VT vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

VT (Vanguard Total World Stock ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - VT is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap Index, while SHLD is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, VT returned 27.43% vs 8.26% for SHLD. At a 0.50 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. VT charges 0.06%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

VT vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) 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, VT achieves a 11.06% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -1.50% return.

VT

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: 1.80%
• YTD: 11.06%
• 6M: 11.82%
• 1Y: 27.43%
• 3Y*: 19.71%
• 5Y*: 10.65%
• 10Y*: 12.93%

SHLD

• 1D: -2.04%
• 1M: 2.37%
• YTD: -1.50%
• 6M: -1.03%
• 1Y: 8.26%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

VT vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	11.06%	22.43%	16.49%	7.46%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-1.50%	74.16%	35.03%	12.89%

Correlation

The correlation between VT and SHLD is 0.44, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.44
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2023	0.50

VT vs. SHLD - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	VT	SHLD
Technology	27.8%	12.2%
Financial Services	15.9%	-
Industrials	12.0%	87.8%
Consumer Cyclical	9.5%	-
Communication Services	8.3%	-
Healthcare	8.1%	-
Consumer Defensive	4.8%	-
Energy	4.3%	-
Basic Materials	4.2%	-
Utilities	2.7%	-
Real Estate	2.4%	-

Return for Risk

VT vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

VT

VT Risk / Return Rank: 68
VT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
VT Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
VT Omega Ratio Rank: 69
VT Calmar Ratio Rank: 62
VT Martin Ratio Rank: 72

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.

VT vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) 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.

	VT	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.94	0.43	+1.51
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.67	0.78	+1.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.35	1.09	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	0.52	+2.16
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	11.67	1.28	+10.39

VT vs. SHLD - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VT Sharpe Ratio is 1.94, which is higher than the SHLD Sharpe Ratio of 0.43. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VT 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

VT vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VT drawdown since its inception was -50.27%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VT and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	VT	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-50.27%	-20.10%	-30.17%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.67%	-20.10%	+10.43%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.51%	—	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-26.38%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-34.24%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-18.20%	+16.28%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.01%	-3.34%	-3.67%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.22%	8.12%	-5.90%

Volatility

VT vs. SHLD - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) is 5.26%, while Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) has a volatility of 9.05%. This indicates that VT 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

	VT	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.26%	9.05%	-3.79%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.01%	19.94%	-8.93%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.38%	24.55%	-11.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.15%	21.29%	-5.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.27%	21.29%	-4.02%

VT vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

VT has a 0.06% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

VT vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

VT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.61%, more 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%
VT Vanguard Total World Stock ETF	1.61%	1.82%	1.95%	2.08%	2.20%	1.82%	1.66%	2.32%	2.53%	2.11%	2.39%	2.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VT and SHLD in my portfolio?

VT and SHLD have a correlation of 0.44, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VT or SHLD?

SHLD has higher volatility (9.05%) compared to VT (5.26%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VT dropped -50.27% vs SHLD's -20.10%.

Which ETF is better, VT or SHLD?

On 1-year performance, VT leads with 27.43% vs 8.26% for SHLD. On fees, VT is cheaper at 0.06% per year. On volatility, VT has been the lower-risk option at 5.26%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, VT or SHLD?

Over the 1-year period, VT has performed better with a 27.43% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, VT or SHLD?

VT is cheaper with a 0.06% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

VT has the higher dividend yield at 1.61%, compared with 0.56% for SHLD.

What is the main difference between VT and SHLD?

VT is categorized as Global Equities, while SHLD is Aerospace & Defense. VT tracks FTSE Global All Cap Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: Vanguard and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.06% for VT and 0.50% for SHLD.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 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.