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EXIvsIDEFETF Comparison
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF
iShares Global Industrials ETF (EXI) belongs to the Global Large Cap segment. iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) is part of the segment. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: Industrials and Information Technology. EXI is less expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.39%, versus 0.55% for IDEF. EXI is up 8.29% year-to-date (YTD) with +$191M in YTD flows. IDEF performs better with 14.67% YTD performance, and +$69M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of EXI and IDEF below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
EXI vs IDEF performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | EXI IDEF | -4.31%+2.70% | +7.29%+15.86% | +8.29%+14.67% | +31.57%n/a | +80.81%n/a | +80.16%n/a |
| Flows | EXI IDEF | +$88M+$55M | +$217M+$69M | +$191M+$69M | +$69M- | +$476M- | +$372M- |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | EXI IDEF | +15.75%+22.74% | +18.09%n/a | +15.11%n/a | +16.42%n/a |
| Max drawdown | EXI IDEF | -5.58%-7.18% | -14.06%n/a | -14.09%n/a | -27.04%n/a |
| Max drawdown duration | EXI IDEF | 10d39d | 43dn/a | 148dn/a | 611dn/a |
EXI | IDEF | |
Last sale 3/12/2026 at 1:30 PM | $185.13 | $35.05 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $189.23 | $35.45 |
| Consolidated volume 03/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
Create an account to view replication metrics
EXI | IDEF | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
EXI | IDEF | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $185.13 | $35.05 |
| 1D performance | -2.17% | -1.11% |
| AuM | $1.22 B | $117.27 M |
| E/R | 0.39% | 0.55% |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the EXI and IDEF ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 11, 2026, EXI is up 8.29% year-to-date (YTD), while IDEF has returned 14.67%. That puts IDEF better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: EXI or IDEF?
Year-to-date, the EXI ETF saw +$191M in flows, compared to +$69M for IDEF.
Which ETF is bigger: EXI or IDEF?
As of March 11, 2026, EXI holds $1.22 B in assets under management (AUM), while IDEF manages $117.27 M.
What sectors do the EXI and IDEF ETFs invest in?
EXI leans toward sectors like Industrials. Meanwhile, IDEF focuses on Industrials.
What are the top holdings of the EXI ETF and IDEF ETF?
EXI top holdings include GENERAL ELECTRIC, CATERPILLAR and RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD. IDEF holds in its top three: RAYTHEON TECHNOLOGIES CORPORD, GENERAL DYNAMICS and NORTHROP GRUMMAN.
Which ETF is more diversified: EXI or IDEF?
EXI holds 217 securities with 29.49% of its assets in the top 15. IDEF has 113 securities and a top 15 weight of 48.99%.
Active Trader Report: Use of Leveraged & Inverse ETFs Way Up
Direxion partnered with Compound Insights and Vanda to explore what’s driving the evolution of active trading — and how active traders are using leveraged and inverse funds across equities, single stocks, commodities, and volatility.
