ORBX vs. XDEF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

ORBX (Global X Space Tech ETF) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - ORBX tracks the Global X Space Tech Index while XDEF tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.39 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. ORBX charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XDEF.

Performance

ORBX vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ORBX

• 1D: -2.53%
• 1M: -27.90%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XDEF

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -2.40%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ORBX vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ORBX Global X Space Tech ETF	-2.51%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-10.24%

Correlation

The correlation between ORBX 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 15, 2026	0.39

Return for Risk

ORBX vs. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Space Tech ETF (ORBX) 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.

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.

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

Drawdowns

ORBX vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ORBX drawdown since its inception was -35.85%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ORBX and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	ORBX	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-35.85%	-99.30%	+63.45%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-35.85%	-99.26%	+63.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.09%	-73.02%	+61.93%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ORBX	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	81.94%	148.20%	-66.26%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	81.94%	148.20%	-66.26%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	81.94%	148.20%	-66.26%

ORBX vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

ORBX has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than XDEF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

ORBX vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

ORBX has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%.

Position	TTM
ORBX Global X Space Tech ETF	0.00%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ORBX and XDEF in my portfolio?

ORBX 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, ORBX 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, ORBX or XDEF?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for ORBX.

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 0.00% for ORBX.

What is the main difference between ORBX and XDEF?

ORBX tracks Global X Space Tech Index, while XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for ORBX and 0.35% for XDEF.