FDT vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FDT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FDT returned 50.01% vs 8.26% for SHLD. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FDT charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

FDT vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) 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, FDT achieves a 23.23% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

FDT

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 23.23%
• 6M: 24.33%
• 1Y: 50.01%
• 3Y*: 27.84%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 11.17%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: -0.44%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FDT vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	23.23%	52.21%	6.97%	3.66%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between FDT and SHLD is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.49

FDT vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FDT	SHLD
Industrials	34.0%	88.2%
Consumer Cyclical	11.5%	-
Financial Services	10.2%	-
Basic Materials	9.6%	-
Energy	9.2%	-
Technology	8.1%	11.8%
Real Estate	5.3%	-
Utilities	5.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.8%	-
Communication Services	2.7%	-
Healthcare	1.4%	-

Return for Risk

FDT vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 82

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 16
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 16
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

FDT vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) 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.

	FDT	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.54	0.43	+2.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.27	0.78	+2.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.09	+0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.70	0.52	+3.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	14.01	1.28	+12.73

FDT vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FDT Sharpe Ratio is 2.54, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FDT 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

FDT vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FDT drawdown since its inception was -46.10%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FDT and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FDT	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.10%	-20.10%	-26.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.41%	-20.10%	+6.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-14.29%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.80%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.37%	-18.20%	+14.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.76%	-3.34%	-7.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.54%	8.12%	-4.58%

Volatility

FDT vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) have volatilities of 8.93% and 9.05%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FDT	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.93%	9.05%	-0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.27%	19.94%	-2.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.59%	24.55%	-4.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.46%	21.29%	-2.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.62%	21.29%	-2.67%

FDT vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FDT has a 0.80% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FDT vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

FDT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.89%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.89%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FDT and SHLD in my portfolio?

FDT and SHLD have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FDT or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.05%) compared to FDT (8.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FDT dropped -46.10% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, FDT or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, FDT leads with 50.01% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FDT has been the lower-risk option at 8.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FDT or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, FDT has performed better with a 50.01% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FDT or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

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

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between FDT and SHLD?

FDT is categorized as Foreign Large Cap Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. FDT tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.80% for FDT and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 vs 0.43), 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.