ROKT vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

ROKT (SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - ROKT is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, ROKT returned 111.37% vs 9.71% for SHLD. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. ROKT charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

ROKT vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) 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, ROKT achieves a 46.55% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

ROKT

• 1D: -3.71%
• 1M: 12.62%
• YTD: 46.55%
• 6M: 60.20%
• 1Y: 111.37%
• 3Y*: 44.75%
• 5Y*: 24.68%
• 10Y*: —

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)

ROKT vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
ROKT SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF	46.55%	50.56%	27.89%	11.08%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between ROKT and SHLD is 0.69, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.69
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 14, 2023	0.66

The correlation between ROKT and SHLD has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.66 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

ROKT vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ROKT	SHLD
Industrials	67.6%	88.2%
Technology	20.2%	11.8%
Energy	6.4%	-
Communication Services	5.9%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ROKT vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

ROKT

ROKT Risk / Return Rank: 93
ROKT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
ROKT Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
ROKT Omega Ratio Rank: 89
ROKT Calmar Ratio Rank: 96
ROKT Martin Ratio Rank: 96

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.

ROKT vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) 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.

	ROKT	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	3.88	0.41	+3.47
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.47	0.74	+3.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.57	1.08	+0.49
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	9.82	0.49	+9.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	35.81	1.30	+34.51
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ROKT vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ROKT Sharpe Ratio is 3.88, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ROKT 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

	ROKT	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	3.88	0.41	+3.47
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	1.09	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.86	2.00	-1.14

Drawdowns

ROKT vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ROKT drawdown since its inception was -43.16%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ROKT and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	ROKT	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.16%	-20.10%	-23.06%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.40%	-20.10%	+8.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-23.46%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-23.46%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.82%	-18.85%	+10.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.75%	-3.19%	-3.56%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.12%	7.51%	-4.39%

Volatility

ROKT vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) has a higher volatility of 13.10% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 7.81%. This indicates that ROKT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	ROKT	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.10%	7.81%	+5.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	24.98%	19.35%	+5.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.89%	24.05%	+4.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.78%	21.13%	+1.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.14%	21.13%	+4.01%

ROKT vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

ROKT vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

ROKT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.27%, less than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
ROKT SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF	0.27%	0.41%	0.57%	0.62%	0.54%	1.79%	0.48%	0.74%	0.16%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ROKT and SHLD in my portfolio?

ROKT and SHLD have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, ROKT or SHLD?

ROKT has higher volatility (13.10%) compared to SHLD (7.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ROKT dropped -43.16% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, ROKT or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, ROKT leads with 111.37% vs 9.71% for SHLD. On fees, ROKT is cheaper at 0.45% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.81%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, ROKT or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, ROKT has performed better with a 111.37% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ROKT or SHLD?

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

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.27% for ROKT.

What is the main difference between ROKT and SHLD?

ROKT is categorized as Industrials Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. ROKT tracks S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for ROKT and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROKT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.88 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.