ALTY vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

ALTY (Global X Alternative Income ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ALTY is a Global Allocation fund tracking the Indxx SuperDividend Alternatives Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ALTY returned 15.90% vs -0.87% for SHLD. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

ALTY vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) 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, ALTY achieves a 8.39% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -7.27% return.

ALTY

• 1D: 0.13%
• 1M: 1.53%
• 6M: 5.84%
• YTD: 8.39%
• 1Y: 15.90%
• 3Y*: 11.23%
• 5Y*: 6.06%
• 10Y*: 5.83%

SHLD

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -5.92%
• 6M: -22.32%
• YTD: -7.27%
• 1Y: -0.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ALTY vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	8.39%	11.07%	10.88%	5.36%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.27%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ALTY 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	0.39

Return for Risk

ALTY vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ALTY

ALTY Risk / Return Rank: 91
ALTY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 94
ALTY Sortino Ratio Rank: 93
ALTY Omega Ratio Rank: 93
ALTY Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
ALTY Martin Ratio Rank: 91

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 9
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

ALTY vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) 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.

	ALTY	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.73	-0.03	+2.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.82	0.13	+3.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.01	+0.52
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.68	-0.03	+3.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	17.02	-0.08	+17.10

ALTY vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ALTY Sharpe Ratio is 2.73, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ALTY 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

ALTY vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ALTY drawdown since its inception was -51.47%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ALTY and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ALTY	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.47%	-25.40%	-26.07%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.34%	-25.40%	+21.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-10.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.48%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.47%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-22.99%	+22.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.68%	-3.90%	-2.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.94%	10.30%	-9.36%

Volatility

ALTY vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Alternative Income ETF (ALTY) is 1.59%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 8.28%. This indicates that ALTY experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ALTY	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.59%	8.28%	-6.69%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	4.60%	19.79%	-15.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	5.84%	25.12%	-19.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	10.53%	21.54%	-11.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.49%	21.54%	-5.05%

ALTY vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ALTY vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

ALTY's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 7.41%, more than SHLD's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ALTY Global X Alternative Income ETF	7.41%	7.50%	7.88%	7.31%	7.66%	6.88%	9.20%	8.74%	8.49%	7.52%	8.20%	4.21%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	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 ALTY and SHLD in my portfolio?

ALTY 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, ALTY or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (8.28%) compared to ALTY (1.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ALTY dropped -51.47% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, ALTY or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, ALTY leads with 15.90% vs -0.87% for SHLD. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, ALTY has been the lower-risk option at 1.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ALTY or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, ALTY has performed better with a 15.90% return vs -0.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ALTY or SHLD?

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

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

ALTY has the higher dividend yield at 7.41%, compared with 0.71% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between ALTY and SHLD?

ALTY is categorized as Global Allocation, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. ALTY tracks Indxx SuperDividend Alternatives Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ALTY currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.73 vs -0.03), 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.