XAR vs. ROKT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) and ROKT (SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, while ROKT is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XAR returned 16.54%/yr vs 22.83%/yr for ROKT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XAR charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for ROKT.

Performance

XAR vs. ROKT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XAR achieves a 15.26% return, which is significantly lower than ROKT's 35.59% return.

XAR

• 1D: -2.24%
• 1M: 2.49%
• YTD: 15.26%
• 6M: 11.31%
• 1Y: 40.45%
• 3Y*: 33.82%
• 5Y*: 16.54%
• 10Y*: 18.54%

ROKT

• 1D: -1.94%
• 1M: -8.05%
• YTD: 35.59%
• 6M: 31.63%
• 1Y: 88.44%
• 3Y*: 40.42%
• 5Y*: 22.83%
• 10Y*: —

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

XAR vs. ROKT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	15.26%	46.15%	23.32%	23.79%	-5.02%	2.31%	6.18%	39.33%	-13.96%
ROKT SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF	35.59%	50.56%	27.89%	14.41%	-0.81%	4.63%	7.99%	40.90%	-12.90%

Correlation

The correlation between XAR and ROKT is 0.87, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.88
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 23, 2018	0.92

The correlation between XAR and ROKT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.92 - a consistent structural relationship.

XAR vs. ROKT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	XAR	ROKT
Industrials	99.3%	68.4%
Technology	0.7%	20.1%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	5.8%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	5.7%
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

XAR vs. ROKT — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 43
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 42
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 37
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 42

ROKT

ROKT Risk / Return Rank: 86
ROKT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 89
ROKT Sortino Ratio Rank: 82
ROKT Omega Ratio Rank: 77
ROKT Calmar Ratio Rank: 92
ROKT Martin Ratio Rank: 92

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. ROKT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) and SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT). 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	ROKT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.45	2.85	-1.40
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.13	3.47	-1.34
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.24	1.44	-0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.36	5.68	-3.32
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.60	21.13	-14.53

XAR vs. ROKT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XAR Sharpe Ratio is 1.45, which is lower than the ROKT Sharpe Ratio of 2.85. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XAR and ROKT, 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. ROKT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XAR drawdown since its inception was -46.37%, which is greater than ROKT's maximum drawdown of -43.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XAR and ROKT.

Drawdown Indicators

	XAR	ROKT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-46.37%	-43.16%	-3.21%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-17.22%	-15.64%	-1.58%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-19.73%	-23.46%	+3.73%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.40%	-23.46%	-8.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-46.37%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.02%	-15.64%	+10.62%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.78%	-6.79%	+0.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.15%	4.20%	+1.95%

Volatility

XAR vs. ROKT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) is 10.60%, while SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF (ROKT) has a volatility of 15.53%. This indicates that XAR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than ROKT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XAR	ROKT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	10.60%	15.53%	-4.93%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	23.50%	26.89%	-3.39%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	28.02%	31.22%	-3.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	23.69%	23.36%	+0.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	24.77%	25.41%	-0.64%

XAR vs. ROKT - Expense Ratio Comparison

XAR has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than ROKT's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

XAR vs. ROKT - Dividend Comparison

XAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.34%, more than ROKT's 0.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ROKT SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF	0.33%	0.41%	0.57%	0.62%	0.54%	1.79%	0.48%	0.74%	0.16%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.34%	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 ROKT in my portfolio?

XAR and ROKT have a correlation of 0.87, 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 ROKT?

ROKT has higher volatility (15.53%) compared to XAR (10.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XAR dropped -46.37% vs ROKT's -43.16%.

Which ETF is better, XAR or ROKT?

On 5-year performance, ROKT leads with 22.83% vs 16.54% for XAR. On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. On volatility, XAR has been the lower-risk option at 10.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XAR or ROKT?

Over the 5-year period, ROKT has performed better with a 22.83% return vs 16.54%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XAR or ROKT?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for ROKT.

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

XAR and ROKT have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.34%.

What is the main difference between XAR and ROKT?

XAR is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while ROKT is Industrials Equities. XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, while ROKT tracks S&P Kensho Final Frontiers Index. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XAR and 0.45% for ROKT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ROKT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.85 vs 1.45), 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.