XDEF vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - XDEF tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index while SHLD tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

XDEF vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

XDEF

• 1D: -2.06%
• 1M: -2.01%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SHLD

• 1D: 1.58%
• 1M: -4.77%
• YTD: -0.74%
• 6M: 2.22%
• 1Y: 11.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.17%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-3.19%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and SHLD is 0.71, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2026	0.71

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 17
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 17
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.

XDEF vs. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) 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.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	XDEF	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.48	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.64	2.03	-2.67

Drawdowns

XDEF vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than SHLD's maximum drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-20.10%	-79.20%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.26%	-17.57%	-81.69%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.45%	-3.21%	-67.24%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.60%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	8.02%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	19.39%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	157.63%	24.08%	+133.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	157.63%	21.14%	+136.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	157.63%	21.14%	+136.49%

XDEF vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDEF vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

XDEF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.55%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.55%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and SHLD in my portfolio?

XDEF and SHLD have a correlation of 0.71, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XDEF or SHLD?

On fees, XDEF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XDEF or SHLD?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.55%, compared with 0.00% for XDEF.

What is the main difference between XDEF and SHLD?

XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index, while SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Global X. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.50% for SHLD.