DRNZ vs. ITA

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

DRNZ (REX Drone ETF) and ITA (iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - DRNZ tracks the VettaFi Drone Index while ITA tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DRNZ charges 0.65%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ITA.

Performance

DRNZ vs. ITA - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in REX Drone ETF (DRNZ) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DRNZ achieves a -6.81% return, which is significantly lower than ITA's 7.69% return.

DRNZ

• 1D: -3.48%
• 1M: -16.16%
• 6M: -29.28%
• YTD: -6.81%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ITA

• 1D: -2.34%
• 1M: -3.60%
• 6M: -4.15%
• YTD: 7.69%
• 1Y: 19.36%
• 3Y*: 26.42%
• 5Y*: 18.03%
• 10Y*: 14.84%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DRNZ vs. ITA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DRNZ REX Drone ETF	-6.81%	-12.91%
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	7.69%	-1.31%

Correlation

The correlation between DRNZ and ITA is 0.61, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2025	0.61

Return for Risk

DRNZ vs. ITA — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DRNZ

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

ITA

ITA Risk / Return Rank: 29
ITA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
ITA Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
ITA Omega Ratio Rank: 27
ITA Calmar Ratio Rank: 30
ITA Martin Ratio Rank: 28

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DRNZ vs. ITA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for REX Drone ETF (DRNZ) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	DRNZ	ITA	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	0.88	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	1.38	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.16	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	1.23	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	3.17	—

Drawdowns

DRNZ vs. ITA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DRNZ drawdown since its inception was -30.87%, smaller than the maximum ITA drawdown of -59.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DRNZ and ITA.

Drawdown Indicators

	DRNZ	ITA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-30.87%	-59.72%	+28.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.82%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.82%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.72%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-30.87%	-7.93%	-22.94%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.35%	-9.43%	-3.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	6.13%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DRNZ	ITA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	5.95%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	18.02%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	50.52%	22.11%	+28.41%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	50.52%	20.28%	+30.24%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	50.52%	23.24%	+27.28%

DRNZ vs. ITA - Expense Ratio Comparison

DRNZ has a 0.65% expense ratio, which is higher than ITA's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

DRNZ vs. ITA - Dividend Comparison

DRNZ has not paid dividends to shareholders, while ITA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.46%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DRNZ REX Drone ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.46%	0.55%	0.85%	0.93%	0.95%	0.82%	1.07%	1.54%	1.13%	0.91%	1.07%	1.04%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DRNZ and ITA in my portfolio?

DRNZ and ITA have a correlation of 0.61, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DRNZ or ITA?

On fees, ITA is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DRNZ or ITA?

ITA is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for DRNZ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DRNZ or ITA?

ITA has the higher dividend yield at 0.46%, compared with 0.00% for DRNZ.

What is the main difference between DRNZ and ITA?

DRNZ tracks VettaFi Drone Index, while ITA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: REX and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.65% for DRNZ and 0.38% for ITA.