XDEF vs. DUTY

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and DUTY (U.S. Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - XDEF tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index while DUTY tracks the Solactive U.S. Defense Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for DUTY.

Performance

XDEF vs. DUTY - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

XDEF

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: -99.26%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DUTY

• 1D: -1.36%
• 1M: -0.80%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. DUTY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-8.04%
DUTY U.S. Defense ETF	2.13%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and DUTY is 0.47, 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 Apr 8, 2026	0.47

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. DUTY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY). 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.

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

Drawdowns

XDEF vs. DUTY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than DUTY's maximum drawdown of -13.42%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and DUTY.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	DUTY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-13.42%	-85.88%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.27%	-7.39%	-91.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-76.16%	-4.65%	-71.51%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	DUTY	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	139.53%	27.11%	+112.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	139.53%	27.11%	+112.42%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	139.53%	27.11%	+112.42%

XDEF vs. DUTY - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than DUTY's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDEF vs. DUTY - Dividend Comparison

XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.54%, while DUTY has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
DUTY U.S. Defense ETF	0.00%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.54%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and DUTY in my portfolio?

XDEF and DUTY have a correlation of 0.47, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, XDEF or DUTY?

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, XDEF or DUTY?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for DUTY.

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.54%, compared with 0.00% for DUTY.

What is the main difference between XDEF and DUTY?

XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index, while DUTY tracks Solactive U.S. Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Aura. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.45% for DUTY.