FMTM vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FMTM (MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FMTM is a Momentum fund, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. FMTM is actively managed, while SHLD is passively managed. Over the past year, FMTM returned 63.62% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FMTM charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

FMTM vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM) 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, FMTM achieves a 31.75% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

FMTM

• 1D: 0.50%
• 1M: 6.28%
• YTD: 31.75%
• 6M: 34.74%
• 1Y: 63.62%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

FMTM vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
FMTM MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF	31.75%	27.90%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	37.89%

Correlation

The correlation between FMTM and SHLD is 0.41, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2025	0.43

Return for Risk

FMTM vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

FMTM

FMTM Risk / Return Rank: 82
FMTM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 84
FMTM Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
FMTM Omega Ratio Rank: 76
FMTM Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
FMTM Martin Ratio Rank: 89

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.

FMTM vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM) 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.

	FMTM	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.80	0.41	+2.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.43	0.74	+2.69
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.08	+0.38
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	5.28	0.49	+4.79
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.62	1.30	+19.32
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FMTM vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FMTM Sharpe Ratio is 2.80, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FMTM 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

	FMTM	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.80	0.41	+2.40
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.38	2.00	+0.38

Drawdowns

FMTM vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FMTM drawdown since its inception was -12.12%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FMTM and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	FMTM	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-12.12%	-20.10%	+7.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.12%	-20.10%	+7.98%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-18.85%	+18.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.89%	-3.19%	+1.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	7.51%	-4.41%

Volatility

FMTM vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF (FMTM) is 6.52%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.81%. This indicates that FMTM 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

	FMTM	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.52%	7.81%	-1.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.83%	19.35%	-1.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.82%	24.05%	-1.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.94%	21.13%	+1.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.94%	21.13%	+1.81%

FMTM vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

FMTM has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FMTM vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

FMTM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.22%, less than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FMTM MarketDesk Focused U.S. Momentum ETF	0.22%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FMTM and SHLD in my portfolio?

FMTM and SHLD have a correlation of 0.41, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FMTM or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.81%) compared to FMTM (6.52%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FMTM dropped -12.12% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, FMTM or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, FMTM leads with 63.62% vs 9.71% for SHLD. On fees, FMTM is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, FMTM has been the lower-risk option at 6.52%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FMTM or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, FMTM has performed better with a 63.62% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FMTM or SHLD?

FMTM is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.22% for FMTM.

What is the main difference between FMTM and SHLD?

FMTM is categorized as Momentum, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for FMTM and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FMTM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.80 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.