FGM vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FGM (First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FGM is a Europe Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX Germany Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, FGM returned 20.28% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.44 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FGM charges 0.80%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

FGM vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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, FGM achieves a 5.41% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

FGM

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: 1.89%
• YTD: 5.41%
• 6M: 11.62%
• 1Y: 20.28%
• 3Y*: 22.55%
• 5Y*: 4.66%
• 10Y*: 8.23%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -7.01%
• YTD: -2.28%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 9.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

FGM vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
FGM First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund	5.41%	63.60%	1.36%	5.03%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between FGM 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 14, 2023	0.44

FGM vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FGM	SHLD
Industrials	40.5%	88.2%
Consumer Cyclical	16.6%	-
Real Estate	10.8%	-
Basic Materials	9.0%	-
Financial Services	8.2%	-
Healthcare	6.4%	-
Communication Services	3.2%	-
Utilities	3.2%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.2%	-
Energy	-	-
Technology	-	11.8%

Return for Risk

FGM vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FGM

FGM Risk / Return Rank: 27
FGM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
FGM Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
FGM Omega Ratio Rank: 27
FGM Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
FGM Martin Ratio Rank: 26

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 15
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

FGM vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) 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.

	FGM	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	0.41	+0.59
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.48	0.74	+0.74
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.08	+0.10
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.18	0.49	+0.69
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.76	1.30	+2.46
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FGM vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FGM Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FGM 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

	FGM	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00	0.41	+0.59
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.36	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	2.00	-1.65

Drawdowns

FGM vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FGM drawdown since its inception was -51.58%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FGM and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FGM	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-51.58%	-20.10%	-31.48%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.76%	-20.10%	+2.34%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.93%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-51.07%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-51.58%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.29%	-18.85%	+12.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.74%	-3.19%	-11.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.57%	7.51%	-1.94%

Volatility

FGM vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund (FGM) is 7.39%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.81%. This indicates that FGM 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

	FGM	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.39%	7.81%	-0.42%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.07%	19.35%	-2.28%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.48%	24.05%	-3.57%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.48%	21.13%	+3.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	23.11%	21.13%	+1.98%

FGM vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

FGM vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

FGM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.63%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FGM First Trust Germany AlphaDEX Fund	0.63%	0.66%	2.56%	2.82%	5.44%	1.43%	1.33%	2.30%	2.18%	2.11%	1.33%	1.13%
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 FGM and SHLD in my portfolio?

FGM 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, FGM or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.81%) compared to FGM (7.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FGM dropped -51.58% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, FGM or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, FGM leads with 20.28% vs 9.71% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FGM has been the lower-risk option at 7.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FGM or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, FGM has performed better with a 20.28% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FGM or SHLD?

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

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

FGM has the higher dividend yield at 0.63%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between FGM and SHLD?

FGM is categorized as Europe Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. FGM tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX Germany 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 FGM and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FGM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.00 vs 0.41), 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.