SGDJ vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SGDJ (Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SGDJ is a Materials fund tracking the Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SGDJ returned 66.21% vs 8.26% for SHLD. At a 0.30 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.50% expense ratio.

Performance

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) 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, SGDJ achieves a -5.68% return, which is significantly lower than SHLD's -1.50% return.

SGDJ

• 1D: 2.43%
• 1M: -17.01%
• YTD: -5.68%
• 6M: -2.07%
• 1Y: 66.21%
• 3Y*: 47.78%
• 5Y*: 15.18%
• 10Y*: 10.80%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: -0.44%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SGDJ Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF	-5.68%	174.44%	19.35%	12.93%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SGDJ and SHLD is 0.34, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.34
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.30

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SGDJ	SHLD
Basic Materials	100.0%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	88.2%
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	11.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SGDJ vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SGDJ

SGDJ Risk / Return Rank: 41
SGDJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
SGDJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
SGDJ Omega Ratio Rank: 43
SGDJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
SGDJ Martin Ratio Rank: 37

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 16
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 16
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 16

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.

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) 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.

	SGDJ	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.37	0.43	+0.95
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.76	0.78	+0.98
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.09	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.86	0.52	+1.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.04	1.28	+3.76

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SGDJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.37, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SGDJ 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

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SGDJ drawdown since its inception was -59.27%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SGDJ and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SGDJ	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-59.27%	-20.10%	-39.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.84%	-20.10%	-16.74%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-53.68%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-59.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-31.23%	-18.20%	-13.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-26.25%	-3.34%	-22.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	13.57%	8.12%	+5.45%

Volatility

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF (SGDJ) has a higher volatility of 17.17% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 9.05%. This indicates that SGDJ'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

	SGDJ	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	17.17%	9.05%	+8.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	41.94%	19.94%	+22.00%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	49.96%	24.55%	+25.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	40.69%	21.29%	+19.40%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	40.92%	21.29%	+19.63%

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

SGDJ vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

SGDJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 8.88%, more than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SGDJ Sprott Junior Gold Miners ETF	8.88%	8.37%	6.55%	4.55%	2.46%	2.20%	1.97%	0.65%	0.00%	0.14%	1.77%	0.85%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	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 SGDJ and SHLD in my portfolio?

SGDJ and SHLD have a correlation of 0.34, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SGDJ or SHLD?

SGDJ has higher volatility (17.17%) compared to SHLD (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SGDJ dropped -59.27% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, SGDJ or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, SGDJ leads with 66.21% vs 8.26% for SHLD. Both ETFs have the same 0.50% expense ratio. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 9.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SGDJ or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, SGDJ has performed better with a 66.21% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SGDJ or SHLD?

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

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

SGDJ has the higher dividend yield at 8.88%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between SGDJ and SHLD?

SGDJ is categorized as Materials, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. SGDJ tracks Solactive Junior Gold Miners Custom Factors Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: Sprott and Global X.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SGDJ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.37 vs 0.43), 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.