STCE vs. SHLD

Last updated Jul 22, 2026

STCE (Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - STCE is a Blockchain fund tracking the Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, STCE returned 20.08% vs -1.36% for SHLD. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. STCE charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

STCE vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) 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, STCE achieves a 13.97% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -6.71% return.

STCE

• 1D: 4.92%
• 1M: -13.45%
• 6M: -3.75%
• YTD: 13.97%
• 1Y: 20.08%
• 3Y*: 38.27%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 28.59%

SHLD

• 1D: 0.37%
• 1M: -2.98%
• 6M: -21.51%
• YTD: -6.71%
• 1Y: -1.36%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —
• ALL TIME*: 37.43%

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

STCE vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	13.97%	36.12%	41.76%	50.48%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-6.71%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between STCE and SHLD is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.39

STCE vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	STCE	SHLD
Financial Services	66.5%	-
Technology	26.0%	11.6%
Communication Services	6.6%	-
Utilities	1.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	88.4%
Real Estate	-	-

Return for Risk

STCE vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

STCE

STCE Risk / Return Rank: 18
STCE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
STCE Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
STCE Omega Ratio Rank: 20
STCE Calmar Ratio Rank: 16
STCE Martin Ratio Rank: 14

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 10
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 10

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.

STCE vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) 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.

	STCE	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.32	-0.05	+0.38
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.88	0.10	+0.78
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.10	1.01	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.37	-0.05	+0.43
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.63	-0.13	+0.75

STCE vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current STCE Sharpe Ratio is 0.32, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of -0.05. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of STCE 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

STCE vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum STCE drawdown since its inception was -54.11%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -25.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for STCE and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	STCE	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.11%	-25.40%	-28.71%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-54.11%	-25.40%	-28.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-54.11%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.79%	-22.53%	-13.26%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-22.33%	-3.98%	-18.35%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	32.18%	10.59%	+21.59%

Volatility

STCE vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF (STCE) has a higher volatility of 15.40% compared to Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) at 7.92%. This indicates that STCE'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

	STCE	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	15.40%	7.92%	+7.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	42.92%	19.75%	+23.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	62.51%	25.08%	+37.43%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	56.00%	21.49%	+34.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	56.00%	21.49%	+34.51%

STCE vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

STCE has a 0.30% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

STCE vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

STCE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.66%, more than SHLD's 0.70% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.70%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%	0.00%
STCE Schwab Crypto Thematic ETF	1.66%	1.96%	0.64%	0.31%	1.46%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both STCE and SHLD in my portfolio?

STCE and SHLD have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, STCE or SHLD?

STCE has higher volatility (15.40%) compared to SHLD (7.92%). In terms of maximum drawdown, STCE dropped -54.11% vs SHLD's -25.40%.

Which ETF is better, STCE or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, STCE leads with 20.08% vs -1.36% for SHLD. On fees, STCE is cheaper at 0.30% per year. On volatility, SHLD has been the lower-risk option at 7.92%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, STCE or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, STCE has performed better with a 20.08% return vs -1.36%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, STCE or SHLD?

STCE is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

STCE has the higher dividend yield at 1.66%, compared with 0.70% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between STCE and SHLD?

STCE is categorized as Blockchain, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. STCE tracks Schwab Crypto Thematic Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: Charles Schwab and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.30% for STCE and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

STCE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.32 vs -0.05), 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.