XDEF vs. GCAD
XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and GCAD (Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. XDEF is passively managed, while GCAD is actively managed. Their 0.68 correlation means they have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.00%/yr for GCAD.
Performance
XDEF vs. GCAD - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
XDEF
- 1D
- -0.02%
- 1M
- 1.13%
- 6M
- -99.17%
- YTD
- —
- 1Y
- —
- 3Y*
- —
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- —
GCAD
- 1D
- 0.02%
- 1M
- -3.10%
- 6M
- 5.89%
- YTD
- 18.44%
- 1Y
- 32.06%
- 3Y*
- 31.69%
- 5Y*
- —
- 10Y*
- —
- ALL TIME*
- 28.55%
Liquidity Comparison
| Position | Avg. Volume Value (2W) | Avg. Volume Value (1M) | Avg. Volume Value (3M) |
|---|---|---|---|
| $562.37K | $467.75K | $488.04K | |
| $25.38K | $19.51K | $30.56K |
XDEF vs. GCAD - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | |
|---|---|
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF | -99.10% |
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF | 18.44% |
Correlation
The correlation between XDEF and GCAD is 0.68, which is moderate. They have sometimes moved together and sometimes differently, sharing some price drivers without tracking each other closely.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2026 | 0.68 |
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Return for Risk
XDEF vs. GCAD — Risk / Return Rank
XDEF
Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.
GCAD
XDEF vs. GCAD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD). 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.
| XDEF | GCAD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | — | — | |
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | — | — | |
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | — | 1.27 | — |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | — | 2.13 | — |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | — | 6.97 | — |
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Drawdowns
XDEF vs. GCAD - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than GCAD's maximum drawdown of -16.14%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and GCAD.
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Drawdown Indicators
| XDEF | GCAD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -99.30% | -16.14% | -83.16% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | — | -14.96% | — |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | — | -16.14% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -99.21% | -4.35% | -94.86% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -77.91% | -3.03% | -74.88% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | — | 4.55% | — |
Volatility
XDEF vs. GCAD - Volatility Comparison
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Volatility by Period
| XDEF | GCAD | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | — | 7.11% | — |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | — | 17.61% | — |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 134.34% | 21.14% | +113.20% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 134.34% | 18.85% | +115.49% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 134.34% | 18.85% | +115.49% |
XDEF vs. GCAD - Expense Ratio Comparison
XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is higher than GCAD's 0.00% expense ratio.
Dividends
XDEF vs. GCAD - Dividend Comparison
XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.41%, less than GCAD's 1.74% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
GCAD Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF | 1.74% | 2.06% | 4.94% | 3.62% |
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF | 1.41% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
XDEF and GCAD 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.
On fees, GCAD is cheaper at 0.00% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
GCAD is cheaper with a 0.00% expense ratio, compared with 0.35% for XDEF.
GCAD has the higher dividend yield at 1.74%, compared with 1.41% for XDEF.
They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Gabelli. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.00% for GCAD.
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