SOXX vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

SOXX (iShares Semiconductor ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SOXX is a Semiconductors fund tracking the NYSE Semiconductor Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SOXX returned 171.57% vs 8.26% for SHLD. At a 0.29 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SOXX charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

SOXX vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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, SOXX achieves a 98.11% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

SOXX

• 1D: 1.59%
• 1M: 17.25%
• YTD: 98.11%
• 6M: 99.51%
• 1Y: 171.57%
• 3Y*: 53.00%
• 5Y*: 33.69%
• 10Y*: 35.55%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: -0.44%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SOXX vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	98.11%	40.74%	12.92%	18.35%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SOXX and SHLD is 0.25, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

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

SOXX vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	SOXX	SHLD
Technology	100.0%	12.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	87.8%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

SOXX vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SOXX

SOXX Risk / Return Rank: 96
SOXX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Sortino Ratio Rank: 94
SOXX Omega Ratio Rank: 94
SOXX Calmar Ratio Rank: 97
SOXX Martin Ratio Rank: 97

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

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.

SOXX vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) 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.

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.

	SOXX	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	4.43	0.43	+4.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	4.37	0.78	+3.59
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.62	1.09	+0.53
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	10.50	0.52	+9.98
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	38.20	1.28	+36.92

SOXX vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SOXX Sharpe Ratio is 4.43, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SOXX 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.

Drawdowns

SOXX vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SOXX drawdown since its inception was -70.21%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SOXX and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SOXX	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.21%	-20.10%	-50.11%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.77%	-20.10%	+4.33%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-41.36%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-45.75%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.75%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.16%	-18.20%	+15.04%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-19.95%	-3.34%	-16.61%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.33%	8.12%	-3.79%

Volatility

SOXX vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) has a higher volatility of 19.42% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 9.05%. This indicates that SOXX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SHLD based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	SOXX	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	19.42%	9.05%	+10.37%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	31.46%	19.94%	+11.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	37.35%	24.55%	+12.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	36.73%	21.29%	+15.44%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	33.77%	21.29%	+12.48%

SOXX vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SOXX has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SOXX vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

SOXX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.28%, 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%
SOXX iShares Semiconductor ETF	0.28%	0.57%	0.67%	0.78%	1.26%	0.64%	0.81%	1.23%	1.37%	0.90%	1.08%	1.29%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SOXX and SHLD in my portfolio?

SOXX and SHLD have a correlation of 0.25, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SOXX or SHLD?

SOXX has higher volatility (19.42%) compared to SHLD (9.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SOXX dropped -70.21% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, SOXX or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, SOXX leads with 171.57% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, SOXX is cheaper at 0.34% 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, SOXX or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, SOXX has performed better with a 171.57% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SOXX or SHLD?

SOXX is cheaper with a 0.34% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.28% for SOXX.

What is the main difference between SOXX and SHLD?

SOXX is categorized as Semiconductors, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. SOXX tracks NYSE Semiconductor Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for SOXX and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SOXX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (4.43 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.