QDIV vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

QDIV (Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - QDIV is a Dividend fund tracking the S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, QDIV returned 13.66% vs 4.03% for SHLD. At a 0.36 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. QDIV charges 0.20%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

QDIV vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) 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, QDIV achieves a 7.99% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -6.53% return.

QDIV

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: -0.97%
• YTD: 7.99%
• 6M: 7.73%
• 1Y: 13.66%
• 3Y*: 9.64%
• 5Y*: 6.89%
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -7.05%
• YTD: -6.53%
• 6M: -8.73%
• 1Y: 4.03%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

QDIV vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	7.99%	3.16%	10.62%	4.05%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-6.53%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between QDIV and SHLD is 0.24, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.24
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.36

The correlation between QDIV and SHLD shifts across timeframes, from 0.24 (1 year) to 0.36 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

QDIV vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	QDIV	SHLD
Consumer Defensive	22.0%	-
Industrials	16.3%	87.8%
Healthcare	14.4%	-
Energy	11.5%	-
Technology	10.0%	12.2%
Basic Materials	8.6%	-
Financial Services	7.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	6.7%	-
Communication Services	3.5%	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

QDIV vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

QDIV

QDIV Risk / Return Rank: 33
QDIV Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
QDIV Sortino Ratio Rank: 35
QDIV Omega Ratio Rank: 31
QDIV Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
QDIV Martin Ratio Rank: 31

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 11
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 11

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.

QDIV vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) 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.

	QDIV	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	0.16	+0.98
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.77	0.41	+1.35
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.05	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.72	0.18	+1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.31	0.46	+3.85

QDIV vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current QDIV Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.16. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of QDIV 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

QDIV vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum QDIV drawdown since its inception was -41.20%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -22.38%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for QDIV and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	QDIV	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-41.20%	-22.38%	-18.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.97%	-22.38%	+14.41%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.81%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.15%	-22.38%	+18.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.53%	-3.49%	-2.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.17%	8.69%	-5.52%

Volatility

QDIV vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF (QDIV) is 3.42%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 9.04%. This indicates that QDIV 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

	QDIV	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	9.04%	-5.62%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.08%	20.19%	-12.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.00%	24.71%	-12.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.26%	21.33%	-6.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.38%	21.33%	-1.95%

QDIV vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

QDIV has a 0.20% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

QDIV vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

QDIV's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.00%, more than SHLD's 0.59% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
QDIV Global X S&P 500 Quality Dividend ETF	3.00%	3.13%	2.88%	3.26%	3.02%	2.44%	3.06%	2.84%	1.30%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.59%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both QDIV and SHLD in my portfolio?

QDIV and SHLD have a correlation of 0.24, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, QDIV or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.04%) compared to QDIV (3.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, QDIV dropped -41.20% vs SHLD's -22.38%.

Which ETF is better, QDIV or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, QDIV leads with 13.66% vs 4.03% for SHLD. On fees, QDIV is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, QDIV has been the lower-risk option at 3.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, QDIV or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, QDIV has performed better with a 13.66% return vs 4.03%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, QDIV or SHLD?

QDIV is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

QDIV has the higher dividend yield at 3.00%, compared with 0.59% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between QDIV and SHLD?

QDIV is categorized as Dividend, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. QDIV tracks S&P 500 Quality High Dividend Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.20% for QDIV and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

QDIV currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 0.16), 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.