What are the best aerospace and defense ETFs to invest in the United States?
5 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

What are the best aerospace and defense ETFs to invest in the United States?

If you're interested in investing in the aerospace and defense industry in the United States, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be an excellent option. These specialized funds offer investors exposure to a diversified portfolio of aerospace and defense companies, providing an opportunity to capitalize on the sector's growth and potential. In this article, we will explore some of the best aerospace and defense ETFs available in the United States, highlighting their key features and performance metrics to help you make informed investment decisions.

Aerospace and Defense ETFs: A Comparison

When it comes to investing in the aerospace and defense sector, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a convenient and diversified approach. One notable ETF in this space is the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). ITA aims to track the performance of the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index, providing exposure to companies involved in manufacturing, assembling, and distributing aerospace and defense equipment, as well as providing defense-related services.

Compared to other similar ETFs, such as the SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) and the Invesco Aerospace & Defense ETF (PPA), ITA stands out for its strong track record and larger asset base. It has consistently delivered competitive returns and boasts a lower expense ratio compared to its peers.

XAR overlap What are the best aerospace and defense ETFs to invest in the United States?XAR overlap What are the best aerospace and defense ETFs to invest in the United States?

Factors to Consider in Aerospace and Defense ETFs

When evaluating aerospace and defense ETFs, there are several key factors to consider:

Holdings: Examine the underlying holdings of the ETF to ensure it includes a diversified portfolio of aerospace and defense companies. Look for ETFs that hold well-established companies in the industry.

Performance: Assess the historical performance of the ETF, considering both short-term and long-term returns. Evaluate how the ETF has performed during different market conditions to gauge its resilience.

Expense Ratio: Take into account the expense ratio of the ETF, which represents the annual fee charged by the fund. Lower expense ratios can contribute to higher net returns for investors.

Liquidity: Consider the liquidity of the ETF, as higher trading volume typically leads to tighter bid-ask spreads and improved ease of buying or selling shares.

Benefits of Investing in Aerospace and Defense ETFs

Investing in aerospace and defense ETFs can offer several advantages to investors:

Diversification: ETFs provide exposure to a basket of companies within the aerospace and defense sector, reducing the risk associated with investing in individual stocks.

Efficiency: ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, offering liquidity and flexibility for investors to buy and sell shares throughout the trading day at market prices.

Industry Exposure: Aerospace and defense ETFs allow investors to participate in the growth potential of the industry, which can be driven by factors such as government contracts, technological advancements, and global security concerns.

Cost-Effective: ETFs generally have lower expense ratios compared to actively managed funds, making them a cost-effective option for long-term investors.

Conclusion

When considering investing in the aerospace and defense sector, ETFs like the iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) provide a convenient and diversified approach. It is essential to compare ETFs based on factors such as holdings, performance, expense ratios, and liquidity to make an informed investment decision. Remember, always do thorough research and consider your investment objectives and risk tolerance before making any investment decisions.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. The content provided is not providing any investment advisory services.

Sources:

https://www.ishares.com/us ITA ETF issuer
https://www.ishares.com/us/products/239502/ishares-us-aerospace-defense-etf ITA ETF official page

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FAQ

  • What are aerospace and defense ETFs?

    Aerospace and defense ETFs are exchange-traded funds that focus on companies operating in the aerospace and defense industry. These ETFs typically include companies involved in aircraft manufacturing, defense contracting, space exploration, and related industries.

  • What are some of the best aerospace and defense ETFs available in the United States?

    Some of the notable aerospace and defense ETFs available in the United States include:

  • What factors should I consider when choosing an aerospace and defense ETF?

    When selecting an aerospace and defense ETF, consider factors such as the fund's expense ratio, liquidity, underlying index or methodology, holdings diversification, and performance history. It's also important to assess your investment goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

  • How do aerospace and defense ETFs work?

    Aerospace and defense ETFs work by pooling investors' money to purchase a diversified portfolio of stocks of companies operating in the aerospace and defense industry. The ETF's performance is tied to the performance of its underlying index or portfolio.

  • What are the potential advantages of investing in aerospace and defense ETFs?

    Investing in aerospace and defense ETFs can offer investors exposure to a specialized industry, potential for growth driven by technological advancements, global security needs, and government defense spending. ETFs provide diversification and can be a convenient and cost-effective way to invest in this sector.