IDEF vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

IDEF (iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. IDEF is actively managed, while SHLD is passively managed. Over the past year, IDEF returned 18.11% vs 4.31% for SHLD. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IDEF charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

IDEF vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) 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, IDEF achieves a 3.06% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -6.48% return.

IDEF

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: -3.25%
• YTD: 3.06%
• 6M: 1.17%
• 1Y: 18.11%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: -2.74%
• 1M: -7.00%
• YTD: -6.48%
• 6M: -8.11%
• 1Y: 4.31%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IDEF vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	3.06%	21.50%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-6.48%	18.35%

Correlation

The correlation between IDEF and SHLD is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 21, 2025	0.88

The correlation between IDEF and SHLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.88 to 0.90 - a consistent structural relationship.

IDEF vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IDEF	SHLD
Industrials	85.4%	87.8%
Technology	11.7%	12.2%
Energy	1.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.5%	-
Utilities	0.3%	-
Financial Services	0.1%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

IDEF vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IDEF

IDEF Risk / Return Rank: 24
IDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
IDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
IDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 22
IDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
IDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 23

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 10
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

IDEF vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) 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.

	IDEF	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.82	0.18	+0.65
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.30	0.43	+0.87
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.05	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	0.19	+1.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.92	0.50	+2.42

IDEF vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IDEF Sharpe Ratio is 0.82, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IDEF 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

IDEF vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IDEF drawdown since its inception was -14.78%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -22.34%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IDEF and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IDEF	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.78%	-22.34%	+7.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.78%	-22.34%	+7.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-13.71%	-22.34%	+8.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.26%	-3.46%	-0.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.22%	8.58%	-2.36%

Volatility

IDEF vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) have volatilities of 8.84% and 9.03%, 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

	IDEF	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.84%	9.03%	-0.19%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.96%	20.23%	-1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.13%	24.76%	-2.63%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.60%	21.35%	+0.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.60%	21.35%	+0.25%

IDEF vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IDEF has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

IDEF vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

IDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, less than SHLD's 0.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	0.34%	0.17%	0.00%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.59%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IDEF and SHLD in my portfolio?

IDEF and SHLD have a correlation of 0.90, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IDEF or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.03%) compared to IDEF (8.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IDEF dropped -14.78% vs SHLD's -22.34%.

Which ETF is better, IDEF or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, IDEF leads with 18.11% vs 4.31% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IDEF has been the lower-risk option at 8.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IDEF or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, IDEF has performed better with a 18.11% return vs 4.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IDEF or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for IDEF.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.59%, compared with 0.34% for IDEF.

What is the main difference between IDEF and SHLD?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for IDEF and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IDEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.82 vs 0.18), 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.