FGD vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FGD (First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGD is a Global Equities fund tracking the Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FGD returned 32.81% vs 8.26% for SHLD. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FGD charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

FGD vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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, FGD achieves a 12.92% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

FGD

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 1.25%
• YTD: 12.92%
• 6M: 13.97%
• 1Y: 32.81%
• 3Y*: 22.51%
• 5Y*: 10.83%
• 10Y*: 10.39%

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)

FGD vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	12.92%	44.42%	5.71%	7.12%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between FGD 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	0.42

The correlation between FGD and SHLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (1 year) to 0.42 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FGD vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGD	SHLD
Financial Services	33.6%	-
Industrials	14.3%	88.2%
Energy	10.0%	-
Communication Services	9.3%	-
Consumer Defensive	9.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.8%	-
Basic Materials	6.4%	-
Utilities	4.9%	-
Real Estate	2.4%	-
Technology	1.2%	11.8%
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

FGD vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGD

FGD Risk / Return Rank: 80
FGD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 87
FGD Sortino Ratio Rank: 86
FGD Omega Ratio Rank: 85
FGD Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
FGD Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

FGD vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) 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.

	FGD	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.48	0.43	+2.05
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.37	0.78	+2.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.45	1.09	+0.36
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.23	0.52	+2.71
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.28	1.28	+9.99

FGD vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGD Sharpe Ratio is 2.48, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGD 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

FGD vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGD drawdown since its inception was -68.05%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGD and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGD	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.05%	-20.10%	-47.95%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.82%	-20.10%	+10.28%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.50%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-28.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.84%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.44%	-18.20%	+17.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.55%	-3.34%	-9.21%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.81%	8.12%	-5.31%

Volatility

FGD vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund (FGD) is 3.57%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 9.05%. This indicates that FGD 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

	FGD	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.57%	9.05%	-5.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.98%	19.94%	-9.96%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.81%	24.55%	-11.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.95%	21.29%	-6.34%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.21%	21.29%	-3.08%

FGD vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FGD vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

FGD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.01%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGD First Trust Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index Fund	5.01%	5.62%	5.87%	6.44%	5.74%	5.35%	6.17%	5.19%	5.88%	4.01%	4.36%	5.07%
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 FGD and SHLD in my portfolio?

FGD 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, FGD or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.05%) compared to FGD (3.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGD dropped -68.05% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, FGD or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, FGD leads with 32.81% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FGD has been the lower-risk option at 3.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGD or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, FGD has performed better with a 32.81% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGD or SHLD?

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

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

FGD has the higher dividend yield at 5.01%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between FGD and SHLD?

FGD is categorized as Global Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. FGD tracks Dow Jones Global Select Dividend Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for FGD and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.48 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.