IBAT vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IBAT (iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IBAT is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the STOXX Global Energy Storage and Materials, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IBAT returned 105.19% vs 8.26% for SHLD. At a 0.35 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IBAT charges 0.47%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

IBAT vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF (IBAT) 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, IBAT achieves a 51.63% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

IBAT

• 1D: 1.07%
• 1M: -4.06%
• YTD: 51.63%
• 6M: 46.54%
• 1Y: 105.19%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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)

IBAT vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IBAT iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF	51.63%	32.09%	-13.29%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	15.42%

Correlation

The correlation between IBAT and SHLD is 0.35, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.35
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 21, 2024	0.35

IBAT vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IBAT	SHLD
Industrials	40.2%	87.8%
Basic Materials	30.8%	-
Technology	23.7%	12.2%
Energy	3.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.8%	-
Utilities	0.5%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

IBAT vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IBAT

IBAT Risk / Return Rank: 94
IBAT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 96
IBAT Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
IBAT Omega Ratio Rank: 92
IBAT Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
IBAT Martin Ratio Rank: 93

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.

IBAT vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF (IBAT) 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.

	IBAT	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.63	0.43	+3.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.98	0.78	+3.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.54	1.09	+0.45
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	7.45	0.52	+6.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	20.84	1.28	+19.55

IBAT vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IBAT Sharpe Ratio is 3.63, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IBAT 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

IBAT vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IBAT drawdown since its inception was -28.26%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IBAT and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IBAT	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-28.26%	-20.10%	-8.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-20.10%	+6.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.98%	-18.20%	+9.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.74%	-3.34%	-4.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.90%	8.12%	-3.22%

Volatility

IBAT vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF (IBAT) has a higher volatility of 13.41% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 9.05%. This indicates that IBAT'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

	IBAT	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.41%	9.05%	+4.36%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	22.68%	19.94%	+2.74%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.18%	24.55%	+3.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.58%	21.29%	+3.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.58%	21.29%	+3.29%

IBAT vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IBAT has a 0.47% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

IBAT vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

IBAT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.76%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IBAT iShares Energy Storage & Materials ETF	0.76%	1.15%	1.37%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IBAT and SHLD in my portfolio?

IBAT and SHLD have a correlation of 0.35, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IBAT or SHLD?

IBAT has higher volatility (13.41%) compared to SHLD (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IBAT dropped -28.26% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, IBAT or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, IBAT leads with 105.19% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, IBAT is cheaper at 0.47% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 9.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IBAT or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, IBAT has performed better with a 105.19% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IBAT or SHLD?

IBAT is cheaper with a 0.47% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

IBAT has the higher dividend yield at 0.76%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between IBAT and SHLD?

IBAT is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. IBAT tracks STOXX Global Energy Storage and Materials, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.47% for IBAT and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IBAT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.63 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.