VS
Global X Defence Tech Index ETF (SHLD) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense Index ETF (XAD) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that SHLD focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Industrials and Information Technology, while XAD leans towards Industrials, Materials, and Information Technology. When evaluating costs, SHLD features a management fee (MER) of 0.49%, compared to 0.39% for XAD. Performance-wise, SHLD has returned 3.91% year-to-date with +$113 M in net flows, whereas XAD is at 0.4% with +$68 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
SHLD
XAD
| AuM | $254.86 M | $171.15 M |
| Management Fees | 0.49% | 0.39% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.49% | 0.43% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.81% | -0.88% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 24, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | SHLD | -7.08% | -11.56% | +3.91% | - | - |
XAD | -3.62% | -7.46% | +0.40% | +39.49% | - | |
| Flows | SHLD | +$9 M | +$73 M | +$113 M | - | - |
XAD | +$8 M | +$30 M | +$68 M | +$128 M | - |
SHLD vs XAD exposure
Countries
SHLD
USA
58.50%
Republic of Korea
8.04%
Other
33.46%
XAD
USA
97.79%
Sectors
SHLD
Industrials
85.92%
Information Technology
7.29%
XAD
Industrials
90.09%
Other
9.91%
As of April 24, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
SHLD
LOCKHEED MARTIN
9.35%
RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD
7.95%
GENERAL DYNAMICS
7.42%
PALANTIR TECHNOLOGIES
6.10%
RHEINMETALL
6.06%
L3 HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES
4.98%
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
4.96%
BAE SYSTEMS
4.96%
HANWHA AEROSPACE
4.78%
LEONARDO SPA
4.29%
XAD
GENERAL ELECTRIC
19.02%
RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD
16.55%
BOEING U
8.91%
GENERAL DYNAMICS
4.76%
L3 HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES
4.66%
LOCKHEED MARTIN
4.58%
NORTHROP GRUMMAN
4.58%
TRANSDIGM GROUP
4.53%
HOWMET AEROSPACE INC
4.50%
AXON ENTERPRISE INC
2.83%
Diversification
SHLD
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 47 total
60.85%
XAD
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 44 total
74.90%
Characteristics
Compare
SHLD
XAD
| Provider | Global X | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Global X Defense Tech Index - CAD | Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | - | 0.35% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 30, 2025 | September 6, 2023 |
Frequently asked questions about SHLD and XAD
Which ETF has performed better year to date: SHLD or XAD?
As of April 24, 2026, SHLD has returned 3.91% year to date, while XAD has returned 0.40%. SHLD is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: SHLD or XAD?
As of April 24, 2026, SHLD manages $254.86 M in assets, while XAD manages $171.15 M. SHLD is the larger fund by AUM.
How are SHLD and XAD managed?
SHLD is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index - CAD benchmark. XAD is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do SHLD and XAD emphasize?
SHLD is most exposed to Industrials and Information Technology. XAD is most exposed to Industrials, Materials, and Information Technology.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: SHLD or XAD?
Year to date, SHLD has seen +$112.82 M in net flows, compared with +$67.66 M for XAD. SHLD has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of SHLD and XAD compare?
SHLD has an expense ratio of 0.49%, while XAD has an expense ratio of 0.43%.
What are the top holdings of SHLD and XAD?
SHLD's largest holdings include LOCKHEED MARTIN, RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD, and GENERAL DYNAMICS. XAD's top holdings include GENERAL ELECTRIC, RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD, and BOEING U.
Which ETF is more diversified: SHLD or XAD?
SHLD holds 42 securities, while XAD holds 36. On holdings count, SHLD is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about SHLD and XAD
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