XDEF vs. NASA

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and NASA (Tema Space Innovators ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. XDEF is passively managed, while NASA is actively managed. At a 0.43 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for NASA.

Performance

XDEF vs. NASA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

XDEF

• 1D: -0.23%
• 1M: -2.40%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

NASA

• 1D: -3.39%
• 1M: -25.85%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. NASA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.58%
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	19.25%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and NASA is 0.43, 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 Mar 31, 2026	0.43

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. NASA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA). 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. NASA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than NASA's maximum drawdown of -31.39%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and NASA.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	NASA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-31.39%	-67.91%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.26%	-31.39%	-67.87%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-73.02%	-7.53%	-65.49%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	NASA	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	148.20%	67.40%	+80.80%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	148.20%	67.40%	+80.80%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	148.20%	67.40%	+80.80%

XDEF vs. NASA - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than NASA's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDEF vs. NASA - Dividend Comparison

XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.52%, while NASA has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	0.00%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.52%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and NASA in my portfolio?

XDEF and NASA have a correlation of 0.43, 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 NASA?

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 NASA?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for NASA.

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.52%, compared with 0.00% for NASA.

What is the main difference between XDEF and NASA?

They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and Tema. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.75% for NASA.