XDEF vs. FOWF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and FOWF (Pacer Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XDEF is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index, while FOWF is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.49%/yr for FOWF.

Performance

XDEF vs. FOWF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and Pacer Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare ETF (FOWF). 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*: —

FOWF

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: 3.45%
• YTD: 9.44%
• 6M: 12.30%
• 1Y: 22.10%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. FOWF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.17%
FOWF Pacer Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare ETF	7.92%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and FOWF is 0.68, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 5, 2026	0.68

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. FOWF — Risk / Return Rank

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

FOWF

FOWF Risk / Return Rank: 46
FOWF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 46
FOWF Sortino Ratio Rank: 50
FOWF Omega Ratio Rank: 44
FOWF Calmar Ratio Rank: 45
FOWF Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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. FOWF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and Pacer Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare ETF (FOWF). 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	FOWF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.59	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.64	1.63	-2.27

Drawdowns

XDEF vs. FOWF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than FOWF's maximum drawdown of -12.29%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and FOWF.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	FOWF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-12.29%	-87.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-10.08%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.26%	-2.81%	-96.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.45%	-2.05%	-68.40%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	3.16%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	FOWF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	4.80%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	11.62%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	157.63%	13.94%	+143.69%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	157.63%	16.89%	+140.74%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	157.63%	16.89%	+140.74%

XDEF vs. FOWF - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than FOWF's 0.49% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDEF vs. FOWF - Dividend Comparison

XDEF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FOWF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.73%.

Position	TTM	2025
FOWF Pacer Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare ETF	0.73%	0.79%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and FOWF in my portfolio?

XDEF and FOWF have a correlation of 0.68, 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 FOWF?

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 FOWF?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.49% for FOWF.

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

FOWF has the higher dividend yield at 0.73%, compared with 0.00% for XDEF.

What is the main difference between XDEF and FOWF?

XDEF is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while FOWF is Industrials Equities. XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index, while FOWF tracks Solactive Whitney Future of Warfare Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Pacer. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.49% for FOWF.