MLDR vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 21, 2026

MLDR (Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLDR is a Government Bonds fund managed by Global X, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Over the past year, MLDR returned 2.54% vs -2.37% for SHLD. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLDR charges 0.12%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

MLDR vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (MLDR) 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, MLDR achieves a -0.72% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -7.05% return.

MLDR

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -0.23%
• 6M: -0.53%
• YTD: -0.72%
• 1Y: 2.54%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 1.55%

SHLD

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -3.33%
• 6M: -22.70%
• YTD: -7.05%
• 1Y: -2.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 37.29%

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

MLDR vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
MLDR Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF	-0.72%	7.20%	-3.31%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.05%	74.16%	3.09%

Correlation

The correlation between MLDR and SHLD is 0.13, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 10, 2024	0.09

Return for Risk

MLDR vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLDR

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

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 9
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 9

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.

MLDR vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (MLDR) 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.

	MLDR	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.69	-0.10	+0.79
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.03	0.04	+0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.00	+0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.78	-0.09	+0.88
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.95	-0.23	+2.18

MLDR vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLDR Sharpe Ratio is 0.69, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.10. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLDR 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

MLDR vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLDR drawdown since its inception was -4.55%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLDR and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLDR	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-4.55%	-25.40%	+20.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-3.26%	-25.40%	+22.14%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.36%	-22.81%	+20.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.44%	-3.95%	+2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.30%	10.49%	-9.19%

Volatility

MLDR vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF (MLDR) is 1.08%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 8.21%. This indicates that MLDR 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

	MLDR	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.08%	8.21%	-7.13%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	2.88%	19.76%	-16.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.68%	25.13%	-21.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	4.15%	21.51%	-17.36%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	4.15%	21.51%	-17.36%

MLDR vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLDR has a 0.12% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLDR vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

MLDR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.81%, more than SHLD's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
MLDR Global X Intermediate-Term Treasury Ladder ETF	3.81%	3.57%	1.11%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLDR and SHLD in my portfolio?

MLDR and SHLD have a correlation of 0.13, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLDR or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to MLDR (1.08%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLDR dropped -4.55% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, MLDR or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, MLDR leads with 2.54% vs -2.37% for SHLD. On fees, MLDR is cheaper at 0.12% per year. On volatility, MLDR has been the lower-risk option at 1.08%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLDR or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, MLDR has performed better with a 2.54% return vs -2.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLDR or SHLD?

MLDR is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

MLDR has the higher dividend yield at 3.81%, compared with 0.71% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between MLDR and SHLD?

MLDR is categorized as Government Bonds, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. Their fees differ too: 0.12% for MLDR and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLDR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.69 vs -0.10), 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.