SHLD vs. KDEF

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and KDEF (PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - SHLD tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index while KDEF tracks the The Korea Defence Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned 8.26% vs 23.84% for KDEF. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for KDEF.

Performance

SHLD vs. KDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF). 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 KDEF's 10.00% return.

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KDEF

• 1D: 1.61%
• 1M: -9.85%
• YTD: 10.00%
• 6M: 13.24%
• 1Y: 23.84%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SHLD vs. KDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	60.20%
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	10.00%	116.28%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and KDEF is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	0.51

The correlation between SHLD and KDEF has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.51 to 0.54 - a consistent structural relationship.

SHLD vs. KDEF - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SHLD	KDEF
Industrials	87.8%	84.9%
Technology	12.2%	3.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	5.8%
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	2.4%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. KDEF — 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

KDEF

KDEF Risk / Return Rank: 21
KDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 20
KDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
KDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 22
KDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 20
KDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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. KDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF). 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	KDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.43	0.60	-0.17
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.78	1.10	-0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.13	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.52	0.78	-0.26
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.28	2.48	-1.20

SHLD vs. KDEF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is 0.43, which is comparable to the KDEF Sharpe Ratio of 0.60. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD and KDEF, 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. KDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -20.10%, smaller than the maximum KDEF drawdown of -35.55%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and KDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	KDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.10%	-35.55%	+15.45%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.10%	-35.55%	+15.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.20%	-26.83%	+8.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.34%	-6.96%	+3.62%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	8.12%	11.09%	-2.97%

Volatility

SHLD vs. KDEF - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) is 9.05%, while PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF) has a volatility of 18.52%. This indicates that SHLD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than KDEF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	KDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.05%	18.52%	-9.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.94%	38.55%	-18.61%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.55%	46.43%	-21.88%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.29%	47.55%	-26.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.29%	47.55%	-26.26%

SHLD vs. KDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than KDEF's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. KDEF - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, less than KDEF's 6.25% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	6.25%	5.06%	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 KDEF in my portfolio?

SHLD and KDEF have a correlation of 0.54, 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 KDEF?

KDEF has higher volatility (18.52%) compared to SHLD (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -20.10% vs KDEF's -35.55%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or KDEF?

On 1-year performance, KDEF leads with 23.84% vs 8.26% 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 KDEF?

Over the 1-year period, KDEF has performed better with a 23.84% 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 KDEF?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for KDEF.

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

KDEF has the higher dividend yield at 6.25%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between SHLD and KDEF?

SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while KDEF tracks The Korea Defence Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and PLUS. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.65% for KDEF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

KDEF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.60 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.