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ROKT vs SHLD
Which ETF would AI Choose? State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) vs. Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD)
Key Takeaways
- ROKT provides thematic exposure to companies driving innovation in deep space and deep sea exploration, while SHLD targets defense technology including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and advanced military systems.
- Both ETFs follow passive strategies tracking proprietary indices, with ROKT holding approximately 38 securities and SHLD maintaining around 50 holdings.
- ROKT features a lower expense ratio of 0.45% compared to SHLD's 0.50%, potentially offering a modest cost advantage for long-term investors.
- Sector allocations differ notably: ROKT emphasizes Industrials (around 60%) with meaningful Energy exposure, whereas SHLD concentrates heavily in Industrials (over 80%) alongside Technology.
- Top holdings reflect distinct focuses, with ROKT featuring ocean technology and aerospace names and SHLD overweighting defense contractors and software providers such as Palantir Technologies (PLTR).
- Both ETFs offer differentiated access within the broader aerospace, defense, and technology themes, suiting investors seeking targeted thematic exposure rather than broad market benchmarks.
Introduction
ROKT and SHLD represent two distinct thematic approaches within the aerospace, defense, and technology sectors. ROKT focuses on frontier exploration technologies, while SHLD emphasizes defense-specific innovations. They do not compete directly as broad-market vehicles but instead provide alternative exposures for investors pursuing specialized thematic strategies. In the current environment of evolving national security priorities and technological advancement, these funds allow for nuanced positioning across overlapping yet differentiated opportunity sets.
State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) Overview
The State Street SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) seeks to track the S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index. This passive, rules-based strategy targets companies whose products and services support innovation in deep space and deep sea exploration. The fund typically holds around 38 securities. Top holdings often include Forum Energy Technologies (FET), Oceaneering International (OII), Ducommun (DCO), RTX Corporation (RTX), and Teledyne Technologies (TDY). Sector allocation centers on Industrials at approximately 60%, followed by Information Technology near 20% and Energy around 11%. The expense ratio stands at 0.45%. Rebalancing occurs in line with index methodology, and the structure remains fully transparent and physically replicated.
Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) Overview
The Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index. This passive approach invests in companies positioned to benefit from defense technology adoption, including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence applications, and advanced military hardware. The fund generally maintains about 50 holdings. Prominent positions frequently feature Palantir Technologies (PLTR), RTX Corporation (RTX), General Dynamics (GD), Lockheed Martin (LMT), and Northrop Grumman (NOC). Sector exposure concentrates in Industrials exceeding 80%, with Technology comprising the balance near 16%. The expense ratio is 0.50%. The index undergoes semi-annual reconstitution and rebalancing, with physical replication and full transparency.
Industry and Thematic Backdrop
Both ETFs operate within the aerospace, defense, and technology ecosystem, influenced by sustained government defense spending, geopolitical developments, and accelerating adoption of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and autonomous systems. Capital flows into defense-related themes have remained resilient amid evolving security priorities. Regulatory support for domestic innovation and supply chain resilience continues to shape sector dynamics. Macroeconomic factors including interest rate trajectories and fiscal policy further influence capital allocation across these areas, while risks encompass policy shifts, supply chain disruptions, and valuation sensitivity in high-growth technology segments.
Performance and Positioning Comparison
In recent market cycles, ROKT and SHLD have exhibited distinct performance patterns tied to their underlying themes. ROKT's exposure to energy equipment and ocean technologies has aligned with commodity and exploration cycles, while SHLD's heavier weighting toward defense contractors and software has responded to contract awards and technology adoption trends. Relative positioning highlights differences in volatility and sector rotation sensitivity, with SHLD often showing greater concentration risk due to its defense focus and ROKT offering marginally broader diversification across energy and industrial subsectors. Both have participated in broader thematic rallies driven by earnings momentum in core holdings.
