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State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR)

MoonshotScore: 47/100 — Watch|
Data from FMP · Methodology

For informational purposes only. Not financial advice. Analysis by Sedat Aydin, Founder & Editor-in-Chief | AI-powered analysis. Data sourced from SEC filings and institutional-grade financial providers. Editorially reviewed. Not financial advice.

State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) with AI Score 47/100 (Weak). The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) aims to track the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, providing investors with targeted exposure to the aerospace and defense sectors. Sector: Financial services.

Last analyzed: Mar 17, 2026
The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) aims to track the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, providing investors with targeted exposure to the aerospace and defense sectors. It offers a modified equal-weighted index approach, allowing for diversified investment across various market capitalizations.

State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) Financial Services Profile

HeadquartersBoston, US
IPO Year2011

The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) offers investors a unique opportunity to gain targeted exposure to the aerospace and defense sectors through a modified equal-weighted index, facilitating strategic investment in a rapidly evolving industry.

Data Provenance | Financial Data Quantitative Analysis NASDAQ Analysis: Mar 17, 2026

What Is the Investment Thesis for XAR?

The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) is positioned to benefit from several key growth drivers, including increased government defense spending, advancements in aerospace technology, and rising global security concerns. With a market cap of $4.57 billion, XAR is well-positioned to capture opportunities in the aerospace and defense sectors, which are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 4.5% over the next five years. The ETF's modified equal-weighted index approach allows for diversified exposure across various market capitalizations, enhancing its potential for capital appreciation. Additionally, XAR's lack of dividend yield may appeal to growth-oriented investors focusing on capital gains. However, potential risks include fluctuations in defense budgets and geopolitical tensions that could impact sector performance. Overall, XAR serves as a strategic investment vehicle for those looking to gain exposure to the aerospace and defense industries.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

XAR Key Highlights

  • Market capitalization of $4.57 billion reflects strong investor interest in aerospace and defense sectors.
  • Beta of 1.49 indicates higher volatility compared to the broader market, appealing to risk-tolerant investors.
  • Utilizes a modified equal-weighted index to provide diversified exposure across various market capitalizations.
  • No dividend yield, focusing on capital appreciation rather than income generation.
  • Tracks the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, aligning with industry performance.

Who Are XAR's Competitors?

What Are XAR's Key Strengths?

  • Strong market capitalization of $4.57 billion indicates investor confidence.
  • Unique modified equal-weighted index approach enhances diversification.
  • Established reputation as part of State Street Global Advisors.

What Are XAR's Weaknesses?

  • No dividend yield may deter income-focused investors.
  • Higher beta indicates increased volatility compared to the broader market.
  • Limited to aerospace and defense sectors, reducing diversification.

What Could Drive XAR Stock Higher?

  • Increased defense budgets expected to be announced in the upcoming fiscal year.
  • Technological advancements in aerospace driving demand for innovative solutions.
  • Rising global security concerns prompting governments to enhance military capabilities.

What Are the Key Risks for XAR?

  • Fluctuations in government defense budgets could impact sector performance.
  • Geopolitical tensions may create uncertainty in the aerospace and defense industries.
  • Competition from other ETFs and investment vehicles may affect market share.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for XAR?

