WAR vs. XDEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WAR (U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. WAR is actively managed, while XDEF is passively managed. At a 0.49 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WAR charges 0.60%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XDEF.

Performance

WAR vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

WAR

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XDEF

• 1D: -2.06%
• 1M: -2.01%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WAR vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
WAR U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF	2.67%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-3.98%

Correlation

The correlation between WAR and XDEF is 0.49, 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 May 27, 2026	0.49

Return for Risk

WAR vs. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR) 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

	WAR	XDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	5.18	-0.64	+5.82

Drawdowns

WAR vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WAR drawdown since its inception was -1.92%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WAR and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	WAR	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-1.92%	-99.30%	+97.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.92%	-99.26%	+97.34%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-0.88%	-70.45%	+69.57%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WAR	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	42.90%	157.63%	-114.73%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	42.90%	157.63%	-114.73%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	42.90%	157.63%	-114.73%

WAR vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

WAR has a 0.60% expense ratio, which is higher than XDEF's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

WAR vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

Neither WAR nor XDEF has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WAR and XDEF in my portfolio?

WAR and XDEF have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WAR 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, WAR or XDEF?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for WAR.

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

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

What is the main difference between WAR and XDEF?

They also come from different issuers: US Global and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.60% for WAR and 0.35% for XDEF.