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SPDR® S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR)

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Upturn Advisory Summary
12/05/2025: XAR (1-star) is currently NOT-A-BUY. Pass it for now.
Analysis of Past Performance
Type ETF | Historic Profit 55.98% | Avg. Invested days 73 | Today’s Advisory PASS |
Upturn Star Rating ![]() | Upturn Advisory Performance | ETF Returns Performance |
Key Highlights
Volume (30-day avg) - | Beta 1.19 | 52 Weeks Range 137.00 - 210.74 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 |
52 Weeks Range 137.00 - 210.74 | Updated Date 06/30/2025 |
Upturn AI SWOT
SPDR® S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF
ETF Overview
Overview
The SPDRu00ae S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) seeks to provide investment results that, before fees and expenses, correspond generally to the total return performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. It focuses on companies involved in the aerospace and defense sector, providing exposure to both military and commercial segments.
Reputation and Reliability
State Street Global Advisors (SSGA) is a well-established and reputable issuer with a long history in the ETF market.
Management Expertise
SSGA has extensive experience managing a wide range of ETFs, including sector-specific funds.
Investment Objective
Goal
To closely track the total return of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index.
Investment Approach and Strategy
Strategy: The ETF employs a replication strategy, attempting to hold all the stocks in the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index in proportion to their weighting in the index.
Composition The ETF primarily holds stocks of companies in the aerospace and defense sector.
Market Position
Market Share: XAR holds a significant market share in the aerospace and defense ETF sector.
Total Net Assets (AUM): 334000000
Competitors
Key Competitors
- ITA
- DFND
Competitive Landscape
The aerospace and defense ETF market is relatively concentrated. XAR's advantage lies in its early mover status and relatively low expense ratio compared to some competitors. ITA, despite having a slightly higher expense ratio, has a greater market share and higher AUM than XAR. New entrants with innovative strategies could challenge XAR's position.
Financial Performance
Historical Performance: Historical performance data is available from the fund's prospectus and website and depends on the time frame considered. Data changes daily.
Benchmark Comparison: The ETF's performance closely tracks the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index.
Expense Ratio: 0.35
Liquidity
Average Trading Volume
XAR exhibits moderate trading volume, which contributes to decent liquidity.
Bid-Ask Spread
The bid-ask spread for XAR is typically tight, reflecting good liquidity.
Market Dynamics
Market Environment Factors
Government defense spending, geopolitical events, airline industry performance, and technological innovation all significantly influence XAR's performance.
Growth Trajectory
XAR's growth is closely tied to the growth of the aerospace and defense industry, with holdings and strategy remaining generally consistent over time.
Moat and Competitive Advantages
Competitive Edge
XAR benefits from being an early mover in the aerospace and defense ETF space. Its low expense ratio compared to some competitors offers a cost advantage. The ETFu2019s straightforward replication strategy provides transparency and predictability for investors. SSGA's brand recognition and distribution network further support its competitive positioning. The fund also focuses on a select industry index.
Risk Analysis
Volatility
XAR's volatility tends to be correlated with the overall market but can be amplified by sector-specific events such as changes in government defense spending.
Market Risk
XAR is subject to market risk, including the risk of declines in the aerospace and defense sector due to economic downturns, geopolitical instability, or changes in government policy.
Investor Profile
Ideal Investor Profile
Investors seeking targeted exposure to the aerospace and defense sector, those who believe in the long-term growth of the industry, and those looking for a convenient way to diversify their portfolio within this sector are ideal candidates.
Market Risk
XAR is suitable for long-term investors seeking sector-specific exposure but may also appeal to active traders looking to capitalize on short-term trends in the aerospace and defense industry.
Summary
The SPDRu00ae S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) offers targeted exposure to the aerospace and defense sector through a replication strategy of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. Managed by State Street Global Advisors, it has a moderate expense ratio. The ETF's performance is heavily influenced by factors like government spending and geopolitical events. It's suitable for long-term investors seeking sector-specific exposure but can be used by active traders. Its competitive edge lies in its brand reputation.
Similar ETFs
Sources and Disclaimers
Data Sources:
- SPDRu00ae S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF Fact Sheet
- ETF.com
- Morningstar
Disclaimers:
The data provided is for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Market share data is based on available information and may not be exact. Consult with a financial advisor before making any investment decisions.
AI Summarization is directionally correct and might not be accurate.
Summarized information shown could be a few years old and not current.
Fundamental Rating based on AI could be based on old data.
AI-generated summaries may have inaccuracies (hallucinations). Please verify the information before taking action.
About SPDR® S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF
Exchange NYSE ARCA | Headquaters - | ||
IPO Launch date - | CEO - | ||
Sector - | Industry - | Full time employees - | Website |
Full time employees - | Website | ||
In seeking to track the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index (the index), the fund employs a sampling strategy. It generally invests substantially all, but at least 80%, of its total assets in the securities comprising the index. The index represents the aerospace and defense segment of the S&P Total Market Index (S&P TMI).

Note: This website is maintained by Upturn Corporation, which is an investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Such registration does not imply a certain level of skill or training. Investing in securities has risks. Past performance is no guarantee of future returns. No assurance is provided as to any particular investment return, and you may lose money using our services. You are strongly advised to consult appropriate counsel before making any investments in companies you learn about through our services. You should obtain appropriate legal, tax, investment, accounting, and other advice that takes into account your investment portfolio and overall financial situation. You are solely responsible for conducting due diligence on a potential investment. We do not affect trades for you. You will select your own broker through which to transact. Investments are not FDIC insured, they are not guaranteed, and they may lose value. Please see the Privacy Policy, Terms of Use, and Disclosure for more information.
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