IMOM vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

IMOM (Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IMOM is a Momentum fund tracking the Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IMOM returned 39.37% vs 8.26% for SHLD. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IMOM charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

IMOM vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) 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, IMOM achieves a 16.29% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

IMOM

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: -0.87%
• YTD: 16.29%
• 6M: 18.55%
• 1Y: 39.37%
• 3Y*: 23.40%
• 5Y*: 8.18%
• 10Y*: 7.94%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

IMOM vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	16.29%	47.20%	5.22%	7.97%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between IMOM and SHLD is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.55

The correlation between IMOM and SHLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.55 - a consistent structural relationship.

IMOM vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IMOM	SHLD
Industrials	31.2%	87.8%
Technology	18.7%	12.2%
Basic Materials	14.5%	-
Utilities	10.7%	-
Energy	10.3%	-
Communication Services	6.3%	-
Financial Services	4.2%	-
Real Estate	4.2%	-
Healthcare	3.3%	-
Consumer Cyclical	1.7%	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-

Return for Risk

IMOM vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IMOM

IMOM Risk / Return Rank: 65
IMOM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 68
IMOM Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
IMOM Omega Ratio Rank: 69
IMOM Calmar Ratio Rank: 58
IMOM Martin Ratio Rank: 65

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.

IMOM vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) 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.

	IMOM	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.92	0.43	+1.50
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	0.78	+1.82
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.09	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.52	0.52	+2.00
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.23	1.28	+8.95

IMOM vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IMOM Sharpe Ratio is 1.92, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IMOM 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

IMOM vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IMOM drawdown since its inception was -45.74%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IMOM and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IMOM	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-45.74%	-20.10%	-25.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.61%	-20.10%	+4.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.51%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.27%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.74%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.90%	-18.20%	+14.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.15%	-3.34%	-10.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.84%	8.12%	-4.28%

Volatility

IMOM vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF (IMOM) is 8.31%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 9.05%. This indicates that IMOM 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

	IMOM	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.31%	9.05%	-0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.95%	19.94%	-1.99%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.49%	24.55%	-4.06%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.04%	21.29%	-1.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.30%	21.29%	-0.99%

IMOM vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

IMOM has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

IMOM vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

IMOM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.17%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
IMOM Alpha Architect International Quantitative Momentum ETF	2.17%	2.53%	4.52%	2.95%	6.06%	1.27%	0.59%	1.17%	0.78%	1.11%	0.54%
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%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IMOM and SHLD in my portfolio?

IMOM and SHLD have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IMOM or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.05%) compared to IMOM (8.31%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IMOM dropped -45.74% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, IMOM or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, IMOM leads with 39.37% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, IMOM is cheaper at 0.38% per year. On volatility, IMOM has been the lower-risk option at 8.31%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IMOM or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, IMOM has performed better with a 39.37% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IMOM or SHLD?

IMOM is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

IMOM has the higher dividend yield at 2.17%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between IMOM and SHLD?

IMOM is categorized as Momentum, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. IMOM tracks Alpha Architect Intern.Quan. Mome. (USD)(TR), while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: Alpha Architect and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for IMOM and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IMOM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.92 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.