RAYS vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

RAYS (Global X Solar ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RAYS is a Alternative Energy Equities fund tracking the Solactive Solar Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

RAYS vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

RAYS

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -5.92%
• 6M: -22.32%
• YTD: -7.27%
• 1Y: -0.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

RAYS vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-15.34%

RAYS vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RAYS	SHLD
Technology	66.9%	12.2%
Industrials	21.4%	87.8%
Utilities	6.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	4.0%	-
Basic Materials	0.9%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

RAYS vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

RAYS

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

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.

RAYS vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Solar ETF (RAYS) 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.

	RAYS	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	-0.03	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	0.13	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.01	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	-0.03	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	-0.08	—

Drawdowns

RAYS vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RAYS drawdown since its inception was 0.00%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RAYS and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	RAYS	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-25.40%	+25.40%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-25.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-22.99%	+22.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	0.00%	-3.90%	+3.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	10.30%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	RAYS	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.28%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	19.79%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.00%	25.12%	-25.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	0.00%	21.54%	-21.54%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	0.00%	21.54%	-21.54%

RAYS vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

RAYS vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

RAYS has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
RAYS Global X Solar ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Which ETF is better, RAYS or SHLD?

Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, RAYS or SHLD?

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

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.71%, compared with 0.00% for RAYS.

What is the main difference between RAYS and SHLD?

RAYS is categorized as Alternative Energy Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. RAYS tracks Solactive Solar Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index.