SDEM vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SDEM (Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SDEM is a Emerging Markets Equities fund tracking the MSCI Emerging Markets Top 50 Dividend, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SDEM returned 26.08% vs -1.74% for SHLD. At a 0.32 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SDEM charges 0.67%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

SDEM vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) 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, SDEM achieves a 11.91% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -7.00% return.

SDEM

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.20%
• 6M: 5.97%
• YTD: 11.91%
• 1Y: 26.08%
• 3Y*: 18.87%
• 5Y*: 5.20%
• 10Y*: 4.24%

SHLD

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -5.60%
• 6M: -22.66%
• YTD: -7.00%
• 1Y: -1.74%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SDEM vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	11.91%	32.01%	4.02%	10.57%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.00%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SDEM and SHLD is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.32

SDEM vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SDEM	SHLD
Financial Services	26.6%	-
Industrials	11.3%	87.8%
Real Estate	8.0%	-
Utilities	7.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	5.5%	-
Communication Services	5.5%	-
Basic Materials	5.4%	-
Consumer Cyclical	3.9%	-
Technology	3.5%	12.2%
Energy	3.1%	-
Healthcare	2.0%	-

Return for Risk

SDEM vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SDEM

SDEM Risk / Return Rank: 70
SDEM Sharpe Ratio Rank: 73
SDEM Sortino Ratio Rank: 73
SDEM Omega Ratio Rank: 67
SDEM Calmar Ratio Rank: 73
SDEM Martin Ratio Rank: 63

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.

SDEM vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) 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.

	SDEM	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.85	-0.07	+1.92
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.60	0.08	+2.52
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.32	1.01	+0.31
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.90	-0.07	+2.97
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	8.69	-0.17	+8.86

SDEM vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SDEM Sharpe Ratio is 1.85, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.07. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SDEM 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

SDEM vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SDEM drawdown since its inception was -47.38%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SDEM and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SDEM	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-47.38%	-25.40%	-21.98%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.03%	-25.40%	+16.37%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.34%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-36.08%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-47.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-22.77%	+19.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-20.53%	-3.93%	-16.60%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.01%	10.40%	-7.39%

Volatility

SDEM vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF (SDEM) is 3.76%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 8.21%. This indicates that SDEM 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

	SDEM	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.76%	8.21%	-4.45%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.67%	19.78%	-8.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.15%	25.11%	-10.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.49%	21.52%	-4.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.06%	21.52%	-2.46%

SDEM vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SDEM has a 0.67% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SDEM vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

SDEM's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.01%, more than SHLD's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SDEM Global X MSCI SuperDividend Emerging Markets ETF	5.01%	5.27%	7.28%	7.50%	8.86%	8.14%	6.30%	6.47%	6.55%	5.01%	5.06%	6.14%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	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 SDEM and SHLD in my portfolio?

SDEM and SHLD have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SDEM or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (8.21%) compared to SDEM (3.76%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SDEM dropped -47.38% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, SDEM or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, SDEM leads with 26.08% vs -1.74% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SDEM has been the lower-risk option at 3.76%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SDEM or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, SDEM has performed better with a 26.08% return vs -1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SDEM or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.67% for SDEM.

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

SDEM has the higher dividend yield at 5.01%, compared with 0.71% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between SDEM and SHLD?

SDEM is categorized as Emerging Markets Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. SDEM tracks MSCI Emerging Markets Top 50 Dividend, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.67% for SDEM and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SDEM currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.85 vs -0.07), 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.