XDEF vs. WAR

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and WAR (U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. XDEF is passively managed, while WAR is actively managed. A 0.50 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XDEF charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for WAR.

Performance

XDEF vs. WAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

XDEF

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: -2.17%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WAR

• 1D: 0.44%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. WAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-2.17%
WAR U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.36%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and WAR is 0.50, 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 May 26, 2026	0.50

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. WAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR). 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. WAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than WAR's maximum drawdown of -13.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and WAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	WAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-13.13%	-86.17%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.26%	-5.94%	-93.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-72.80%	-5.22%	-67.58%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	WAR	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	148.83%	51.46%	+97.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	148.83%	51.46%	+97.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	148.83%	51.46%	+97.37%

XDEF vs. WAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

XDEF has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than WAR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

XDEF vs. WAR - Dividend Comparison

XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, while WAR has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM
WAR U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.00%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and WAR in my portfolio?

XDEF and WAR have a correlation of 0.50, 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 WAR?

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 WAR?

XDEF is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for WAR.

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 0.00% for WAR.

What is the main difference between XDEF and WAR?

They also come from different issuers: Xtrackers and US Global. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for XDEF and 0.60% for WAR.