AIQ vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AIQ returned 69.19% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AIQ charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

AIQ vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) 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, AIQ achieves a 35.98% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

AIQ

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: 21.10%
• YTD: 35.98%
• 6M: 36.15%
• 1Y: 69.19%
• 3Y*: 37.50%
• 5Y*: 19.07%
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -7.01%
• YTD: -2.28%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 9.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AIQ vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	35.98%	31.89%	24.11%	10.40%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between AIQ and SHLD is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2023	0.41

AIQ vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AIQ	SHLD
Technology	73.3%	11.8%
Communication Services	13.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.5%	-
Industrials	4.2%	88.2%
Healthcare	0.4%	-
Financial Services	0.4%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

AIQ vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 81
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 81
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 80
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
AIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 75

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 15
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

AIQ vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) 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.

	AIQ	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.02	0.41	+2.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.70	0.74	+2.96
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.49	1.08	+0.40
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.22	0.49	+3.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.59	1.30	+13.30
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AIQ vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AIQ Sharpe Ratio is 3.02, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AIQ 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AIQ	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.02	0.41	+2.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.76	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.84	2.00	-1.16

Drawdowns

AIQ vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AIQ drawdown since its inception was -44.66%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AIQ and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AIQ	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.66%	-20.10%	-24.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.47%	-20.10%	+3.63%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.35%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-44.66%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.40%	-18.85%	+17.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.80%	-3.19%	-6.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.76%	7.51%	-2.75%

Volatility

AIQ vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has a higher volatility of 8.60% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 7.81%. This indicates that AIQ'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

	AIQ	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.60%	7.81%	+0.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.46%	19.35%	-0.89%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.04%	24.05%	-1.01%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.33%	21.13%	+4.20%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.50%	21.13%	+4.37%

AIQ vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AIQ has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

AIQ vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

AIQ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.14%, less than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.14%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AIQ and SHLD in my portfolio?

AIQ and SHLD have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, AIQ or SHLD?

AIQ has higher volatility (8.60%) compared to SHLD (7.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AIQ dropped -44.66% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, AIQ or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, AIQ leads with 69.19% vs 9.71% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AIQ or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, AIQ has performed better with a 69.19% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AIQ or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for AIQ.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.14% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between AIQ and SHLD?

AIQ is categorized as Technology Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for AIQ and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.02 vs 0.41), 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.