XDEF vs. KDEF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and KDEF (PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - XDEF tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index while KDEF tracks the The Korea Defence Industry Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.34 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for KDEF.

Performance

XDEF vs. KDEF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF). 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*: —

KDEF

• 1D: -2.40%
• 1M: -26.87%
• YTD: 6.06%
• 6M: 18.05%
• 1Y: 40.06%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. KDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.17%
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	1.55%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and KDEF is 0.34, 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 Jan 5, 2026	0.34

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. KDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

KDEF

KDEF Risk / Return Rank: 26
KDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 25
KDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
KDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 25
KDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
KDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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. KDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF). 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	KDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.90	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.64	1.90	-2.54

Drawdowns

XDEF vs. KDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than KDEF's maximum drawdown of -29.45%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and KDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	KDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-29.45%	-69.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-29.45%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.26%	-29.45%	-69.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-70.45%	-6.45%	-64.00%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	9.69%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	KDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	15.76%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	36.50%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	157.63%	44.63%	+113.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	157.63%	46.54%	+111.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	157.63%	46.54%	+111.09%

XDEF vs. KDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than KDEF's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDEF vs. KDEF - Dividend Comparison

XDEF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while KDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.48%.

Position	TTM	2025
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	6.48%	5.06%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and KDEF in my portfolio?

XDEF and KDEF have a correlation of 0.34, 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 KDEF?

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 KDEF?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for KDEF.

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

KDEF has the higher dividend yield at 6.48%, compared with 0.00% for XDEF.

What is the main difference between XDEF and KDEF?

XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index, while KDEF tracks The Korea Defence Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and PLUS. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.65% for KDEF.