What this ETF is trying to do

The Sprott Physical Silver Trust (PSLV) is an ETF that tracks the value of silver. Unlike some funds that use complex financial contracts, this trust focuses on the physical asset.

What the numbers show

As of October 5, 2026, the share price is $19.78.

When looking at how the price has changed over time, the results are mixed:

• Year-to-Date (YTD): The price return is -16.36%.

• One Year: The price return is 22.63%.

• Three Year: The price return is 177.03%.

• Five Year: The total return is 151.33%.

Because this fund does not pay distributions, the price return and the total return are the same. For example, if you had invested $10,000 roughly one year ago at the estimated price of $16.13, your investment would have grown based on the 22.63% price return.

Income and distribution explanation

This ETF does not pay out cash to investors. The distribution yield is 0%, and there have been no payouts in the last 12 months. Investors in this fund do not earn regular income; instead, they rely on the share price increasing to make a profit.

NAV erosion explanation

"NAV erosion" happens when the actual value of the assets inside a fund drops over time, even if the share price seems stable.

For PSLV, the erosion-risk score is 100, and the erosion severity is labeled as "good." The data states that no price erosion has been detected, and the severe erosion-risk flag is false. This means the fund has not shown the patterns typically associated with a collapsing internal value.

Pros

• Strong Long-Term Growth: The three-year and five-year returns show significant price increases.

• Low Erosion Risk: The fund has a "good" erosion severity rating.

Cons

• No Income: There are no distributions or dividends for investors who want cash flow.

• Recent Decline: The year-to-date price return is negative (-16.36%).

Beginner takeaway

PSLV is a way to invest in silver without having to store the metal yourself. It does not provide a monthly or yearly check (yield), so you only make money if the price of the shares goes up. While it has seen strong growth over several years, the recent year-to-date drop reminds investors that prices can fluctuate.