miners Total Return Index, encompassing firms involved in silver mining, refining, or exploration. Leading positions include Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE:WPM) at 21.4%, Pan American Silver (NYSE:PAAS) at 13.1%, and Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE) at 10.8%. The fund holds 41 securities and launched in 2010. Global X Silver Miners ETF has paid $1.02 per share over the trailing 12 months, resulting in a 1.30% yield on its recent $77.19 share price.

Which fund is the better buy?

Both gold and silver prices have risen sharply in recent years. Gold has more than doubled over the past two years as investors turned to the metal for its traditional role in hedging inflation. Silver has nearly tripled since the beginning of 2025, moving alongside gold while also benefiting from industrial demand in renewable energy sectors.

Investors seeking exposure to the metal rally without the tax and trading issues of futures or physical metal have solid options in Sprott Gold Miners ETF (SGDM) and Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL).

Sprott has capitalized on the gold advance, delivering 101% in the 52-week period ended March 31, 30.3% over three years, and 20.6% over five years.

Global X has posted 63% in the 52 weeks ended June 30, 46% over three years, and 14% over the past five years.

Which fund stands out? The expense ratios remain reasonable and the historical returns align with expectations, as silver often trails gold. Although silver occasionally outperforms, gold has historically held greater appeal. In this instance, choose gold with Sprott SGDM.