NASA vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

NASA (Tema Space Innovators ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. NASA is actively managed, while XAR is passively managed. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NASA charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

NASA vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

NASA

• 1D: -9.48%
• 1M: 1.71%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XAR

• 1D: -2.80%
• 1M: 2.70%
• YTD: 13.04%
• 6M: 18.20%
• 1Y: 37.96%
• 3Y*: 33.64%
• 5Y*: 16.19%
• 10Y*: 17.78%

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

NASA vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	29.65%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	7.32%

Correlation

The correlation between NASA and XAR is 0.69, 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 Apr 1, 2026	0.69

Return for Risk

NASA vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 44
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 45
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 39
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 43

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.

NASA vs. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NASA	XAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.51	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.69	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.72	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	5.20	0.84	+4.35

Drawdowns

NASA vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NASA drawdown since its inception was -22.08%, smaller than the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NASA and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NASA	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.08%	-46.37%	+24.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-17.22%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.08%	-6.85%	-15.23%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-6.78%	+3.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	6.07%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NASA	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.26%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	22.69%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.27%	27.06%	+34.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	61.27%	23.46%	+37.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	61.27%	24.64%	+36.63%

NASA vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

NASA has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

NASA vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

NASA has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.32%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NASA Tema Space Innovators 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%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.32%	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 NASA and XAR in my portfolio?

NASA and XAR have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NASA or XAR?

On fees, XAR 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, NASA or XAR?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for NASA.

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

XAR has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.00% for NASA.

What is the main difference between NASA and XAR?

They also come from different issuers: Tema and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for NASA and 0.35% for XAR.