RSSL vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RSSL (Global X Russell 2000 ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - RSSL is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the Russell 2000 RIC Capped Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, RSSL returned 39.24% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. RSSL charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

RSSL vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) 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, RSSL achieves a 16.97% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

RSSL

• 1D: -1.27%
• 1M: 3.59%
• YTD: 16.97%
• 6M: 15.86%
• 1Y: 39.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

RSSL vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	16.97%	12.87%	8.83%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	10.70%

Correlation

The correlation between RSSL and SHLD is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 6, 2024	0.49

RSSL vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RSSL	SHLD
Industrials	17.6%	88.2%
Technology	17.0%	11.8%
Healthcare	16.5%	-
Financial Services	15.8%	-
Consumer Cyclical	8.4%	-
Real Estate	6.1%	-
Energy	6.1%	-
Basic Materials	4.8%	-
Utilities	2.9%	-
Communication Services	2.4%	-
Consumer Defensive	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

RSSL vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

RSSL

RSSL Risk / Return Rank: 64
RSSL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
RSSL Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
RSSL Omega Ratio Rank: 55
RSSL Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
RSSL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

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.

RSSL vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) 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.

	RSSL	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	2.06	0.41	+1.66
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.87	0.74	+2.12
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.34	1.08	+0.25
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.61	0.49	+3.12
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	12.70	1.30	+11.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RSSL vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RSSL Sharpe Ratio is 2.06, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RSSL 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

	RSSL	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.06	0.41	+1.66
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.90	2.00	-1.10

Drawdowns

RSSL vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RSSL drawdown since its inception was -27.79%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RSSL and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	RSSL	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.79%	-20.10%	-7.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.93%	-20.10%	+9.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-18.85%	+17.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.70%	-3.19%	-2.51%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.10%	7.51%	-4.41%

Volatility

RSSL vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Russell 2000 ETF (RSSL) is 5.77%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.81%. This indicates that RSSL 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

	RSSL	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.77%	7.81%	-2.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	13.50%	19.35%	-5.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	19.16%	24.05%	-4.89%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.46%	21.13%	+1.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.46%	21.13%	+1.33%

RSSL vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

RSSL has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

RSSL vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

RSSL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.28%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
RSSL Global X Russell 2000 ETF	1.28%	1.35%	0.99%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RSSL and SHLD in my portfolio?

RSSL and SHLD have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, RSSL or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.81%) compared to RSSL (5.77%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RSSL dropped -27.79% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, RSSL or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, RSSL leads with 39.24% vs 9.71% for SHLD. On fees, RSSL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, RSSL has been the lower-risk option at 5.77%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RSSL or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, RSSL has performed better with a 39.24% return vs 9.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RSSL or SHLD?

RSSL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

RSSL has the higher dividend yield at 1.28%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between RSSL and SHLD?

RSSL is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. RSSL tracks Russell 2000 RIC Capped Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for RSSL and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RSSL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.06 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.