XDEF vs. XAIX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) and XAIX (Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data 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 XAIX is a Technology Equities fund tracking the Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. Both charge a 0.35% expense ratio.

Performance

XDEF vs. XAIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX). 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*: —

XAIX

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 9.09%
• YTD: 37.44%
• 6M: 37.80%
• 1Y: 62.69%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XDEF vs. XAIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.16%
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	37.44%

Correlation

The correlation between XDEF and XAIX is 0.42, 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 2, 2026	0.42

Return for Risk

XDEF vs. XAIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

XDEF

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

XAIX

XAIX Risk / Return Rank: 82
XAIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
XAIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 78
XAIX Omega Ratio Rank: 81
XAIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 85
XAIX Martin Ratio Rank: 80

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. XAIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF) and Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF (XAIX). 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	XAIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	—	2.68	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	—	3.32	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	—	1.46	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	—	4.50	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	—	15.22	—

Drawdowns

XDEF vs. XAIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XDEF drawdown since its inception was -99.30%, which is greater than XAIX's maximum drawdown of -23.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XDEF and XAIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	XDEF	XAIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.30%	-23.95%	-75.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-14.01%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.26%	-3.23%	-96.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-72.80%	-3.58%	-69.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	4.13%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	XDEF	XAIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	13.24%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	20.53%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	148.83%	23.53%	+125.30%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	148.83%	24.45%	+124.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	148.83%	24.45%	+124.38%

XDEF vs. XAIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both XDEF and XAIX have an expense ratio of 0.35%.

Dividends

XDEF vs. XAIX - Dividend Comparison

XDEF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.51%, more than XAIX's 0.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
XAIX Xtrackers Artificial Intelligence and Big Data ETF	0.37%	0.54%	0.08%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.51%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both XDEF and XAIX in my portfolio?

XDEF and XAIX have a correlation of 0.42, 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 XAIX?

Both ETFs have the same 0.35% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, XDEF or XAIX?

XDEF and XAIX have the same expense ratio: 0.35% per year.

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.51%, compared with 0.37% for XAIX.

What is the main difference between XDEF and XAIX?

XDEF is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while XAIX is Technology Equities. XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index, while XAIX tracks Nasdaq Global Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Index.