CLOU vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

CLOU (Global X Cloud Computing ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - CLOU is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global Cloud Computing Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, CLOU returned 11.58% vs 13.67% for SHLD. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CLOU charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

CLOU vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU) 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, CLOU achieves a 13.35% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's 0.11% return.

CLOU

• 1D: -2.81%
• 1M: 21.81%
• YTD: 13.35%
• 6M: 13.05%
• 1Y: 11.58%
• 3Y*: 10.56%
• 5Y*: 0.30%
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -4.51%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 6.04%
• 1Y: 13.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

CLOU vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CLOU Global X Cloud Computing ETF	13.35%	-5.59%	5.74%	14.33%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.11%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between CLOU and SHLD is 0.28, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.28
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2023	0.36

CLOU vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	CLOU	SHLD
Technology	85.3%	11.8%
Real Estate	5.6%	-
Communication Services	5.5%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.0%	-
Healthcare	0.6%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Industrials	-	88.2%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

CLOU vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

CLOU

CLOU Risk / Return Rank: 15
CLOU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
CLOU Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
CLOU Omega Ratio Rank: 16
CLOU Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
CLOU Martin Ratio Rank: 13

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 18
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 18
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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.

CLOU vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU) 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.

	CLOU	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.40	0.57	-0.18
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.75	0.97	-0.21
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.11	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.44	0.71	-0.27
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.09	1.93	-0.85
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CLOU vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CLOU Sharpe Ratio is 0.40, which is lower than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.57. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CLOU 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.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	CLOU	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.40	0.57	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.01	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.26	2.07	-1.81

Drawdowns

CLOU vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CLOU drawdown since its inception was -53.74%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CLOU and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	CLOU	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.74%	-20.10%	-33.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-27.24%	-20.10%	-7.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.18%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.82%	-16.87%	-1.95%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.42%	-3.17%	-21.25%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.01%	7.42%	+3.59%

Volatility

CLOU vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU) has a higher volatility of 13.10% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 7.51%. This indicates that CLOU's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CLOU	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.10%	7.51%	+5.59%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.52%	19.39%	+5.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.26%	23.94%	+5.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	30.53%	21.09%	+9.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	30.77%	21.09%	+9.68%

CLOU vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

CLOU has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

CLOU vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

CLOU has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019
CLOU Global X Cloud Computing ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.76%	0.00%	0.05%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.55%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CLOU and SHLD in my portfolio?

CLOU and SHLD have a correlation of 0.28, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CLOU or SHLD?

CLOU has higher volatility (13.10%) compared to SHLD (7.51%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CLOU dropped -53.74% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, CLOU or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, SHLD leads with 13.67% vs 11.58% for CLOU. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.51%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CLOU or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, SHLD has performed better with a 13.67% return vs 11.58%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CLOU or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for CLOU.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.55%, compared with 0.00% for CLOU.

What is the main difference between CLOU and SHLD?

CLOU is categorized as Technology Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. CLOU tracks Indxx Global Cloud Computing Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for CLOU and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SHLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.57 vs 0.40), 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.