ISHP vs. SHLD

Last updated Aug 2, 2026

ISHP (First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ISHP is a Consumer Discretionary Equities fund tracking the S-Network Global E-Commerce Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ISHP returned -8.31% vs 4.60% for SHLD. Their 0.36 correlation means their historical movements had little consistent relationship. ISHP charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

ISHP vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) 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, ISHP achieves a -8.73% return, which is significantly lower than SHLD's -2.06% return.

ISHP

• 1D: -0.82%
• 1M: 4.54%
• 6M: -7.70%
• YTD: -8.73%
• 1Y: -8.31%
• 3Y*: 8.87%
• 5Y*: 2.04%
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 7.29%

SHLD

• 1D: 0.76%
• 1M: -1.11%
• 6M: -15.67%
• YTD: -2.06%
• 1Y: 4.60%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 39.34%

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

Liquidity Comparison

Position	Avg. Volume Value (2W)	Avg. Volume Value (1M)	Avg. Volume Value (3M)
ISHP First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF	$7.11K	$5.31K	$3.27K
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	$70.01M	$66.37M	$108.83M

ISHP vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ISHP First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF	-8.73%	12.27%	24.17%	8.23%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.06%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ISHP and SHLD is 0.38, which is low. Their historical price movements had little consistent relationship.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Focuses on recent behavior, but can change the most.	0.38
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.36

ISHP vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ISHP	SHLD
Consumer Cyclical	25.8%	-
Communication Services	15.2%	-
Industrials	7.6%	88.4%
Technology	7.6%	11.6%
Real Estate	4.5%	-
Financial Services	3.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	1.5%	-
Healthcare	1.5%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ISHP vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

Compare historical risk-adjusted metric ranks over the past 12 months.

ISHP

ISHP Risk / Return Rank: 5
ISHP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
ISHP Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
ISHP Omega Ratio Rank: 5
ISHP Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
ISHP Martin Ratio Rank: 6

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 14
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 13

The rank (0–100) uses a weighted average of the Sharpe, Sortino, Omega, Calmar, and Martin percentile ranks for the trailing 12 months. Higher means stronger historical risk-adjusted performance within the peer group.

ISHP vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) 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.

	ISHP	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.53	0.15	-0.69
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-0.64	0.40	-1.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.93	1.05	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.39	0.15	-0.55
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.70	0.35	-1.05

ISHP vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ISHP Sharpe Ratio is -0.53, which is lower than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.15. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ISHP 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

ISHP vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ISHP drawdown since its inception was -47.57%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ISHP and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ISHP	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.57%	-25.40%	-22.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-24.75%	-25.40%	+0.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-24.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-47.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.15%	-18.67%	+2.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.76%	-4.15%	-8.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.89%	11.13%	+2.76%

Volatility

ISHP vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF (ISHP) is 5.32%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.73%. This indicates that ISHP 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

	ISHP	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.32%	7.73%	-2.41%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	14.80%	20.16%	-5.36%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	18.30%	25.33%	-7.03%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.32%	21.56%	+5.76%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.03%	21.56%	+2.47%

ISHP vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

ISHP has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

ISHP vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

ISHP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.14%, more than SHLD's 0.67% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016
ISHP First Trust S-Network Global E-Commerce ETF	1.14%	1.34%	1.02%	1.58%	0.76%	0.53%	0.82%	1.16%	0.89%	1.65%	0.23%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.67%	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 ISHP and SHLD in my portfolio?

ISHP and SHLD have a correlation of 0.38, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ISHP or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.73%) compared to ISHP (5.32%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ISHP dropped -47.57% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, ISHP or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, SHLD leads with 4.60% vs -8.31% for ISHP. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, ISHP has been the lower-risk option at 5.32%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ISHP or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, SHLD has performed better with a 4.60% return vs -8.31%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ISHP or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for ISHP.

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

ISHP has the higher dividend yield at 1.14%, compared with 0.67% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between ISHP and SHLD?

ISHP is categorized as Consumer Discretionary Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. ISHP tracks S-Network Global E-Commerce Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for ISHP and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SHLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.15 vs -0.53), 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.