Should You Invest in the First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL)?

Launched on October 25, 2022, the First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) is a passively managed exchange traded fund designed to provide a broad exposure to the Industrials - Aerospace & Defense segment of the equity market.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 26, 2026

Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) Touches New 52-Week High

MISL hits a new 52-week high, surging nearly 90% from its low as geopolitical tensions fuel momentum.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 16, 2026

MISL: Defense And Commercial Demand Will Fuel 2026 Gains

First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) has outperformed the market, benefiting from rising defense budgets and strong commercial aerospace demand. MISL's top holdings RTX, Boeing, and GE Aerospace are positioned to capture continued strong demand, thereby driving a buy rating for the fund. MISL's relatively high fees and low yield are offset by attractive valuations and capital appreciation potential.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 15, 2025

Guide to Aerospace & Defense ETFs

Defense spending hit a record $2.72T in 2024, boosting aerospace sector earnings as global tensions drive military budgets higher. ETFs like ITA, PPA and XAR are likely to gain.

Zacks Investment Research • Jun 5, 2025

MISL: Don't Fear The Decline, Think Long-Term

Despite geopolitical tensions, defense stocks like those in the First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF (MISL) have declined due to fears of budget cuts under President Trump's DOGE initiative. The proposed $895 billion defense budget for 2025 contradicts market fears, suggesting defense spending cuts are unlikely given strong congressional resistance and vested state interests. MISL's recent underperformance and high volatility are likely temporary, with a long-term bullish outlook based on sustained defense spending and the potential for faster AUM growth compared to peers.

Seeking Alpha • Dec 13, 2024

5 Top-Ranked ETFs to Buy on the Dip

Investors can take advantage of beaten-down prices because the second Trump administration is likely to boost stocks.

Zacks Investment Research • Nov 18, 2024

Aerospace and defense ETFs beat S&P 500 as Middle East fears intensify

Aerospace and defense ETFs have surged in the past year — and are up so far this week even as the U.S. stock market has broadly stumbled.

Market Watch • Oct 3, 2024

Disruptive Theme of the Week: Top ETF Themes Through Q3 2024

As we face the last quarter of 2024, interest rates are finally heading down, kicked off by a 50 basis point Fed cut, the election race is too close to call, and global geopolitical instability remains a risk factor.

ETF Trends • Oct 3, 2024

On the Radar With Aerospace and Defense ETFs

Like many analysts and investors, I'm always searching for the next big idea—whether it's a new company that creates a path to a whole new industry, an innovative ETF, or a new megatrend. I'm still an advocate of crypto, artificial intelligence, and other disruptive technologies, but sometimes good investment ideas aren't always obscure.

ETF Trends • Sep 19, 2024

Q3 Earnings Put Lockheed Martin Heavy ETFs in Focus

Look into ETFs with an exposure in LMT, as the world's largest defense contractor reports better-than-expected Q3 earnings.

Zacks Investment Research • Oct 20, 2023