SHLD vs. AIQ

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and AIQ (Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index, while AIQ is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned -1.74% vs 32.23% for AIQ. At a 0.38 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for AIQ.

Performance

SHLD vs. AIQ - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHLD achieves a -7.00% return, which is significantly lower than AIQ's 15.42% return.

SHLD

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

AIQ

• 1D: -1.03%
• 1M: -8.75%
• 6M: 12.15%
• YTD: 15.42%
• 1Y: 32.23%
• 3Y*: 25.96%
• 5Y*: 14.54%
• 10Y*: —

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

SHLD vs. AIQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.00%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	15.42%	31.89%	24.11%	10.52%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and AIQ is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.38

SHLD vs. AIQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SHLD	AIQ
Industrials	87.8%	3.4%
Technology	12.2%	77.4%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	11.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	7.2%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	0.5%
Healthcare	-	0.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. AIQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

AIQ

AIQ Risk / Return Rank: 41
AIQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
AIQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
AIQ Omega Ratio Rank: 39
AIQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
AIQ Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

SHLD vs. AIQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ). 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.

	SHLD	AIQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.07	1.17	-1.24
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.08	1.62	-1.54
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.21	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.07	1.97	-2.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.17	5.52	-5.68

SHLD vs. AIQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is -0.07, which is lower than the AIQ Sharpe Ratio of 1.17. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD and AIQ, 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

SHLD vs. AIQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -25.40%, smaller than the maximum AIQ drawdown of -44.66%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and AIQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	AIQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.40%	-44.66%	+19.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.40%	-16.47%	-8.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-26.35%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-44.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.77%	-16.31%	-6.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.93%	-9.79%	+5.86%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.40%	5.86%	+4.54%

Volatility

SHLD vs. AIQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) is 8.21%, while Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF (AIQ) has a volatility of 11.22%. This indicates that SHLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than AIQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	AIQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.21%	11.22%	-3.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.78%	24.12%	-4.34%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.11%	27.72%	-2.61%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.52%	26.26%	-4.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.52%	25.92%	-4.40%

SHLD vs. AIQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than AIQ's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. AIQ - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%, more than AIQ's 0.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
AIQ Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology ETF	0.08%	0.18%	0.14%	0.16%	0.56%	0.15%	0.50%	0.51%	0.51%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHLD and AIQ in my portfolio?

SHLD and AIQ have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SHLD or AIQ?

AIQ has higher volatility (11.22%) compared to SHLD (8.21%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -25.40% vs AIQ's -44.66%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or AIQ?

On 1-year performance, AIQ leads with 32.23% vs -1.74% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 8.21%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHLD or AIQ?

Over the 1-year period, AIQ has performed better with a 32.23% return vs -1.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHLD or AIQ?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for AIQ.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.71%, compared with 0.08% for AIQ.

What is the main difference between SHLD and AIQ?

SHLD is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while AIQ is Technology Equities. SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while AIQ tracks Indxx Artificial Intelligence & Big Data Index. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.68% for AIQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

AIQ currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.17 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.