The VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) offers broader gold miner exposure, lower fees, and stronger recent returns compared to the Global X Silver Miners ETF (SIL). SIL is more silver-focused with a higher dividend yield, but lags in five-year growth and risk metrics. Both are highly concentrated in basic materials, but GDX has more companies and a deeper asset base.

In terms of metrics, GDX has a lower expense ratio at 0.51% compared to SIL’s 0.65%. However, GDX also has a lower dividend yield at 0.53% versus SIL’s 1.17%. GDX has outperformed SIL in terms of total returns over one and five years, and has a less severe max drawdown, indicating lower price volatility.

GDX tracks 52 holdings of global gold producers, with top positions in Agnico Eagle Mines, Newmont, and Barrick Mining. SIL, on the other hand, focuses on silver miners like Wheaton Precious, Pan American Silver, and Coeur Mining. Both funds are concentrated in basic materials, with SIL appealing to those bullish on silver.

Both GDX and SIL provide indirect exposure to precious metals through gold- and silver-mining companies. These targeted funds offer sector-specific investments, which can be advantageous or risky due to limited diversification. GDX has been the higher performer overall, but SIL boasts a higher dividend yield and a more targeted silver focus for investors interested in that metal.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: GDX and SIL Provide Indirect Exposure to Gold and Silver — But With a Few Key Differences