SHLD vs. GLTR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and GLTR (abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index, while GLTR is a Precious Metals fund tracking the ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned 10.40% vs 39.78% for GLTR. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for GLTR.

Performance

SHLD vs. GLTR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR). 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 higher than GLTR's -4.66% return.

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: 0.05%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 10.40%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GLTR

• 1D: 0.30%
• 1M: -15.53%
• YTD: -4.66%
• 6M: 0.76%
• 1Y: 39.78%
• 3Y*: 29.97%
• 5Y*: 14.04%
• 10Y*: 12.08%

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

SHLD vs. GLTR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF	-4.66%	87.25%	20.63%	4.85%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and GLTR is 0.29, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.29
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.25

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. GLTR — 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

GLTR

GLTR Risk / Return Rank: 30
GLTR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
GLTR Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
GLTR Omega Ratio Rank: 38
GLTR Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
GLTR Martin Ratio Rank: 25

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. GLTR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR). 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	GLTR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	1.04	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	1.39	-0.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.22	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.52	1.17	-0.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.28	2.88	-1.59

SHLD vs. GLTR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is lower than the GLTR Sharpe Ratio of 1.04. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD and GLTR, 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. GLTR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -20.10%, smaller than the maximum GLTR drawdown of -55.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and GLTR.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	GLTR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.10%	-55.70%	+35.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.10%	-34.09%	+13.99%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-34.09%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.09%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.09%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.20%	-31.27%	+13.07%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-28.82%	+25.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.12%	13.86%	-5.74%

Volatility

SHLD vs. GLTR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) is 9.05%, while abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF (GLTR) has a volatility of 10.43%. This indicates that SHLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GLTR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	GLTR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.05%	10.43%	-1.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.94%	36.24%	-16.30%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.55%	38.40%	-13.85%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.29%	23.87%	-2.58%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.29%	20.64%	+0.65%

SHLD vs. GLTR - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than GLTR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. GLTR - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, while GLTR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
GLTR abrdn Physical Precious Metals Basket Shares ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHLD and GLTR in my portfolio?

SHLD and GLTR have a correlation of 0.29, 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 GLTR?

GLTR has higher volatility (10.43%) compared to SHLD (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -20.10% vs GLTR's -55.70%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or GLTR?

On 1-year performance, GLTR leads with 39.78% vs 10.40% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. 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, SHLD or GLTR?

Over the 1-year period, GLTR has performed better with a 39.78% return vs 10.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHLD or GLTR?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for GLTR.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.00% for GLTR.

What is the main difference between SHLD and GLTR?

SHLD is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while GLTR is Precious Metals. SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while GLTR tracks ETFS Physical Precious Metals Basket Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and abrdn. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.60% for GLTR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GLTR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.04 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.