SHLD vs. YCS

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and YCS (ProShares UltraShort Yen) are both exchange-traded funds - SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index, while YCS is a Leveraged Currency fund tracking the USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SHLD returned -0.87% vs 29.82% for YCS. At a correlation of -0.08, they often move in opposite directions. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for YCS.

Performance

SHLD vs. YCS - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHLD achieves a -7.27% return, which is significantly lower than YCS's 11.45% return.

SHLD

• 1D: -0.61%
• 1M: -5.92%
• 6M: -22.32%
• YTD: -7.27%
• 1Y: -0.87%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

YCS

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 3.09%
• 6M: 8.08%
• YTD: 11.45%
• 1Y: 29.82%
• 3Y*: 21.64%
• 5Y*: 24.30%
• 10Y*: 12.99%

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

SHLD vs. YCS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.27%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen	11.45%	9.04%	35.41%	-4.49%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and YCS is -0.13, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.13
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	-0.08

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. YCS — 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

YCS

YCS Risk / Return Rank: 73
YCS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 71
YCS Sortino Ratio Rank: 61
YCS Omega Ratio Rank: 74
YCS Calmar Ratio Rank: 84
YCS Martin Ratio Rank: 77

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. YCS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS). 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	YCS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.03	1.82	-1.85
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.13	2.30	-2.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.01	1.35	-0.33
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.03	3.61	-3.64
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-0.08	11.41	-11.49

SHLD vs. YCS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SHLD Sharpe Ratio is -0.03, which is lower than the YCS Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SHLD and YCS, 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. YCS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -25.40%, smaller than the maximum YCS drawdown of -49.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and YCS.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	YCS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-25.40%	-49.56%	+24.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-25.40%	-8.30%	-17.10%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-23.05%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.32%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-27.32%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.99%	0.00%	-22.99%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.90%	-19.80%	+15.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	10.30%	2.62%	+7.68%

Volatility

SHLD vs. YCS - Volatility Comparison

Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a higher volatility of 8.28% compared to ProShares UltraShort Yen (YCS) at 2.47%. This indicates that SHLD's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than YCS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	YCS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.28%	2.47%	+5.81%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.79%	11.85%	+7.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.12%	16.54%	+8.58%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.54%	21.09%	+0.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.54%	18.70%	+2.84%

SHLD vs. YCS - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than YCS's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. YCS - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.71%, while YCS has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%
YCS ProShares UltraShort Yen	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHLD and YCS in my portfolio?

SHLD and YCS have a correlation of -0.13, 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 YCS?

SHLD has higher volatility (8.28%) compared to YCS (2.47%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SHLD dropped -25.40% vs YCS's -49.56%.

Which ETF is better, SHLD or YCS?

On 1-year performance, YCS leads with 29.82% vs -0.87% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, YCS has been the lower-risk option at 2.47%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SHLD or YCS?

Over the 1-year period, YCS has performed better with a 29.82% return vs -0.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SHLD or YCS?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 1.00% for YCS.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.71%, compared with 0.00% for YCS.

What is the main difference between SHLD and YCS?

SHLD is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while YCS is Leveraged Currency. SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while YCS tracks USD/JPY Exchange Rate (-200%). They also come from different issuers: Global X and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 1.00% for YCS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

YCS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 vs -0.03), 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.