  • Increased Defense Spending: The global defense budget is expected to grow significantly, driven by geopolitical tensions and the need for enhanced security measures. This trend presents a substantial growth opportunity for companies within the aerospace and defense sectors, which XAR is well-positioned to capture through its diversified index approach. Analysts project that defense spending will increase by approximately 3% annually over the next five years, providing a favorable environment for XAR's underlying holdings.
  • Technological Advancements: Innovations in aerospace technology, including advancements in unmanned systems, cybersecurity, and next-generation aircraft, are expected to drive growth in the sector. The demand for cutting-edge technology solutions will benefit companies in the aerospace and defense industries, enhancing their revenue potential. XAR's exposure to these companies positions it to capitalize on the ongoing technological evolution within the sector.
  • Rising Global Security Concerns: Heightened global security concerns, including terrorism and cyber threats, are prompting governments to increase their defense budgets and invest in advanced military capabilities. This trend is likely to boost the performance of companies within the aerospace and defense sectors, providing a favorable backdrop for XAR. As governments prioritize national security, the ETF's holdings stand to benefit from increased contracts and spending.
  • Emerging Markets Growth: Developing countries are increasingly investing in their defense capabilities, creating new opportunities for aerospace and defense companies. As emerging markets expand their military capabilities, XAR's diversified exposure allows investors to tap into this growth potential. Analysts estimate that defense spending in emerging markets will grow by approximately 5% annually, further enhancing XAR's investment thesis.
  • Sustainable Defense Solutions: The growing emphasis on sustainability and environmentally friendly practices within the defense industry is creating opportunities for companies focused on green technologies. XAR's exposure to firms that prioritize sustainable solutions aligns with evolving market trends and positions the ETF to benefit from the increasing demand for eco-friendly defense products.

What Opportunities Does XAR Have?

  • Increased global defense spending provides growth potential.
  • Technological advancements in aerospace create new investment opportunities.
  • Emerging markets expanding defense budgets offer additional growth avenues.

What Threats Does XAR Face?

  • Fluctuations in government defense budgets could impact sector performance.
  • Geopolitical tensions may create uncertainty in the aerospace and defense industries.
  • Competition from other ETFs and investment vehicles may affect market share.

What Are XAR's Competitive Advantages?

  • Strong brand recognition as part of State Street Global Advisors, a leading asset management firm.
  • Modified equal-weighted index approach provides unique exposure compared to traditional market-cap-weighted ETFs.
  • Diversification across large, mid, and small-cap stocks reduces concentration risk.
  • Established relationships with institutional investors enhance credibility and attract assets.
  • Expertise in asset management and ETF operations supports effective portfolio management.

What Does XAR Do?

The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) was established to provide investors with a means of accessing the performance of the aerospace and defense sectors through a diversified investment vehicle. The ETF seeks to replicate the total return performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, which encompasses a broad range of companies within these industries. By utilizing a modified equal-weighted index approach, XAR allows for a more balanced exposure across large, mid, and small-cap stocks, reducing concentration risk typically associated with traditional market-cap-weighted indices. This structure enables investors to take strategic or tactical positions in a more targeted manner, aligning with specific investment strategies or market views. The ETF is designed for investors looking to capitalize on the growth potential in the aerospace and defense sectors, which are influenced by factors such as government spending, technological advancements, and global security dynamics. With its headquarters in Boston, Massachusetts, State Street Global Advisors manages XAR, leveraging its extensive expertise in asset management to deliver value to investors. As of now, the ETF has a market capitalization of approximately $4.57 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the market and investor interest in the aerospace and defense sectors.

What Products and Services Does XAR Offer?

  • Provide investment results that correspond to the total return performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index.
  • Offer exposure to the aerospace and defense segments of the S&P TMI.
  • Utilize a modified equal-weighted index for diversified investment across various market capitalizations.
  • Enable investors to take strategic or tactical positions in the aerospace and defense sectors.
  • Facilitate targeted investment strategies beyond traditional sector-based investing.
  • Serve as a vehicle for investors seeking growth in the aerospace and defense industries.

How Does XAR Make Money?

  • Generate revenue through management fees associated with the ETF's assets under management.
  • Benefit from the performance of underlying securities within the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index.
  • Attract investors seeking targeted exposure to the aerospace and defense sectors.
  • Leverage economies of scale as assets under management increase, reducing per-unit costs.
  • Utilize a modified equal-weighted index approach to enhance diversification and reduce concentration risk.

What Industry Does XAR Operate In?

The aerospace and defense industry is experiencing robust growth, driven by increased government spending on defense and security, technological advancements, and a rising demand for aerospace products. The global aerospace and defense market is projected to reach approximately $1 trillion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of around 4.5%. In this competitive landscape, the State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) stands out by offering targeted exposure to this dynamic sector through a modified equal-weighted index approach. This allows investors to capitalize on the growth potential of both established and emerging companies within the aerospace and defense industries, positioning XAR favorably among its peers.

