FINX vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FINX (Global X FinTech ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FINX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Indxx Global FinTech Thematic Index, while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, FINX returned -10.88%/yr vs 16.58%/yr for XAR. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FINX charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

FINX vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FINX achieves a -17.70% return, which is significantly lower than XAR's 16.10% return.

FINX

• 1D: 0.71%
• 1M: -4.65%
• YTD: -17.70%
• 6M: -20.07%
• 1Y: -22.05%
• 3Y*: 4.10%
• 5Y*: -10.88%
• 10Y*: —

XAR

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: 16.58%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

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

FINX vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FINX Global X FinTech ETF	-17.70%	-5.20%	23.02%	33.15%	-51.80%	-9.65%	53.76%	37.52%	0.82%	49.96%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	16.10%	46.15%	23.32%	23.79%	-5.02%	2.31%	6.18%	39.33%	-4.58%	33.00%

Correlation

The correlation between FINX and XAR is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.64
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 13, 2016	0.60

The correlation between FINX and XAR shifts across timeframes, from 0.53 (1 year) to 0.64 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FINX vs. XAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FINX	XAR
Technology	56.4%	0.8%
Financial Services	38.6%	-
Industrials	3.7%	99.1%
Healthcare	1.3%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FINX vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FINX

FINX Risk / Return Rank: 4
FINX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
FINX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
FINX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
FINX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
FINX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 49
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

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.

FINX vs. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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.

	FINX	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.81	1.50	-2.31
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.00	2.20	-3.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.88	1.25	-0.37
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-0.66	2.43	-3.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.23	6.81	-8.04

FINX vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FINX Sharpe Ratio is -0.81, which is lower than the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FINX and XAR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FINX vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FINX drawdown since its inception was -63.53%, which is greater than XAR's maximum drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FINX and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FINX	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.53%	-46.37%	-17.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-36.58%	-17.22%	-19.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-36.58%	-19.73%	-16.85%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-63.53%	-32.40%	-31.13%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-50.78%	-4.32%	-46.46%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-24.52%	-6.78%	-17.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	19.70%	6.13%	+13.57%

Volatility

FINX vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Global X FinTech ETF (FINX) is 10.28%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 11.46%. This indicates that FINX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FINX	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.28%	11.46%	-1.18%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.64%	23.56%	+0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	29.98%	27.85%	+2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	31.51%	23.66%	+7.85%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.76%	24.74%	+4.02%

FINX vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FINX has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

FINX vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

FINX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.70%, more than XAR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FINX Global X FinTech ETF	0.70%	0.58%	0.72%	0.21%	0.27%	5.40%	0.00%	0.00%	0.18%	0.11%	0.00%	0.00%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FINX and XAR in my portfolio?

FINX and XAR have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FINX or XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (11.46%) compared to FINX (10.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FINX dropped -63.53% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, FINX or XAR?

On 5-year performance, XAR leads with 16.58% vs -10.88% for FINX. On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, FINX has been the lower-risk option at 10.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FINX or XAR?

Over the 5-year period, XAR has performed better with a 16.58% return vs -10.88%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FINX or XAR?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for FINX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FINX or XAR?

FINX has the higher dividend yield at 0.70%, compared with 0.31% for XAR.

What is the main difference between FINX and XAR?

FINX is categorized as Technology Equities, while XAR is Aerospace & Defense. FINX tracks Indxx Global FinTech Thematic Index, while XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for FINX and 0.35% for XAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs -0.81), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.