MOO vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

MOO (VanEck Agribusiness ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - MOO is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the MVIS Global Agribusiness Index, while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, MOO returned 7.09%/yr vs 18.45%/yr for XAR. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. MOO charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

MOO vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VanEck Agribusiness ETF (MOO) 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, MOO achieves a 7.97% return, which is significantly lower than XAR's 16.10% return. Over the past 10 years, MOO has underperformed XAR with an annualized return of 7.09%, while XAR has yielded a comparatively higher 18.45% annualized return.

MOO

• 1D: 0.85%
• 1M: -4.12%
• YTD: 7.97%
• 6M: 8.15%
• 1Y: 8.56%
• 3Y*: 1.51%
• 5Y*: -0.93%
• 10Y*: 7.09%

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)

MOO vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MOO VanEck Agribusiness ETF	7.97%	15.61%	-12.43%	-8.57%	-8.10%	23.99%	14.59%	22.29%	-6.03%	21.75%
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 MOO and XAR is 0.33, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.33
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.42
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2011	0.59

Over the past year, the correlation between MOO and XAR has dropped to 0.33 - well below their long-term average of 0.59, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

MOO vs. XAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	MOO	XAR
Consumer Defensive	36.8%	-
Basic Materials	25.5%	-
Industrials	20.9%	99.1%
Healthcare	16.8%	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Technology	-	0.8%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

MOO vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

MOO

MOO Risk / Return Rank: 21
MOO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
MOO Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
MOO Omega Ratio Rank: 20
MOO Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
MOO Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

MOO vs. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VanEck Agribusiness ETF (MOO) 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.

	MOO	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.64	1.50	-0.87
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.00	2.20	-1.20
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.25	-0.13
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.87	2.43	-1.56
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.42	6.81	-4.39

MOO vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MOO Sharpe Ratio is 0.64, which is lower than the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MOO 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

MOO vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MOO drawdown since its inception was -69.53%, which is greater than XAR's maximum drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MOO and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	MOO	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.53%	-46.37%	-23.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.38%	-17.22%	+6.84%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-26.83%	-19.73%	-7.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-39.52%	-32.40%	-7.12%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.52%	-46.37%	+6.85%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-19.10%	-4.32%	-14.78%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.97%	-6.78%	-10.19%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.70%	6.13%	-2.43%

Volatility

MOO vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for VanEck Agribusiness ETF (MOO) is 3.50%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 11.46%. This indicates that MOO 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

	MOO	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	11.46%	-7.96%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.85%	23.56%	-12.71%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.16%	27.85%	-13.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.15%	23.66%	-6.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.19%	24.74%	-6.55%

MOO vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

MOO has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

MOO vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

MOO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.29%, more than XAR's 0.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MOO VanEck Agribusiness ETF	2.29%	2.47%	3.41%	2.93%	2.15%	1.17%	1.10%	1.26%	1.69%	1.44%	2.14%	2.89%
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 MOO and XAR in my portfolio?

MOO and XAR have a correlation of 0.33, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MOO or XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (11.46%) compared to MOO (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MOO dropped -69.53% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, MOO or XAR?

On 10-year performance, XAR leads with 18.45% vs 7.09% for MOO. On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, MOO has been the lower-risk option at 3.50%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, MOO or XAR?

Over the 10-year period, XAR has performed better with a 18.45% return vs 7.09%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, MOO or XAR?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for MOO.

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

MOO has the higher dividend yield at 2.29%, compared with 0.31% for XAR.

What is the main difference between MOO and XAR?

MOO is categorized as Large Cap Blend Equities, while XAR is Aerospace & Defense. MOO tracks MVIS Global Agribusiness Index, while XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: VanEck and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for MOO and 0.35% for XAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 0.64), 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.