DUTY vs. XDEF

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

DUTY (U.S. Defense ETF) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - DUTY tracks the Solactive U.S. Defense Index while XDEF tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DUTY charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XDEF.

Performance

DUTY vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DUTY

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: 1.53%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XDEF

• 1D: -2.37%
• 1M: 4.96%
• 6M: -99.16%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DUTY vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DUTY U.S. Defense ETF	5.47%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-1.06%

Correlation

The correlation between DUTY and XDEF is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 8, 2026	0.48

Return for Risk

DUTY vs. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). 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.

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

Drawdowns

DUTY vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUTY drawdown since its inception was -13.42%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUTY and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUTY	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.42%	-99.30%	+85.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.37%	-99.22%	+94.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.48%	-74.88%	+70.40%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DUTY	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.50%	143.29%	-115.79%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.50%	143.29%	-115.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.50%	143.29%	-115.79%

DUTY vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DUTY has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XDEF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

DUTY vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

DUTY has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.43%.

Position	TTM
DUTY U.S. Defense ETF	0.00%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.43%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DUTY and XDEF in my portfolio?

DUTY and XDEF have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DUTY or XDEF?

On fees, XDEF is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DUTY or XDEF?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for DUTY.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DUTY or XDEF?

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.43%, compared with 0.00% for DUTY.

What is the main difference between DUTY and XDEF?

DUTY tracks Solactive U.S. Defense Index, while XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Aura and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for DUTY and 0.35% for XDEF.