AIA vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

AIA (iShares Asia 50 ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIA is a Asia Pacific Equities fund tracking the S&P Asia 50, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AIA returned 83.79% vs 8.26% for SHLD. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

AIA vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AIA achieves a 44.56% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

AIA

• 1D: 0.54%
• 1M: 6.70%
• YTD: 44.56%
• 6M: 50.54%
• 1Y: 83.79%
• 3Y*: 34.57%
• 5Y*: 11.52%
• 10Y*: 15.05%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

AIA vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	44.56%	47.79%	20.26%	2.32%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between AIA and SHLD is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.33

AIA vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIA	SHLD
Technology	63.8%	12.2%
Financial Services	16.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.6%	-
Communication Services	7.4%	-
Industrials	2.0%	87.8%
Healthcare	0.8%	-
Energy	0.6%	-
Real Estate	0.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIA vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

AIA

AIA Risk / Return Rank: 91
AIA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 92
AIA Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
AIA Omega Ratio Rank: 89
AIA Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
AIA Martin Ratio Rank: 92

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 16
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 16
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 16

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

AIA vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	AIA	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.89	0.43	+2.46
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.41	0.78	+2.63
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.09	+0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.70	0.52	+5.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	19.76	1.28	+18.47

AIA vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIA Sharpe Ratio is 2.89, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIA and SHLD, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

AIA vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIA drawdown since its inception was -60.89%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIA and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIA	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.89%	-20.10%	-40.79%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.15%	-20.10%	+5.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-50.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-54.64%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.44%	-18.20%	+11.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.66%	-3.34%	-13.32%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.08%	8.12%	-4.04%

Volatility

AIA vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

iShares Asia 50 ETF (AIA) has a higher volatility of 14.34% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 9.05%. This indicates that AIA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AIA	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	14.34%	9.05%	+5.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.49%	19.94%	+4.55%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.93%	24.55%	+3.38%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.96%	21.29%	+4.67%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.78%	21.29%	+2.49%

AIA vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both AIA and SHLD have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

AIA vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

AIA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.73%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AIA iShares Asia 50 ETF	1.73%	2.50%	2.78%	2.07%	2.59%	1.54%	1.11%	2.24%	2.49%	1.45%	2.29%	2.88%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIA and SHLD in my portfolio?

AIA and SHLD have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIA or SHLD?

AIA has higher volatility (14.34%) compared to SHLD (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIA dropped -60.89% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, AIA or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, AIA leads with 83.79% vs 8.26% for SHLD. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 9.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIA or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, AIA has performed better with a 83.79% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIA or SHLD?

AIA and SHLD have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AIA or SHLD?

AIA has the higher dividend yield at 1.73%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between AIA and SHLD?

AIA is categorized as Asia Pacific Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. AIA tracks S&P Asia 50, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIA currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.89 vs 0.43), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.