AI Screener
Tickeron’s AI Screener is an AI-powered stock and ETF discovery tool that helps traders and investors filter the market based on technical patterns, fundamentals, trends, volatility, and AI-driven signals. Users can scan thousands of stocks and ETFs using customizable filters such as industry, market capitalization, technical indicators, price patterns, and performance metrics. The screener helps identify trade ideas, trending stocks, breakout candidates, and market opportunities more efficiently than manual screening. Investors seeking to explore similar thematic ETFs can leverage this resource for targeted research.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Based on structural characteristics including a modestly lower expense ratio, broader thematic diversification across energy and industrial exposures, and a slightly more balanced holdings profile, Tickeron’s AI would currently assign a probabilistic edge to ROKT for investors prioritizing cost efficiency and multi-sector frontier exposure within the shared thematic universe. SHLD remains compelling for those seeking concentrated defense technology positioning. Selection ultimately depends on individual risk tolerance and thematic conviction.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is ROKT is a Hold and SHLD is a Hold.
ROKT's RSI Indicator recovers from oversold territory
The RSI Oscillator for ROKT moved out of oversold territory on October 23, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is shifting from a downward trend to an upward trend. Traders may want to buy the stock or call options. The A.I.dvisor looked at 31 similar instances when the indicator left oversold territory. In 27 of the 31 cases the stock moved higher. This puts the odds of a move higher at 87%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 27, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on ROKT as a result. In 66 of 81 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 81%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for ROKT just turned positive on October 26, 2026. Looking at past instances where ROKT's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 41 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Following a +2.16% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where ROKT advanced for three days, in 283 of 330 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 86%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 3 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
ROKT moved below its 50-day moving average on October 30, 2026 date and that indicates a change from an upward trend to a downward trend.
The 50-day moving average for ROKT moved below the 200-day moving average on October 19, 2026. This could be a long-term bearish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an downward trend.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where ROKT declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 81%.
ROKT broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for ROKT entered a downward trend on October 30, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
Momentum Indicator for SHLD turns positive, indicating new upward trend
SHLD saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 15, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 47 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 45 of the 47 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 90%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for SHLD just turned positive on October 13, 2026. Looking at past instances where SHLD's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 23 of 27 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 85%.
SHLD moved above its 50-day moving average on October 26, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for SHLD crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 29, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 4 of 5 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 80%.
Following a +2.77% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where SHLD advanced for three days, in 220 of 242 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 90%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The 10-day RSI Indicator for SHLD moved out of overbought territory on October 30, 2026. This could be a bearish sign for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 37 similar instances where the indicator moved out of overbought territory. In 29 of the 37 cases, the stock moved lower in the following days. This puts the odds of a move lower at 78%.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 10 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where SHLD declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 74%.
SHLD broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
The Aroon Indicator for SHLD entered a downward trend on October 19, 2026. This could indicate a strong downward move is ahead for the stock. Traders may want to consider selling the stock or buying put options.
| ROKT | SHLD | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 87% | 3 days ago 78% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 71% | 3 days ago 70% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 81% | 3 days ago 90% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 80% | 3 days ago 85% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 86% | 3 days ago 90% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 79% | 3 days ago 90% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 4 days ago 86% | 4 days ago 90% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 19 days ago 81% | 20 days ago 74% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 79% | 3 days ago 74% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 81% | 3 days ago 86% |
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ROKT and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, ROKT has been closely correlated with RDW. These tickers have moved in lockstep 77% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is a high statistical probability that if ROKT jumps, then RDW could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To ROKT | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ROKT | 100% | -2.62% | ||
| RDW - ROKT | 77% Closely correlated | -8.41% | ||
| PL - ROKT | 76% Closely correlated | -5.87% | ||
| VOYG - ROKT | 75% Closely correlated | -4.93% | ||
| SPIR - ROKT | 67% Closely correlated | -8.37% | ||
| TDY - ROKT | 66% Loosely correlated | -2.84% | ||
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SHLD and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, SHLD has been loosely correlated with KRMN. These tickers have moved in lockstep 66% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if SHLD jumps, then KRMN could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To SHLD | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SHLD | 100% | -1.86% | ||
| KRMN - SHLD | 66% Loosely correlated | -4.17% | ||
| LHX - SHLD | 65% Loosely correlated | -0.29% | ||
| GD - SHLD | 64% Loosely correlated | +0.48% | ||
| NOC - SHLD | 63% Loosely correlated | -0.86% | ||
| RTX - SHLD | 63% Loosely correlated | +0.20% | ||
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| FLSA | 29.91 | N/A | N/A |
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