NATO vs. SPDW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NATO (Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF) and SPDW (SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - NATO is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the Solactive Transatlantic Aerospace and Defense Index, while SPDW is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund tracking the S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NATO returned 17.37% vs 30.23% for SPDW. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. NATO charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.04%/yr for SPDW.

Performance

NATO vs. SPDW - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NATO achieves a 4.58% return, which is significantly lower than SPDW's 13.29% return.

NATO

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 1.72%
• YTD: 4.58%
• 6M: 4.25%
• 1Y: 17.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

SPDW

• 1D: -2.99%
• 1M: 0.20%
• YTD: 13.29%
• 6M: 13.11%
• 1Y: 30.23%
• 3Y*: 19.45%
• 5Y*: 9.30%
• 10Y*: 10.63%

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

NATO vs. SPDW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NATO Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF	4.58%	50.95%	0.51%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	13.29%	34.75%	-6.07%

Correlation

The correlation between NATO and SPDW is 0.58, 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	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2024	0.54

The correlation between NATO and SPDW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.54 to 0.58 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NATO vs. SPDW — Risk / Return Rank

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

NATO

NATO Risk / Return Rank: 23
NATO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
NATO Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
NATO Omega Ratio Rank: 23
NATO Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
NATO Martin Ratio Rank: 22

SPDW

SPDW Risk / Return Rank: 56
SPDW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
SPDW Omega Ratio Rank: 56
SPDW Calmar Ratio Rank: 55
SPDW Martin Ratio Rank: 59

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.

NATO vs. SPDW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) and SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW). 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.

	NATO	SPDW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	1.82	-1.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.31	2.50	-1.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.33	-0.18
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.09	2.63	-1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.65	10.15	-7.50

NATO vs. SPDW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NATO Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is lower than the SPDW Sharpe Ratio of 1.82. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NATO and SPDW, 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

NATO vs. SPDW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NATO drawdown since its inception was -15.99%, smaller than the maximum SPDW drawdown of -60.02%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NATO and SPDW.

Drawdown Indicators

	NATO	SPDW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.99%	-60.02%	+44.03%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.99%	-11.55%	-4.44%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.53%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-30.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-34.98%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.55%	-2.99%	-6.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-12.88%	+8.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.57%	2.99%	+3.58%

Volatility

NATO vs. SPDW - Volatility Comparison

Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) has a higher volatility of 7.57% compared to SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF (SPDW) at 7.05%. This indicates that NATO's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than SPDW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NATO	SPDW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.57%	7.05%	+0.52%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.35%	14.59%	+3.76%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.46%	16.72%	+4.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	16.70%	+6.02%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.72%	17.13%	+5.59%

NATO vs. SPDW - Expense Ratio Comparison

NATO has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than SPDW's 0.04% expense ratio.

Dividends

NATO vs. SPDW - Dividend Comparison

NATO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, less than SPDW's 3.06% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
NATO Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.08%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
SPDW SPDR Portfolio World ex-US ETF	3.06%	3.30%	3.19%	2.75%	3.12%	3.04%	1.87%	3.13%	3.08%	1.86%	3.11%	2.78%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NATO and SPDW in my portfolio?

NATO and SPDW have a correlation of 0.58, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NATO or SPDW?

NATO has higher volatility (7.57%) compared to SPDW (7.05%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NATO dropped -15.99% vs SPDW's -60.02%.

Which ETF is better, NATO or SPDW?

On 1-year performance, SPDW leads with 30.23% vs 17.37% for NATO. On fees, SPDW is cheaper at 0.04% per year. On volatility, SPDW has been the lower-risk option at 7.05%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NATO or SPDW?

Over the 1-year period, SPDW has performed better with a 30.23% return vs 17.37%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NATO or SPDW?

SPDW is cheaper with a 0.04% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for NATO.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NATO or SPDW?

SPDW has the higher dividend yield at 3.06%, compared with 0.43% for NATO.

What is the main difference between NATO and SPDW?

NATO is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while SPDW is Foreign Large Cap Equities. NATO tracks Solactive Transatlantic Aerospace and Defense Index, while SPDW tracks S&P Developed Ex-U.S. BMI Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for NATO and 0.04% for SPDW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

SPDW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.82 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.