NORW vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

NORW (Global X MSCI Norway ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NORW is a Europe Equities fund tracking the MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NORW returned 36.12% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

NORW vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) 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, NORW achieves a 26.31% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

NORW

• 1D: -0.52%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 26.31%
• 6M: 31.64%
• 1Y: 36.12%
• 3Y*: 23.02%
• 5Y*: 7.99%
• 10Y*: 9.61%

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)

NORW vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
NORW Global X MSCI Norway ETF	26.31%	32.59%	-2.50%	7.32%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between NORW and SHLD is 0.39, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.39
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2023	0.43

NORW vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	NORW	SHLD
Energy	29.4%	-
Financial Services	22.6%	-
Industrials	13.3%	88.2%
Consumer Defensive	12.5%	-
Basic Materials	10.9%	-
Communication Services	5.9%	-
Technology	4.1%	11.8%
Utilities	0.7%	-
Real Estate	0.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.2%	-
Healthcare	-	-

Return for Risk

NORW vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

NORW

NORW Risk / Return Rank: 66
NORW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 65
NORW Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
NORW Omega Ratio Rank: 60
NORW Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
NORW Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

NORW vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) 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.

	NORW	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.18	0.41	+1.77
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	3.00	0.74	+2.26
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.37	1.08	+0.28
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.95	0.49	+3.47
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	11.27	1.30	+9.97
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

NORW vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NORW Sharpe Ratio is 2.18, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NORW 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

	NORW	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.18	0.41	+1.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.37	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.46	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.40	2.00	-1.60

Drawdowns

NORW vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NORW drawdown since its inception was -35.62%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NORW and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	NORW	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.62%	-20.10%	-15.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.18%	-20.10%	+10.92%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.06%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.78%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.86%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.53%	-18.85%	+15.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.13%	-3.19%	-6.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.21%	7.51%	-4.30%

Volatility

NORW vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MSCI Norway ETF (NORW) is 4.06%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.81%. This indicates that NORW 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

	NORW	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.06%	7.81%	-3.75%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.73%	19.35%	-6.62%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.70%	24.05%	-7.35%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.88%	21.13%	+0.75%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.80%	21.13%	-0.33%

NORW vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NORW and SHLD have an expense ratio of 0.50%.

Dividends

NORW vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

NORW's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NORW Global X MSCI Norway ETF	2.72%	3.44%	6.02%	5.27%	4.01%	1.51%	1.13%	2.47%	3.53%	3.64%	3.79%	2.95%
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 NORW and SHLD in my portfolio?

NORW and SHLD have a correlation of 0.39, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NORW or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.81%) compared to NORW (4.06%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NORW dropped -35.62% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, NORW or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, NORW leads with 36.12% vs 9.71% for SHLD. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, NORW has been the lower-risk option at 4.06%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NORW or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, NORW has performed better with a 36.12% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NORW or SHLD?

NORW and SHLD have the same expense ratio: 0.50% per year.

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

NORW has the higher dividend yield at 2.72%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between NORW and SHLD?

NORW is categorized as Europe Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. NORW tracks MSCI Norway IMI 25/50 Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NORW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.18 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.