BFIX vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

BFIX (Build Bond Innovation ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - BFIX is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Build, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. BFIX is actively managed, while SHLD is passively managed. Over the past year, BFIX returned 2.99% vs -0.87% for SHLD. At a 0.26 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BFIX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

BFIX vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) 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, BFIX achieves a 0.71% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -7.27% return.

BFIX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: -0.34%
• 6M: -0.20%
• YTD: 0.71%
• 1Y: 2.99%
• 3Y*: 7.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

BFIX vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	0.71%	5.91%	12.95%	2.87%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.27%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between BFIX and SHLD is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.26

Return for Risk

BFIX vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

BFIX

BFIX Risk / Return Rank: 45
BFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
BFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
BFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 36
BFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 69
BFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 47

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.

BFIX vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) 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.

	BFIX	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.07	-0.03	+1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	0.13	+1.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.01	+0.19
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	-0.03	+2.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.31	-0.08	+6.40

BFIX vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BFIX Sharpe Ratio is 1.07, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BFIX 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

BFIX vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BFIX drawdown since its inception was -8.54%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BFIX and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	BFIX	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-8.54%	-25.40%	+16.86%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-1.09%	-25.40%	+24.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.05%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.95%	-22.99%	+22.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.96%	-3.90%	+0.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.47%	10.30%	-9.83%

Volatility

BFIX vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Build Bond Innovation ETF (BFIX) is 0.53%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 8.28%. This indicates that BFIX 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

	BFIX	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.53%	8.28%	-7.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.52%	19.79%	-18.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.84%	25.12%	-22.28%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.73%	21.54%	-16.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.73%	21.54%	-16.81%

BFIX vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

BFIX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BFIX vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

BFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.58%, more than SHLD's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
BFIX Build Bond Innovation ETF	3.58%	3.73%	4.38%	4.30%	1.58%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BFIX and SHLD in my portfolio?

BFIX and SHLD have a correlation of 0.29, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BFIX or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (8.28%) compared to BFIX (0.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BFIX dropped -8.54% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, BFIX or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, BFIX leads with 2.99% vs -0.87% for SHLD. On fees, BFIX is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, BFIX has been the lower-risk option at 0.53%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BFIX or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, BFIX has performed better with a 2.99% return vs -0.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BFIX or SHLD?

BFIX is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

BFIX has the higher dividend yield at 3.58%, compared with 0.71% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between BFIX and SHLD?

BFIX is categorized as Intermediate Core Bond, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. They also come from different issuers: Build and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for BFIX and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BFIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.07 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.