XDEF vs. EUAD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and EUAD (Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - XDEF tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index while EUAD tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for EUAD.

Performance

XDEF vs. EUAD - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

XDEF

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

EUAD

• 1D: -1.53%
• 1M: -1.14%
• YTD: -5.41%
• 6M: -1.74%
• 1Y: -3.68%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. EUAD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.17%
EUAD Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF	-8.62%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and EUAD is 0.89, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2026	0.89

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. EUAD — Risk / Return Rank

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

EUAD

EUAD Risk / Return Rank: 7
EUAD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 7
EUAD Sortino Ratio Rank: 7
EUAD Omega Ratio Rank: 7
EUAD Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
EUAD Martin Ratio Rank: 7

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.

XDEF vs. EUAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF (EUAD). 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

	XDEF	EUAD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	-0.13	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.64	1.13	-1.77

Drawdowns

XDEF vs. EUAD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than EUAD's maximum drawdown of -22.04%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and EUAD.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	EUAD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-22.04%	-77.26%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-22.04%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.26%	-17.46%	-81.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.45%	-5.62%	-64.83%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	8.99%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	EUAD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.32%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.20%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	157.63%	29.14%	+128.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	157.63%	29.84%	+127.79%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	157.63%	29.84%	+127.79%

XDEF vs. EUAD - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than EUAD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDEF vs. EUAD - Dividend Comparison

XDEF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while EUAD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.42%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
EUAD Select STOXX Europe Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.42%	0.40%	0.10%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and EUAD in my portfolio?

XDEF and EUAD have a correlation of 0.89, 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 EUAD?

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 EUAD?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for EUAD.

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

EUAD has the higher dividend yield at 0.42%, compared with 0.00% for XDEF.

What is the main difference between XDEF and EUAD?

XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index, while EUAD tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Aerospace & Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Select Funds. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.50% for EUAD.