AUAU vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

AUAU (Global X Gold Miners ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AUAU is a Gold fund tracking the NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AUAU charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

AUAU vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) 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, AUAU achieves a -6.86% return, which is significantly lower than SHLD's -2.69% return.

AUAU

• 1D: -8.34%
• 1M: -14.13%
• YTD: -6.86%
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: -1.96%
• 1M: -7.22%
• YTD: -2.69%
• 6M: 0.71%
• 1Y: 8.57%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AUAU vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	-6.86%	4.18%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.69%	0.78%

Correlation

The correlation between AUAU and SHLD is 0.42, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 11, 2025	0.42

Return for Risk

AUAU vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHLD

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

AUAU vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Gold Miners ETF (AUAU) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AUAU	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.36	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.12	1.98	-2.10

Drawdowns

AUAU vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AUAU drawdown since its inception was -31.20%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AUAU and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AUAU	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-31.20%	-20.10%	-11.10%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.20%	-19.19%	-12.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.89%	-3.24%	-9.65%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.69%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	AUAU	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.14%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	19.41%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	51.93%	24.16%	+27.77%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	51.93%	21.16%	+30.77%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	51.93%	21.16%	+30.77%

AUAU vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AUAU has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

AUAU vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

AUAU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
AUAU Global X Gold Miners ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUAU and SHLD in my portfolio?

AUAU and SHLD have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, AUAU or SHLD?

On fees, AUAU is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, AUAU or SHLD?

AUAU is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.00% for AUAU.

What is the main difference between AUAU and SHLD?

AUAU is categorized as Gold, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. AUAU tracks NYSE Arca Gold Miners Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for AUAU and 0.50% for SHLD.