MLPX vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MLPX (Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MLPX is a MLPs fund tracking the Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, MLPX returned 22.94% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MLPX charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

MLPX vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) 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, MLPX achieves a 23.59% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

MLPX

• 1D: -0.39%
• 1M: -2.15%
• YTD: 23.59%
• 6M: 23.51%
• 1Y: 22.94%
• 3Y*: 28.13%
• 5Y*: 20.92%
• 10Y*: 12.41%

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)

MLPX vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	23.59%	4.96%	42.90%	5.94%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between MLPX and SHLD is 0.10, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.10
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2023	0.30

The correlation between MLPX and SHLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.10 (1 year) to 0.30 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

MLPX vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MLPX	SHLD
Energy	99.5%	-
Utilities	0.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	88.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	11.8%

Return for Risk

MLPX vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

MLPX

MLPX Risk / Return Rank: 44
MLPX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
MLPX Sortino Ratio Rank: 40
MLPX Omega Ratio Rank: 39
MLPX Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
MLPX Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

MLPX vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) 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.

	MLPX	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	0.41	+1.10
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.09	0.74	+1.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.26	1.08	+0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.82	0.49	+2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	7.27	1.30	+5.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MLPX vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MLPX Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MLPX 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

	MLPX	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.50	0.41	+1.10
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.05	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.35	2.00	-1.65

Drawdowns

MLPX vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MLPX drawdown since its inception was -70.67%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MLPX and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	MLPX	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.67%	-20.10%	-50.57%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.18%	-20.10%	+11.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.77%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-19.72%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-64.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.68%	-18.85%	+13.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.63%	-3.19%	-13.44%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	7.51%	-4.34%

Volatility

MLPX vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) is 6.41%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.81%. This indicates that MLPX 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

	MLPX	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.41%	7.81%	-1.40%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.84%	19.35%	-7.51%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.38%	24.05%	-8.67%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.08%	21.13%	-1.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	26.50%	21.13%	+5.37%

MLPX vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

MLPX has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

MLPX vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

MLPX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.15%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MLPX Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF	4.15%	4.88%	4.30%	5.22%	5.23%	5.98%	8.32%	5.78%	5.77%	4.36%	5.50%	4.81%
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%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MLPX and SHLD in my portfolio?

MLPX and SHLD have a correlation of 0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MLPX or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.81%) compared to MLPX (6.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MLPX dropped -70.67% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, MLPX or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, MLPX leads with 22.94% vs 9.71% for SHLD. On fees, MLPX is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, MLPX has been the lower-risk option at 6.41%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MLPX or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, MLPX has performed better with a 22.94% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MLPX or SHLD?

MLPX is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

MLPX has the higher dividend yield at 4.15%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between MLPX and SHLD?

MLPX is categorized as MLPs, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. MLPX tracks Solactive MLP & Energy Infrastructure Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for MLPX and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MLPX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 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.