IPAV vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IPAV (Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - IPAV is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, IPAV returned 29.12% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. IPAV charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

IPAV vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. ETF (IPAV) 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, IPAV achieves a 13.76% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

IPAV

• 1D: -0.76%
• 1M: -0.53%
• YTD: 13.76%
• 6M: 16.75%
• 1Y: 29.12%
• 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)

IPAV vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
IPAV Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. ETF	13.76%	29.77%	-6.87%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between IPAV and SHLD is 0.30, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.30
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 29, 2024	0.34

IPAV vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IPAV	SHLD
Industrials	47.4%	88.2%
Basic Materials	45.5%	-
Real Estate	3.3%	-
Communication Services	2.6%	-
Energy	1.2%	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Technology	-	11.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IPAV vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

IPAV

IPAV Risk / Return Rank: 48
IPAV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
IPAV Sortino Ratio Rank: 52
IPAV Omega Ratio Rank: 50
IPAV Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
IPAV Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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.

IPAV vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. ETF (IPAV) 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.

	IPAV	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.71	0.41	+1.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.49	0.74	+1.75
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.08	+0.23
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.00	0.49	+1.52
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.38	1.30	+6.09
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IPAV vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IPAV Sharpe Ratio is 1.71, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IPAV 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

	IPAV	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.71	0.41	+1.31
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.13	2.00	-0.87

Drawdowns

IPAV vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IPAV drawdown since its inception was -14.59%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IPAV and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	IPAV	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.59%	-20.10%	+5.51%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.59%	-20.10%	+5.51%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.07%	-18.85%	+13.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.53%	-3.19%	-0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.95%	7.51%	-3.56%

Volatility

IPAV vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. ETF (IPAV) is 6.49%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.81%. This indicates that IPAV 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

	IPAV	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.49%	7.81%	-1.32%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.59%	19.35%	-4.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.08%	24.05%	-6.97%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.69%	21.13%	-3.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.69%	21.13%	-3.44%

IPAV vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

IPAV vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

IPAV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.13%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IPAV Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. ETF	1.13%	1.29%	0.31%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IPAV and SHLD in my portfolio?

IPAV and SHLD have a correlation of 0.30, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, IPAV or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.81%) compared to IPAV (6.49%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IPAV dropped -14.59% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, IPAV or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, IPAV leads with 29.12% vs 9.71% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, IPAV has been the lower-risk option at 6.49%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IPAV or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, IPAV has performed better with a 29.12% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IPAV or SHLD?

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

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

IPAV has the higher dividend yield at 1.13%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between IPAV and SHLD?

IPAV is categorized as Industrials Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. IPAV tracks Global X Infrastructure Development ex-U.S. Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for IPAV and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IPAV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.71 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.