NATO vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NATO (Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - NATO tracks the Solactive Transatlantic Aerospace and Defense Index while XAR tracks the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past year, NATO returned 17.37% vs 37.38% for XAR. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

NATO vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) 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, NATO achieves a 4.58% return, which is significantly lower than XAR's 14.20% return.

NATO

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

XAR

• 1D: -0.92%
• 1M: 1.55%
• YTD: 14.20%
• 6M: 10.14%
• 1Y: 37.38%
• 3Y*: 33.41%
• 5Y*: 16.10%
• 10Y*: 18.43%

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

NATO vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NATO Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF	4.58%	50.95%	0.51%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	14.20%	46.15%	5.98%

Correlation

The correlation between NATO and XAR is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 11, 2024	0.81

The correlation between NATO and XAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.87 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NATO vs. XAR — 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

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 40
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 35
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) 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.

	NATO	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	1.34	-0.53
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.31	2.01	-0.70
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.23	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.09	2.18	-1.09
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.65	6.08	-3.44

NATO vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NATO Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is lower than the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NATO 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

NATO vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NATO drawdown since its inception was -15.99%, smaller than the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NATO and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	NATO	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.99%	-46.37%	+30.38%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.99%	-17.22%	+1.23%
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	-9.55%	-5.89%	-3.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-6.78%	+2.89%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.57%	6.16%	+0.41%

Volatility

NATO vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) is 7.57%, while SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) has a volatility of 10.65%. This indicates that NATO 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

	NATO	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.57%	10.65%	-3.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.35%	23.46%	-5.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.46%	27.98%	-6.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	23.69%	-0.97%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.72%	24.74%	-2.02%

NATO vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both NATO and XAR have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

NATO vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

NATO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, more than XAR's 0.29% 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%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.29%	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 NATO and XAR in my portfolio?

NATO and XAR have a correlation of 0.87, 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 XAR?

XAR has higher volatility (10.65%) compared to NATO (7.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NATO dropped -15.99% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which ETF is better, NATO or XAR?

On 1-year performance, XAR leads with 37.38% vs 17.37% for NATO. Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. On volatility, NATO has been the lower-risk option at 7.57%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NATO or XAR?

Over the 1-year period, XAR has performed better with a 37.38% 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 XAR?

NATO and XAR have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

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

NATO has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.29% for XAR.

What is the main difference between NATO and XAR?

NATO tracks Solactive Transatlantic Aerospace and Defense Index, while XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and State Street.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.34 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.