SHLD vs SPY
Global X Defense Tech ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | SHLD | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.50% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $7.1B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 0.71% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 55 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +5.94% | +13.68% | |
| 1Y Return | +13.66% | +21.53% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +43.84% | +21.44% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.18% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 21.5% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -25.4% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Global X by mirae Asset | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Sep 11, 2023 | Jan 22, 1993 |
SHLD vs SPY Performance
Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) is a ETF from Global X by mirae Asset and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year SHLD returned +13.66% while SPY returned +21.53%. Year to date, SHLD is up 5.94% versus a gain of 13.68% for SPY.
Over three years, SHLD compounded at +43.84% per year against +21.44% for SPY. Across the full 3-year window we track, SHLD has the edge at +43.84% annualized vs +8.85%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
SHLD has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 21.5% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -25.4% for SHLD and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.17. They move independently enough that combining them can meaningfully diversify a portfolio.
Fees and Cost Over Time
SHLD charges 0.50% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $50 vs $9 annually, a gap of $41 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, SHLD currently yields 0.71% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
SHLD and SPY share 7 holdings out of 538 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, SHLD or SPY?
SHLD has an expense ratio of 0.50% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $41 per year of difference.
Which performed better, SHLD or SPY?
Over the past year SHLD returned +13.66% vs +21.53% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (3 years), SHLD annualized +43.84% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, SHLD or SPY?
SHLD has been the more volatile fund at 21.5% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: SHLD -25.4% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both SHLD and SPY?
SHLD and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.17, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between SHLD and SPY?
SHLD and SPY share 7 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 538 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, SHLD or SPY?
SHLD yields 0.71% while SPY yields 1.01%, so SPY currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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