SHLD vs. FDT

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and FDT (First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index, while FDT is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned 8.26% vs 50.01% for FDT. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.80%/yr for FDT.

Performance

SHLD vs. FDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHLD achieves a -1.50% return, which is significantly lower than FDT's 23.23% return.

SHLD

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

FDT

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -1.96%
• YTD: 23.23%
• 6M: 24.33%
• 1Y: 50.01%
• 3Y*: 27.84%
• 5Y*: 12.16%
• 10Y*: 11.17%

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

SHLD vs. FDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	23.23%	52.21%	6.97%	3.66%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and FDT is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.49

SHLD vs. FDT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SHLD	FDT
Industrials	88.2%	34.0%
Technology	11.8%	8.1%
Basic Materials	-	9.6%
Communication Services	-	2.7%
Consumer Cyclical	-	11.5%
Consumer Defensive	-	2.8%
Energy	-	9.2%
Financial Services	-	10.2%
Healthcare	-	1.4%
Real Estate	-	5.3%
Utilities	-	5.2%

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. FDT — Risk / Return Rank

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

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

FDT

FDT Risk / Return Rank: 84
FDT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
FDT Sortino Ratio Rank: 84
FDT Omega Ratio Rank: 86
FDT Calmar Ratio Rank: 80
FDT Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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. FDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT). 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	FDT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	2.54	-2.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	3.27	-2.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.46	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.52	3.70	-3.18
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.28	14.01	-12.73

SHLD vs. FDT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is lower than the FDT Sharpe Ratio of 2.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD and FDT, 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. FDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -20.10%, smaller than the maximum FDT drawdown of -46.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and FDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	FDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.10%	-46.10%	+26.00%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.10%	-13.41%	-6.69%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-14.29%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.80%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.20%	-3.37%	-14.83%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-10.76%	+7.42%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.12%	3.54%	+4.58%

Volatility

SHLD vs. FDT - Volatility Comparison

Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund (FDT) have volatilities of 9.05% and 8.93%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	FDT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.05%	8.93%	+0.12%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.94%	17.27%	+2.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.55%	19.59%	+4.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.29%	18.46%	+2.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.29%	18.62%	+2.67%

SHLD vs. FDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than FDT's 0.80% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. FDT - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, less than FDT's 2.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDT First Trust Developed Markets ex-US AlphaDEX Fund	2.89%	3.27%	3.89%	4.36%	2.29%	3.80%	2.42%	2.78%	2.13%	1.57%	1.76%	1.83%
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 SHLD and FDT in my portfolio?

SHLD and FDT have a correlation of 0.44, 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 FDT?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.05%) compared to FDT (8.93%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -20.10% vs FDT's -46.10%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or FDT?

On 1-year performance, FDT leads with 50.01% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FDT has been the lower-risk option at 8.93%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHLD or FDT?

Over the 1-year period, FDT has performed better with a 50.01% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHLD or FDT?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.80% for FDT.

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

FDT has the higher dividend yield at 2.89%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between SHLD and FDT?

SHLD is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while FDT is Foreign Large Cap Equities. SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while FDT tracks NASDAQ AlphaDEX DM Ex-US Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.80% for FDT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.54 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.