PPA vs. XME

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

PPA (Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF) and XME (SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - PPA is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the SPADE Defense Index, while XME is a Materials fund tracking the S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, PPA returned 17.72%/yr vs 19.60%/yr for XME. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. PPA charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XME.

Performance

PPA vs. XME - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) and SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PPA achieves a 11.20% return, which is significantly lower than XME's 16.32% return. Over the past 10 years, PPA has underperformed XME with an annualized return of 17.72%, while XME has yielded a comparatively higher 19.60% annualized return.

PPA

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 11.20%
• 6M: 13.03%
• 1Y: 28.73%
• 3Y*: 28.86%
• 5Y*: 18.41%
• 10Y*: 17.72%

XME

• 1D: 1.77%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 16.32%
• 6M: 18.13%
• 1Y: 86.41%
• 3Y*: 35.23%
• 5Y*: 21.78%
• 10Y*: 19.60%

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

PPA vs. XME - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	11.20%	37.15%	25.28%	18.41%	9.52%	7.09%	0.45%	39.63%	-7.51%	30.10%
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	16.32%	83.47%	-4.54%	21.51%	13.13%	34.92%	15.95%	14.69%	-26.78%	21.17%

Correlation

The correlation between PPA and XME is 0.53, 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	0.53
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.54
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.59
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 22, 2006	0.60

The correlation between PPA and XME has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.60 - a consistent structural relationship.

PPA vs. XME - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	PPA	XME
Industrials	90.6%	0.4%
Technology	9.3%	2.2%
Communication Services	0.1%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	75.3%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	0.8%
Energy	-	23.4%
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

PPA vs. XME — Risk / Return Rank

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

PPA

PPA Risk / Return Rank: 46
PPA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 47
PPA Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
PPA Omega Ratio Rank: 43
PPA Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
PPA Martin Ratio Rank: 42

XME

XME Risk / Return Rank: 75
XME Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XME Sortino Ratio Rank: 74
XME Omega Ratio Rank: 73
XME Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
XME Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

PPA vs. XME - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) and SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME). 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.

	PPA	XME	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.44	2.41	-0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.14	2.86	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.37	-0.12
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.11	3.84	-1.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.94	9.58	-3.64

PPA vs. XME - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PPA Sharpe Ratio is 1.44, which is lower than the XME Sharpe Ratio of 2.41. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PPA and XME, 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

PPA vs. XME - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PPA drawdown since its inception was -57.37%, smaller than the maximum XME drawdown of -85.89%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PPA and XME.

Drawdown Indicators

	PPA	XME	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-57.37%	-85.89%	+28.52%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-13.71%	-22.60%	+8.89%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.24%	-30.47%	+15.23%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.37%	-37.27%	+18.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.92%	-61.69%	+17.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.15%	-9.33%	+3.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.18%	-44.09%	+34.91%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.85%	9.05%	-4.20%

Volatility

PPA vs. XME - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA) is 8.91%, while SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF (XME) has a volatility of 15.26%. This indicates that PPA experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XME based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PPA	XME	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.91%	15.26%	-6.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	17.06%	28.51%	-11.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	20.04%	36.11%	-16.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.70%	32.84%	-14.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.73%	32.96%	-12.23%

PPA vs. XME - Expense Ratio Comparison

PPA has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than XME's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

PPA vs. XME - Dividend Comparison

PPA's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.38%, more than XME's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
PPA Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.38%	0.42%	0.61%	0.67%	0.83%	0.59%	0.88%	0.95%	0.90%	0.67%	1.70%	1.41%
XME SPDR S&P Metals & Mining ETF	0.32%	0.38%	0.65%	1.00%	1.64%	0.70%	0.99%	2.43%	2.23%	1.15%	1.02%	2.61%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PPA and XME in my portfolio?

PPA and XME have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PPA or XME?

XME has higher volatility (15.26%) compared to PPA (8.91%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PPA dropped -57.37% vs XME's -85.89%.

Which ETF is better, PPA or XME?

On 10-year performance, XME leads with 19.60% vs 17.72% for PPA. On fees, XME is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, PPA has been the lower-risk option at 8.91%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, PPA or XME?

Over the 10-year period, XME has performed better with a 19.60% return vs 17.72%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, PPA or XME?

XME is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for PPA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, PPA or XME?

PPA has the higher dividend yield at 0.38%, compared with 0.32% for XME.

What is the main difference between PPA and XME?

PPA is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while XME is Materials. PPA tracks SPADE Defense Index, while XME tracks S&P Metals & Mining Select Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Invesco and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for PPA and 0.35% for XME.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XME currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.41 vs 1.44), 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.