SHLD vs. IAU

Last updated Jun 9, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and IAU (iShares Gold Trust) are both exchange-traded funds - SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index, while IAU is a Gold fund tracking the LBMA Gold Price. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned 8.97% vs 30.27% for IAU. At a 0.25 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for IAU.

Performance

SHLD vs. IAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHLD achieves a -2.65% return, which is significantly lower than IAU's 0.26% return.

SHLD

• 1D: 0.03%
• 1M: -3.34%
• YTD: -2.65%
• 6M: -0.77%
• 1Y: 8.97%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IAU

• 1D: 0.20%
• 1M: -8.43%
• YTD: 0.26%
• 6M: 3.08%
• 1Y: 30.27%
• 3Y*: 29.88%
• 5Y*: 17.71%
• 10Y*: 12.71%

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

SHLD vs. IAU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.65%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%
IAU iShares Gold Trust	0.26%	63.95%	26.85%	7.73%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and IAU is 0.31, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.31
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.25

SHLD vs. IAU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

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

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. IAU — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 15
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 16
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 15

IAU

IAU Risk / Return Rank: 33
IAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
IAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
IAU Omega Ratio Rank: 38
IAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 34
IAU Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. IAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and iShares Gold Trust (IAU). 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.

	SHLD	IAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.37	1.14	-0.77
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.70	1.52	-0.83
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	1.23	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.45	1.52	-1.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.16	3.80	-2.64
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SHLD vs. IAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.37, which is lower than the IAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.14. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD and IAU, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SHLD	IAU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.37	1.14	-0.77
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.99	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.80	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.98	0.61	+1.36

Drawdowns

SHLD vs. IAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -20.10%, smaller than the maximum IAU drawdown of -45.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and IAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	IAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.10%	-45.14%	+25.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.10%	-20.04%	-0.06%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-20.04%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-20.93%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-21.82%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.16%	-19.88%	+0.72%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.26%	-15.97%	+12.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.78%	7.99%	-0.21%

Volatility

SHLD vs. IAU - Volatility Comparison

Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a higher volatility of 7.64% compared to iShares Gold Trust (IAU) at 5.64%. This indicates that SHLD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IAU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	IAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.64%	5.64%	+2.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.39%	23.33%	-3.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.20%	26.68%	-2.48%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.14%	18.02%	+3.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.14%	15.94%	+5.20%

SHLD vs. IAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than IAU's 0.25% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. IAU - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
IAU iShares Gold Trust	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 IAU in my portfolio?

SHLD and IAU have a correlation of 0.31, 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 IAU?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.64%) compared to IAU (5.64%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -20.10% vs IAU's -45.14%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or IAU?

On 1-year performance, IAU leads with 30.27% vs 8.97% for SHLD. On fees, IAU is cheaper at 0.25% per year. On volatility, IAU has been the lower-risk option at 5.64%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHLD or IAU?

Over the 1-year period, IAU has performed better with a 30.27% return vs 8.97%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHLD or IAU?

IAU is cheaper with a 0.25% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

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

What is the main difference between SHLD and IAU?

SHLD is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while IAU is Gold. SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while IAU tracks LBMA Gold Price. They also come from different issuers: Global X and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.25% for IAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.14 vs 0.37), 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.