ETF Managers Group (ETFMG) first ETF, the ETFMG Prime Junior Silver Miners ETF (SILJ), has exceeded a significant milestone of USD1 billion in assets under management (AUM).
The first-to-market fund targets small cap silver miners and has enjoyed asset inflows equating to a 100 per cent increase year over year since inception. SILJ, which launched in November 2012, remains the first and only ETF to provide direct exposure to the silver mining exploration and production industry.
Surpassing the USD1 billion mark is confirmation for SILJ that there is an increase in demand for silver: an asset class uncorrelated to most broad equity markets and a great method of diversification. With concern for future inflation, more investors are turning to precious metals. A pick-up in industrial demand due to the ease in pandemic-related restrictions has been another key factor that led to SILJ returns, which were up 18.92 per cent quarter to date and 51.42 per cent for the last 12 months.
“We are very proud to celebrate this milestone for SILJ, our first thematic ETF brought to market back in 2012,” says Sam Masucci, CEO and Founder of ETFMG. “SILJ’s outstanding asset growth is due in large part to its unique position in the market, capturing an underrepresented growth opportunity and answering investor demand for direct access to the small cap silver commodity sector. We are hopeful for SILJ’s continued success, as silver remains the most electrically conductive metal in the world and has significant industrial and household application.”
