VS
When evaluating costs, XAD features a management fee (MER) of 0.39%, compared to 0.49% for SHLD. Performance-wise, XAD has returned 3.32% year-to-date with +$53 M in net flows, whereas SHLD is at 3.47% with +$88 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
XAD
SHLD
| AuM | $162.21 M | $213.32 M |
| Management Fees | 0.39% | 0.49% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.43% | 0.49% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.62% | -0.87% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 11, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XAD | -13.38% | -8.10% | +3.32% | +10.11% | - |
SHLD | -11.47% | -5.64% | -3.47% | -4.75% | - | |
| Flows | XAD | -$3 M | -$4 M | +$53 M | +$77 M | - |
SHLD | -$1 M | -$11 M | +$88 M | +$147 M | - |
XAD vs SHLD exposure
Countries
XAD
USA
99.82%
SHLD
Exposure data will be available soon
Sectors
XAD
Industrials
96.32%
SHLD
Exposure data will be available soon
As of September 11, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XAD
GE Aerospace
21.91%
RTX Corp.
17.08%
The Boeing Co.
9.26%
General Dynamics Corp.
4.77%
Howmet Aerospace, Inc.
4.73%
Lockheed Martin Corp.
4.65%
TransDigm Group, Inc.
4.39%
Northrop Grumman Corp.
4.20%
L3Harris Technologies, Inc.
3.62%
Axon Enterprise, Inc.
3.03%
SHLD
Exposure data will be available soon
Diversification
XAD
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 49 total
77.64%
SHLD
Exposure data will be available soon
Characteristics
Compare
XAD
SHLD
| Provider | iShares | Global X |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index - CAD | Global X Defense Tech Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.33% | 0.19% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | September 6, 2023 | April 30, 2025 |
Frequently asked questions about XAD and SHLD
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XAD or SHLD?
As of September 11, 2026, XAD has returned 3.32% year to date, while SHLD has returned -3.47%. XAD is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XAD or SHLD?
As of September 11, 2026, XAD manages $162.21 M in assets, while SHLD manages $213.32 M. SHLD is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XAD and SHLD managed?
XAD is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index - CAD benchmark. SHLD is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index - CAD benchmark.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XAD or SHLD?
Year to date, XAD has seen +$53.32 M in net flows, compared with +$87.99 M for SHLD. SHLD has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XAD and SHLD compare?
XAD has an expense ratio of 0.43%, while SHLD has an expense ratio of 0.49%.
Recent articles about XAD and SHLD
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