XAIX vs. XDEF

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while XDEF is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XAIX vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

XAIX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 9.09%
• YTD: 37.44%
• 6M: 37.80%
• 1Y: 62.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XDEF

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XAIX vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	37.44%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.16%

Correlation

The correlation between XAIX and XDEF is 0.42, 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 Jan 2, 2026	0.42

Return for Risk

XAIX vs. XDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 82
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

XDEF

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

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.

XAIX vs. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX) 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.

	XAIX	XDEF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.68	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.32	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	4.50	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	15.22	—	—

Drawdowns

XAIX vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAIX drawdown since its inception was -23.95%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAIX and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAIX	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-23.95%	-99.30%	+75.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.01%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.23%	-99.26%	+96.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.58%	-72.80%	+69.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.13%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XAIX	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	13.24%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	20.53%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.53%	148.83%	-125.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.45%	148.83%	-124.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.45%	148.83%	-124.38%

XAIX vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XAIX and XDEF have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

XAIX vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

XAIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.37%, less than XDEF's 1.51% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.37%	0.54%	0.08%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.51%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XAIX and XDEF in my portfolio?

XAIX and XDEF have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XAIX or XDEF?

Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAIX or XDEF?

XAIX and XDEF have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 0.37% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between XAIX and XDEF?

XAIX is categorized as Technology Equities, while XDEF is Aerospace & Defense. XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index, while XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index.