EART vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

EART (Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - EART is a Rare Earth & Strategic Metals fund tracking the Solactive Rare Earth & Critical Materials Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, EART returned 90.35% vs 4.03% for SHLD. At a 0.28 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. EART charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

EART vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) 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, EART achieves a 8.19% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -6.53% return.

EART

• 1D: -5.19%
• 1M: -5.99%
• YTD: 8.19%
• 6M: 8.04%
• 1Y: 90.35%
• 3Y*: 19.97%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

EART vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
EART Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF	8.19%	98.48%	-7.19%	-6.42%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-6.53%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between EART and SHLD is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.28

Return for Risk

EART vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

EART

EART Risk / Return Rank: 66
EART Sharpe Ratio Rank: 77
EART Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
EART Omega Ratio Rank: 62
EART Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
EART Martin Ratio Rank: 60

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.

EART vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) 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.

	EART	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.30	0.16	+2.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.62	0.41	+2.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.05	+0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.49	0.18	+3.31
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.10	0.46	+9.63

EART vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current EART Sharpe Ratio is 2.30, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of EART 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

EART vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum EART drawdown since its inception was -53.68%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -22.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for EART and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	EART	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-53.68%	-22.38%	-31.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-26.03%	-22.38%	-3.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-37.20%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.05%	-22.38%	+4.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-28.98%	-3.49%	-25.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.98%	8.69%	+0.29%

Volatility

EART vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF (EART) has a higher volatility of 13.28% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 9.04%. This indicates that EART'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

	EART	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.28%	9.04%	+4.24%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	33.46%	20.19%	+13.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	39.51%	24.71%	+14.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	34.26%	21.33%	+12.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	34.26%	21.33%	+12.93%

EART vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

EART has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

EART vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

EART's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.60%, more than SHLD's 0.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
EART Global X Rare Earth & Critical Materials ETF	0.60%	0.65%	1.06%	1.83%	2.04%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.59%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both EART and SHLD in my portfolio?

EART and SHLD have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, EART or SHLD?

EART has higher volatility (13.28%) compared to SHLD (9.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, EART dropped -53.68% vs SHLD's -22.38%.

Which ETF is better, EART or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, EART leads with 90.35% vs 4.03% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 9.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, EART or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, EART has performed better with a 90.35% return vs 4.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, EART or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for EART.

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

EART has the higher dividend yield at 0.60%, compared with 0.59% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between EART and SHLD?

EART is categorized as Rare Earth & Strategic Metals, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. EART tracks Solactive Rare Earth & Critical Materials Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for EART and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

EART currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.30 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.