AUSF vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

AUSF (Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - AUSF is a Mid Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Adaptive Wealth Strategies U.S. Factor Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, AUSF returned 14.03% vs 4.03% for SHLD. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. AUSF charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

AUSF vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF) 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, AUSF achieves a 6.60% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -6.53% return.

AUSF

• 1D: 0.81%
• 1M: -1.45%
• YTD: 6.60%
• 6M: 5.99%
• 1Y: 14.03%
• 3Y*: 19.79%
• 5Y*: 13.36%
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -7.05%
• YTD: -6.53%
• 6M: -8.73%
• 1Y: 4.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AUSF vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
AUSF Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF	6.60%	13.69%	16.05%	14.59%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-6.53%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between AUSF 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	0.43

AUSF vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AUSF	SHLD
Financial Services	18.4%	-
Technology	15.3%	12.2%
Industrials	14.4%	87.8%
Healthcare	11.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	9.3%	-
Communication Services	8.6%	-
Consumer Defensive	7.8%	-
Real Estate	4.6%	-
Utilities	4.4%	-
Energy	3.2%	-
Basic Materials	2.6%	-

Return for Risk

AUSF vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

AUSF

AUSF Risk / Return Rank: 43
AUSF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 41
AUSF Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
AUSF Omega Ratio Rank: 37
AUSF Calmar Ratio Rank: 51
AUSF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 11
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

AUSF vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF) 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.

	AUSF	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.38	0.16	+1.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.99	0.41	+1.58
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.05	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.41	0.18	+2.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.87	0.46	+6.40

AUSF vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AUSF Sharpe Ratio is 1.38, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AUSF 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

AUSF vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AUSF drawdown since its inception was -44.25%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -22.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AUSF and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	AUSF	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.25%	-22.38%	-21.87%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-5.84%	-22.38%	+16.54%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-14.23%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.45%	-22.38%	+19.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.20%	-3.49%	-0.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.05%	8.69%	-6.64%

Volatility

AUSF vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF (AUSF) is 3.02%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 9.04%. This indicates that AUSF 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

	AUSF	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.02%	9.04%	-6.02%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	6.95%	20.19%	-13.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	10.27%	24.71%	-14.44%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.63%	21.33%	-7.70%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.03%	21.33%	-2.30%

AUSF vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

AUSF has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

AUSF vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

AUSF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.76%, more than SHLD's 0.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AUSF Global X Adaptive U.S. Factor ETF	2.76%	2.78%	2.63%	1.83%	2.51%	2.22%	2.95%	4.02%	1.46%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.59%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AUSF and SHLD in my portfolio?

AUSF 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, AUSF or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.04%) compared to AUSF (3.02%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AUSF dropped -44.25% vs SHLD's -22.38%.

Which ETF is better, AUSF or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, AUSF leads with 14.03% vs 4.03% for SHLD. On fees, AUSF is cheaper at 0.27% per year. On volatility, AUSF has been the lower-risk option at 3.02%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AUSF or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, AUSF has performed better with a 14.03% return vs 4.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AUSF or SHLD?

AUSF is cheaper with a 0.27% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

AUSF has the higher dividend yield at 2.76%, compared with 0.59% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between AUSF and SHLD?

AUSF is categorized as Mid Cap Value Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. AUSF tracks Adaptive Wealth Strategies U.S. Factor Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.27% for AUSF and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AUSF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.38 vs 0.16), 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.