NASA vs. XDEF

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

NASA (Tema Space Innovators ETF) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. NASA is actively managed, while XDEF is passively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NASA charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XDEF.

Performance

NASA vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). 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*: —

XDEF

• 1D: -1.39%
• 1M: -1.66%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NASA vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	29.65%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-2.54%

Correlation

The correlation between NASA and XDEF is 0.39, 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 1, 2026	0.39

Return for Risk

NASA vs. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	NASA	XDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	5.20	-0.64	+5.84

Drawdowns

NASA vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NASA drawdown since its inception was -22.08%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NASA and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	NASA	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.08%	-99.30%	+77.22%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.08%	-99.25%	+77.17%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-70.99%	+67.29%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NASA	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.27%	156.20%	-94.93%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	61.27%	156.20%	-94.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	61.27%	156.20%	-94.93%

NASA vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

NASA vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

Neither NASA nor XDEF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NASA and XDEF in my portfolio?

NASA and XDEF have a correlation of 0.39, 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 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, NASA or XDEF?

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

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

NASA and XDEF have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between NASA and XDEF?

They also come from different issuers: Tema and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for NASA and 0.35% for XDEF.