Who Are XAR's Key Customers?

  • Institutional investors seeking targeted exposure to the aerospace and defense sectors.
  • Retail investors looking for diversified investment options within the aerospace and defense industries.
  • Financial advisors and wealth managers incorporating sector-focused ETFs into client portfolios.
  • Pension funds and endowments aiming to diversify their investment strategies.
  • Hedge funds and other active investors seeking tactical positions in the aerospace and defense sectors.
AI Confidence: 72% Updated: Mar 17, 2026

XAR Financials

XAR Latest News

XAR Analyst Consensus

Consensus Rating

Aggregated Buy/Hold/Sell recommendations from Benzinga, Yahoo Finance, and Finnhub for XAR.

Price Targets

Wall Street price target analysis for XAR.

XAR MoonshotScore

47/100

What does this score mean?

The MoonshotScore rates XAR's growth potential on a scale of 0-100 across multiple factors including innovation, market disruption, financial health, and momentum.

What Investors Ask About State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) — Financial Services

How does State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF make money in financial services?

The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF generates revenue primarily through management fees based on its assets under management. As the ETF tracks the performance of the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index, it benefits from the performance of the underlying securities. The modified equal-weighted index approach allows for diversified exposure, which can enhance returns and attract more investors.

What regulatory challenges does State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF face?

The State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF operates within a regulatory environment that includes compliance with SEC regulations and adherence to the Investment Company Act of 1940. The ETF must maintain transparency in its holdings and ensure that it meets capital requirements. Additionally, changes in regulations regarding ETFs and asset management could impact operational costs and compliance requirements.

What do analysts say about XAR stock?

Analysts generally view the State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF positively, noting its strategic positioning within the growing aerospace and defense sectors. Key valuation metrics indicate that the ETF is aligned with industry growth trends, and its modified equal-weighted index approach is seen as a competitive advantage. However, analysts also highlight the potential risks associated with fluctuations in defense budgets and geopolitical tensions that could affect sector performance.

What are the main risks for XAR?

The main risks for the State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF include potential fluctuations in government defense budgets, which could impact the performance of its underlying holdings. Geopolitical tensions may also create uncertainty in the aerospace and defense industries, leading to volatility in the ETF's performance. Additionally, competition from other ETFs and investment vehicles poses a risk to market share and investor interest.

What are the key factors to evaluate for XAR?

State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) currently holds an AI score of 47/100, indicating low score. Key strength: Strong market capitalization of $4.57 billion indicates investor confidence. Primary risk to monitor: Fluctuations in government defense budgets could impact sector performance. This is not financial advice.

How frequently does XAR data refresh on this page?

XAR prices update in real time during U.S. market hours (9:30 AM-4:00 PM ET, weekdays). Fundamentals refresh after quarterly or annual filings. Analyst ratings and AI insights update daily. News is aggregated continuously from financial sources.

What has driven XAR's recent stock price performance?

Recent price movement in State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) can be influenced by earnings results, analyst revisions, sector rotation, and broader market sentiment. Notable catalyst: Strong market capitalization of $4.57 billion indicates investor confidence. Check the News and Technical Analysis tabs for the latest drivers. Past performance does not predict future results.

Should investors consider XAR overvalued or undervalued right now?

Determining whether State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) is overvalued or undervalued requires examining multiple metrics. Compare valuation ratios (P/E, P/S, EV/EBITDA) against sector peers for a comprehensive view.

Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

Official Resources

Analysis updated AI Score refreshed daily
Data Sources & Methodology
Market data powered by Financial Modeling Prep & Yahoo Finance. AI analysis by Stock Expert AI proprietary algorithms. Technical indicators via industry-standard calculations. Last updated: .

Data provided for informational purposes only.

Analysis Notes
  • The analysis is based on available data as of March 2026 and may be subject to change based on market conditions and regulatory developments.
Data Sources

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