VS
Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT) and Global X Defence Tech Index ETF (SHLD) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VEQT focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Information Technology, Financials, and Industrials, while SHLD leans towards Industrials and Information Technology. When evaluating costs, VEQT features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.49% for SHLD. Performance-wise, VEQT has returned 6.59% year-to-date with +$2 B in net flows, whereas SHLD is at 3.91% with +$113 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
VEQT
SHLD
| AuM | $13,355.38 M | $254.86 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.49% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.24% | 0.49% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.81% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 24, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VEQT | +7.66% | +2.94% | +6.59% | +33.11% | +73.52% |
SHLD | -7.08% | -11.56% | +3.91% | - | - | |
| Flows | VEQT | +$491 M | +$1,691 M | +$2,347 M | +$4,447 M | +$7,539 M |
SHLD | +$9 M | +$73 M | +$113 M | - | - |
VEQT vs SHLD exposure
Countries
VEQT
USA
41.93%
Canada
31.08%
Other
26.99%
SHLD
USA
58.50%
Republic of Korea
8.04%
Other
33.46%
Sectors
VEQT
Information Technology
19.46%
Financials
18.64%
Industrials
9.77%
Other
8.52%
Energy
8.46%
Consumer Discretionary
7.52%
Other
27.64%
SHLD
Industrials
85.92%
Information Technology
7.29%
As of April 24, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VEQT
NVIDIA
2.78%
APPLE
2.57%
ROYAL BK CANADA
2.13%
MICROSOFT-T
1.90%
TORONTO DOMINION
1.47%
AMAZON.COM INC
1.39%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
1.37%
ALPHABET INC-CL
1.16%
ENBRIDGE
1.11%
BROADCOM LIMITED
1.01%
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%
Diversification
VEQT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 12,196 total
16.89%
SHLD
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 47 total
60.85%
Characteristics
Compare
VEQT
SHLD
| Provider | Vanguard | Global X |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Global X Defense Tech Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.33% | - |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 5, 2019 | April 30, 2025 |
Frequently asked questions about VEQT and SHLD
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VEQT or SHLD?
As of April 24, 2026, VEQT has returned 6.59% year to date, while SHLD has returned 3.91%. VEQT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VEQT or SHLD?
As of April 24, 2026, VEQT manages $13.36 B in assets, while SHLD manages $254.86 M. VEQT is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VEQT and SHLD managed?
VEQT is actively managed by Vanguard. It does not track an index. SHLD is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VEQT and SHLD emphasize?
VEQT is most exposed to Information Technology, Financials, and Industrials. SHLD is most exposed to Industrials and Information Technology.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VEQT or SHLD?
Year to date, VEQT has seen +$2,346.83 M in net flows, compared with +$112.82 M for SHLD. VEQT has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VEQT and SHLD compare?
VEQT has an expense ratio of 0.24%, while SHLD has an expense ratio of 0.49%.
What are the top holdings of VEQT and SHLD?
VEQT's largest holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE. SHLD's top holdings include LOCKHEED MARTIN, RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD, and GENERAL DYNAMICS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VEQT or SHLD?
VEQT holds 10736 securities, while SHLD holds 42. On holdings count, VEQT is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VEQT and SHLD
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