XAR vs. IXN

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) and IXN (iShares Global Tech ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, while IXN is a Technology Equities fund tracking the S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, XAR returned 18.45%/yr vs 25.03%/yr for IXN. A 0.55 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XAR charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.46%/yr for IXN.

Performance

XAR vs. IXN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) and iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XAR achieves a 16.10% return, which is significantly lower than IXN's 33.08% return. Over the past 10 years, XAR has underperformed IXN with an annualized return of 18.45%, while IXN has yielded a comparatively higher 25.03% annualized return.

XAR

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 3.18%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: 16.58%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

IXN

• 1D: 0.42%
• 1M: 3.37%
• YTD: 33.08%
• 6M: 35.17%
• 1Y: 62.93%
• 3Y*: 32.38%
• 5Y*: 21.51%
• 10Y*: 25.03%

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

XAR vs. IXN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	16.10%	46.15%	23.32%	23.79%	-5.02%	2.31%	6.18%	39.33%	-4.58%	33.00%
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	33.08%	25.25%	24.84%	52.98%	-29.86%	29.58%	43.62%	47.88%	-5.44%	41.23%

Correlation

The correlation between XAR and IXN is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.48
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.56
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2011	0.55

The correlation between XAR and IXN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.48 to 0.56 - a consistent structural relationship.

XAR vs. IXN - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XAR	IXN
Industrials	99.1%	0.2%
Technology	0.8%	99.2%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	0.1%
Real Estate	-	0.0%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XAR vs. IXN — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 49
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

IXN

IXN Risk / Return Rank: 84
IXN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Sortino Ratio Rank: 80
IXN Omega Ratio Rank: 81
IXN Calmar Ratio Rank: 88
IXN Martin Ratio Rank: 83

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.

XAR vs. IXN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) and iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN). 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.

	XAR	IXN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.50	2.52	-1.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.20	3.09	-0.90
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.25	1.42	-0.16
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.43	4.39	-1.96
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.81	14.35	-7.54

XAR vs. IXN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.50, which is lower than the IXN Sharpe Ratio of 2.52. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAR and IXN, 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

XAR vs. IXN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAR drawdown since its inception was -46.37%, smaller than the maximum IXN drawdown of -55.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAR and IXN.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAR	IXN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.37%	-55.67%	+9.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.22%	-13.80%	-3.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.73%	-25.55%	+5.82%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.40%	-36.30%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.37%	-36.30%	-10.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.32%	-6.68%	+2.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.78%	-11.26%	+4.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.13%	4.21%	+1.92%

Volatility

XAR vs. IXN - Volatility Comparison

SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) and iShares Global Tech ETF (IXN) have volatilities of 11.46% and 12.01%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XAR	IXN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.46%	12.01%	-0.55%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.56%	20.45%	+3.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.85%	24.03%	+3.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.66%	25.19%	-1.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.74%	24.58%	+0.16%

XAR vs. IXN - Expense Ratio Comparison

XAR has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than IXN's 0.46% expense ratio.

Dividends

XAR vs. IXN - Dividend Comparison

XAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%, less than IXN's 0.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IXN iShares Global Tech ETF	0.78%	1.04%	0.43%	0.55%	0.81%	0.58%	0.63%	1.06%	0.94%	0.93%	1.03%	1.12%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	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 XAR and IXN in my portfolio?

XAR and IXN have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XAR or IXN?

IXN has higher volatility (12.01%) compared to XAR (11.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAR dropped -46.37% vs IXN's -55.67%.

Which ETF is better, XAR or IXN?

On 10-year performance, IXN leads with 25.03% vs 18.45% for XAR. On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XAR has been the lower-risk option at 11.46%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAR or IXN?

Over the 10-year period, IXN has performed better with a 25.03% return vs 18.45%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAR or IXN?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.46% for IXN.

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

IXN has the higher dividend yield at 0.78%, compared with 0.31% for XAR.

What is the main difference between XAR and IXN?

XAR is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while IXN is Technology Equities. XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, while IXN tracks S&P Global Information Technology Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: State Street and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XAR and 0.46% for IXN.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IXN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.52 vs 1.50), 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.