iShares vs. Global X: Which Defense ETF Looks Best in 2026?

Comparing Global X Defense Tech ETF (NYSEMKT:SHLD) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (NYSEMKT:ITA) reveals differences in cost, sector concentration, and historical volatility across the defense landscape.

These funds target the defense and aerospace sectors but take distinct paths. While SHLD focuses on modern defense technology with a heavier tech tilt, ITA provides broader exposure to established U.S. aerospace and defense contractors. Choosing between them involves weighing recent performance against long-term sector diversification.

Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year monthly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.

The iShares fund is slightly more affordable, with an expense ratio of 0.38% compared to the 0.50% charged by the Global X ETF.

Growth of $1,000 over 2 years (total return)

The iShares ETF allocates 100% of its portfolio to industrials, holding 49 stocks in total. Its largest positions include GE Aerospace (NYSE:GE) at 22.14%, RTX (NYSE:RTX) at 14.63%, and Boeing (NYSE:BA) at 9.35%. This fund was launched

Fuente original: Yahoo Finance (https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/ishares-vs-global-x-defense-130501134.html)