SOCL vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SOCL (Global X Social Media ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOCL is a Large Cap Growth Equities fund tracking the Solactive Social Media Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SOCL returned 0.20% vs 9.71% for SHLD. At a 0.31 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SOCL charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

SOCL vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SOCL achieves a -14.38% return, which is significantly lower than SHLD's -2.28% return.

SOCL

• 1D: -2.45%
• 1M: 1.38%
• YTD: -14.38%
• 6M: -14.22%
• 1Y: 0.20%
• 3Y*: 9.38%
• 5Y*: -6.44%
• 10Y*: 9.37%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -7.01%
• YTD: -2.28%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 9.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SOCL vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SOCL Global X Social Media ETF	-14.38%	31.04%	5.08%	8.55%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SOCL and SHLD 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 14, 2023	0.31

SOCL vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOCL	SHLD
Communication Services	95.9%	-
Technology	3.0%	11.8%
Consumer Defensive	0.6%	-
Industrials	0.5%	88.2%
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOCL vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOCL

SOCL Risk / Return Rank: 9
SOCL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
SOCL Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
SOCL Omega Ratio Rank: 9
SOCL Calmar Ratio Rank: 9
SOCL Martin Ratio Rank: 9

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 15
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

SOCL vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). 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.

	SOCL	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.01	0.41	-0.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.18	0.74	-0.57
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.02	1.08	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.01	0.49	-0.48
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.01	1.30	-1.28
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

SOCL vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOCL Sharpe Ratio is 0.01, which is lower than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOCL and SHLD, 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

	SOCL	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.01	0.41	-0.40
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.22	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.34	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	2.00	-1.67

Drawdowns

SOCL vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOCL drawdown since its inception was -68.70%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOCL and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOCL	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-68.70%	-20.10%	-48.60%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-33.52%	-20.10%	-13.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-33.52%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-66.32%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-68.70%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-38.48%	-18.85%	-19.63%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-21.95%	-3.19%	-18.76%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	15.68%	7.51%	+8.17%

Volatility

SOCL vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X Social Media ETF (SOCL) is 6.88%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 7.81%. This indicates that SOCL experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOCL	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	6.88%	7.81%	-0.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.76%	19.35%	-1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.24%	24.05%	-0.81%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	29.68%	21.13%	+8.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.55%	21.13%	+6.42%

SOCL vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOCL has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOCL vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

SOCL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.50%, less than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
SOCL Global X Social Media ETF	0.50%	0.43%	0.25%	0.61%	0.39%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	1.49%	0.18%	0.01%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOCL and SHLD in my portfolio?

SOCL and SHLD 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, SOCL or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (7.81%) compared to SOCL (6.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOCL dropped -68.70% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, SOCL or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, SHLD leads with 9.71% vs 0.20% for SOCL. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SOCL has been the lower-risk option at 6.88%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SOCL or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, SHLD has performed better with a 9.71% return vs 0.20%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOCL or SHLD?

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

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.50% for SOCL.

What is the main difference between SOCL and SHLD?

SOCL is categorized as Large Cap Growth Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. SOCL tracks Solactive Social Media Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for SOCL and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SHLD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.41 vs 0.01), 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.