CATH vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 26, 2026

CATH (Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CATH is a S&P 500 fund tracking the S&P 500 Catholic Values Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CATH returned 18.85% vs -0.23% for SHLD. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CATH charges 0.29%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

CATH vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) 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, CATH achieves a 6.34% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -10.17% return.

CATH

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: -2.39%
• YTD: 6.34%
• 6M: 4.98%
• 1Y: 18.85%
• 3Y*: 19.23%
• 5Y*: 11.58%
• 10Y*: 15.12%

SHLD

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -11.99%
• YTD: -10.17%
• 6M: -12.31%
• 1Y: -0.23%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CATH vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CATH Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF	6.34%	17.08%	23.34%	7.60%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-10.17%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between CATH and SHLD is 0.43, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.43
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.45

CATH vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CATH	SHLD
Technology	38.9%	12.2%
Financial Services	11.3%	-
Communication Services	10.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	10.0%	-
Industrials	7.9%	87.8%
Healthcare	7.8%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.5%	-
Energy	3.2%	-
Utilities	2.1%	-
Real Estate	1.8%	-
Basic Materials	1.7%	-

Return for Risk

CATH vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

CATH

CATH Risk / Return Rank: 49
CATH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
CATH Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
CATH Omega Ratio Rank: 48
CATH Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
CATH Martin Ratio Rank: 56

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.

CATH vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) 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.

	CATH	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.49	-0.01	+1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.07	0.17	+1.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.27	1.02	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	-0.01	+2.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.62	-0.03	+8.65

CATH vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CATH Sharpe Ratio is 1.49, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CATH 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

CATH vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CATH drawdown since its inception was -33.95%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CATH and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	CATH	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-33.95%	-25.40%	-8.55%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.42%	-25.40%	+15.98%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.14%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.95%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.45%	-25.40%	+21.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.18%	-3.55%	-1.63%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.19%	8.97%	-6.78%

Volatility

CATH vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF (CATH) is 4.65%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 9.01%. This indicates that CATH 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

	CATH	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.65%	9.01%	-4.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.90%	20.22%	-10.32%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.67%	24.85%	-12.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.99%	21.39%	-3.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.63%	21.39%	-2.76%

CATH vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

CATH has a 0.29% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CATH vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

CATH's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.79%, more than SHLD's 0.61% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
CATH Global X S&P 500 Catholic Values ETF	0.79%	0.84%	0.95%	1.16%	1.34%	1.03%	1.23%	0.68%	2.01%	1.27%	0.50%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.61%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CATH and SHLD in my portfolio?

CATH and SHLD have a correlation of 0.43, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CATH or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.01%) compared to CATH (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CATH dropped -33.95% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, CATH or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, CATH leads with 18.85% vs -0.23% for SHLD. On fees, CATH is cheaper at 0.29% per year. On volatility, CATH has been the lower-risk option at 4.65%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CATH or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, CATH has performed better with a 18.85% return vs -0.23%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CATH or SHLD?

CATH is cheaper with a 0.29% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

CATH has the higher dividend yield at 0.79%, compared with 0.61% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between CATH and SHLD?

CATH is categorized as S&P 500, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. CATH tracks S&P 500 Catholic Values Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.29% for CATH and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CATH currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.49 vs -0.01), 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.