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 Technology, Finance, and Industrials, while SHLD leans towards Industrials, Business Services, and Technology. When evaluating costs, VEQT features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.49% for SHLD. Performance-wise, VEQT has returned 12.75% year-to-date with +$4 B in net flows, whereas SHLD is at 0.19% with +$91 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 | $15,968.79 M | $223.98 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.49% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.24% | 0.49% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -1.20% |
Historical performance and flows
As of July 24, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VEQT | -0.16% | +5.78% | +12.75% | +25.21% | +77.32% |
SHLD | +6.29% | -3.58% | +0.19% | +6.13% | - | |
| Flows | VEQT | +$627 M | +$1,856 M | +$4,170 M | +$5,705 M | +$9,210 M |
SHLD | -$7 M | -$22 M | +$91 M | +$180 M | - |
VEQT vs SHLD exposure
Countries
VEQT
USA
44.29%
Canada
28.47%
Other
27.24%
SHLD
USA
63.63%
Other
36.37%
Sectors
VEQT
Technology
26.10%
Finance
24.82%
Industrials
9.59%
Non-Energy Materials
7.86%
Other
31.63%
SHLD
Industrials
88.59%
Business Services
7.48%
As of July 24, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VEQT
NVIDIA Corp.
2.86%
Apple, Inc.
2.64%
Royal Bank of Canada
2.48%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
1.74%
Microsoft Corp.
1.72%
Amazon.com, Inc.
1.43%
Alphabet, Inc.
1.30%
Shopify, Inc.
1.20%
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
1.11%
Broadcom Inc.
1.11%
SHLD
RTX Corp.
9.36%
General Dynamics Corp.
8.97%
Lockheed Martin Corp.
8.32%
Northrop Grumman Corp.
7.90%
Palantir Technologies, Inc.
7.48%
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
4.61%
BAE Systems Plc
4.45%
Rheinmetall AG
3.88%
Thales SA
3.69%
HANWHA AEROSPACE Co., Ltd.
3.49%
Diversification
VEQT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 12,177 total
17.59%
SHLD
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 47 total
62.16%
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 | 1.26% | 0.18% |
| 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 July 24, 2026, VEQT has returned 12.75% year to date, while SHLD has returned 0.19%. VEQT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VEQT or SHLD?
As of July 24, 2026, VEQT manages $15.97 B in assets, while SHLD manages $223.98 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 Technology, Finance, and Industrials. SHLD is most exposed to Industrials, Business Services, and Technology.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VEQT or SHLD?
Year to date, VEQT has seen +$4,170.45 M in net flows, compared with +$90.62 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 Corp., Apple, Inc., and Royal Bank of Canada. SHLD's top holdings include RTX Corp., General Dynamics Corp., and Lockheed Martin Corp..
Which ETF is more diversified: VEQT or SHLD?
VEQT holds 11553 securities, while SHLD holds 47. On holdings count, VEQT is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VEQT and SHLD
ETF Comparison: XEQT vs. VEQT
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Posted 5 days ago by Kyle Anthony inEquities
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