SPFF vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

SPFF (Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - SPFF is a Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds fund tracking the S&P Enhanced Yield North American Preferred Stock Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, SPFF returned 10.18% vs -0.87% for SHLD. At a 0.33 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. SPFF charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

SPFF vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) 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, SPFF achieves a 3.84% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -7.27% return.

SPFF

• 1D: -0.51%
• 1M: -2.26%
• 6M: 0.70%
• YTD: 3.84%
• 1Y: 10.18%
• 3Y*: 8.58%
• 5Y*: 1.47%
• 10Y*: 2.70%

SHLD

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

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

SPFF vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
SPFF Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF	3.84%	7.52%	8.62%	4.85%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-7.27%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between SPFF and SHLD is 0.36, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.36
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.33

Return for Risk

SPFF vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SPFF

SPFF Risk / Return Rank: 33
SPFF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 34
SPFF Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
SPFF Omega Ratio Rank: 31
SPFF Calmar Ratio Rank: 32
SPFF Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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

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.

SPFF vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) 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.

	SPFF	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.03	-0.03	+1.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.50	0.13	+1.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.01	+0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.35	-0.03	+1.38
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.85	-0.08	+3.93

SPFF vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current SPFF Sharpe Ratio is 1.03, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.03. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of SPFF 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

SPFF vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SPFF drawdown since its inception was -35.92%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SPFF and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	SPFF	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.92%	-25.40%	-10.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.58%	-25.40%	+17.82%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.51%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.88%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-35.92%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.06%	-22.99%	+19.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.05%	-3.90%	-0.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	10.30%	-7.65%

Volatility

SPFF vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF (SPFF) is 3.11%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 8.28%. This indicates that SPFF 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

	SPFF	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.11%	8.28%	-5.17%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	7.91%	19.79%	-11.88%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	9.97%	25.12%	-15.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	11.08%	21.54%	-10.46%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	13.54%	21.54%	-8.00%

SPFF vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

SPFF has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

SPFF vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

SPFF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.62%, more than SHLD's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.71%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPFF Global X SuperIncome Preferred ETF	6.62%	6.47%	6.39%	6.64%	7.15%	5.78%	5.75%	5.97%	7.60%	7.24%	7.04%	7.50%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SPFF and SHLD in my portfolio?

SPFF and SHLD have a correlation of 0.36, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, SPFF or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (8.28%) compared to SPFF (3.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, SPFF dropped -35.92% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, SPFF or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, SPFF leads with 10.18% vs -0.87% for SHLD. On fees, SHLD is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, SPFF has been the lower-risk option at 3.11%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, SPFF or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, SPFF has performed better with a 10.18% return vs -0.87%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, SPFF or SHLD?

SHLD is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for SPFF.

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

SPFF has the higher dividend yield at 6.62%, compared with 0.71% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between SPFF and SHLD?

SPFF is categorized as Preferred Stock/Convertible Bonds, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. SPFF tracks S&P Enhanced Yield North American Preferred Stock Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for SPFF and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPFF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.03 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.