A silver ETF, or exchange-traded fund, is a type of investment fund that is traded on stock exchanges like a stock. It is designed to track the price of silver or the performance of companies involved in the silver industry. There are different types of silver ETFs, each with its own investment objective and strategy. Some silver ETFs invest directly in physical silver, while others invest in silver futures contracts or in the stocks of silver mining companies. Investing in a silver ETF can provide investors with exposure to the silver market without having to purchase and store physical silver or engage in futures trading. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in silver, as well as a way to potentially benefit from the growth and profitability of the silver industry. However, investing in silver ETFs also carries risks, including the possibility of a decline in the price of silver or in the performance of individual silver mining companies. What are the best silver ETFs?
1. iShares Silver Trust (SLV)
The iShares Silver Trust (SLV) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that holds physical silver bullion as its underlying asset. It is designed to track the price of silver, and its performance is closely tied to the spot price of silver in the global market. The fund is managed by BlackRock and was launched in 2006. It is one of the largest silver ETFs in the world, with over $13 billion in assets under management as of 2021. Investors can buy and sell shares of SLV on stock exchanges like any other publicly traded security, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in silver.
2. Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR)
The Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in physical silver bullion. The fund is designed to track the spot price of silver, less expenses and liabilities. SIVR is managed by Aberdeen Standard Investments and was launched in 2009.
The ETF invests in LBMA-approved silver bars, which are held in secure vaults in London, England. The fund’s custodian is JPMorgan Chase Bank, and the silver bullion is subject to regular audits by an independent auditor to ensure that it matches the ETF’s holdings.
Investors can buy and sell shares of SIVR on stock exchanges like any other publicly traded security. By investing in SIVR, investors gain exposure to the price movements of physical silver, without having to take physical delivery of the metal or store it themselves. This makes SIVR a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in silver.
3. Invesco DB Silver Fund (DBS)
The Invesco DB Silver Fund (DBS) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks to track the performance of the DBIQ Optimum Yield Silver Index Excess Return, which is intended to reflect the performance of silver futures contracts. DBS invests in futures contracts on silver traded on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange.
The fund is managed by Invesco and was launched in 2007. The ETF is designed to provide investors with exposure to the price movements of silver futures contracts, which can be influenced by a variety of factors such as supply and demand, geopolitical events, and macroeconomic trends.
Investors can buy and sell shares of DBS on stock exchanges like any other publicly traded security. The fund’s performance is closely tied to the price of silver futures contracts, and it can be a convenient way for investors to gain exposure to the silver market without having to purchase and store physical silver. However, investors should be aware that investing in futures contracts can be risky, as they can be subject to significant price volatility and other risks such as counterparty risk and liquidity risk. One of the best in my list of silver ETFs!
4. ETFS Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR)
The ETFS Physical Silver Shares ETF (SIVR) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in physical silver bullion. The fund is designed to track the price of silver, less expenses and liabilities. SIVR is managed by ETF Securities and was launched in 2009.
SIVR invests in LBMA-approved silver bars, which are held in secure vaults in London, England. The fund’s custodian is JPMorgan Chase Bank, and the silver bullion is subject to regular audits by an independent auditor to ensure that it matches the ETF’s holdings.
Investors can buy and sell shares of SIVR on stock exchanges like any other publicly traded security. By investing in SIVR, investors gain exposure to the price movements of physical silver, without having to take physical delivery of the metal or store it themselves. This makes SIVR a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in silver. However, investors should be aware that investing in SIVR carries risks, including the possibility of a decline in the price of silver and a decrease in the value of their investment.
5. ProShares Ultra Silver ETF (AGQ)
The ProShares Ultra Silver ETF (AGQ) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks to provide daily investment results that correspond to twice (2x) the daily performance of silver bullion. AGQ is managed by ProShares and was launched in 2008.
AGQ invests in silver futures contracts, options on silver futures contracts, and other silver-based derivatives to achieve its objective of providing 2x the daily return of silver. The fund also uses leverage to magnify its exposure to silver price movements.
Investors can buy and sell shares of AGQ on stock exchanges like any other publicly traded security. By investing in AGQ, investors gain leveraged exposure to the price movements of silver, which can amplify gains in a rising market but also increase losses in a declining market. AGQ can be a useful tool for investors who want to take advantage of short-term trends in the silver market, but it may not be suitable for long-term buy-and-hold investors who are looking for steady returns over time. Additionally, investors should be aware that investing in leveraged ETFs carries additional risks and can be more volatile than investing in non-leveraged ETFs. One of the best in my list of silver ETFs!
6. Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL)
The Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) that invests in companies that are primarily engaged in the exploration, mining, or production of silver. SIL is managed by Global X Funds and was launched in 2010.
SIL invests in a diversified portfolio of global silver mining companies, which can include large-cap, mid-cap, and small-cap companies. The fund’s holdings can span multiple regions, including North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.
Investors can buy and sell shares of SIL on stock exchanges like any other publicly traded security. By investing in SIL, investors gain exposure to the silver mining industry, which can provide a way to potentially benefit from increases in silver prices as well as from the growth and profitability of silver mining companies. However, investing in SIL carries risks, including the possibility of a decline in the price of silver, changes in government policies and regulations affecting the mining industry, and the financial health and performance of individual mining companies.
n.b: this is not financial advice