Should You Invest in the State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR)?

Launched on September 28, 2011, the State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) 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 • Feb 19, 2026

SPDR's Aerospace & Defense ETF Took An Unusual Approach That Smoked The S&P 500 With 54% Run

When geopolitical tensions rise or defense budgets expand, investors often chase the sector through broad market funds.

24/7 Wall Street • Feb 14, 2026

This Group of Stocks Is Soaring in 2026. Trump May Send Them Higher Still.

New NATO commitments are pushing European defense spending up. Hostilities in the Middle East are expected to push new spending in the region.

The Motley Fool • Feb 6, 2026

Locked And Loaded: Defense Companies Enter A New Era

Defense contractors are entering a new era as key pillars of the industrial base, driven by robust, less cyclical demand and government-backed capacity expansion. Book-to-bill ratios and backlogs at LHX, RTX, NOC, and GD signal strong forward revenue visibility, with RTX posting a standout 1.56x ratio and $270B backlog.

Seeking Alpha • Feb 1, 2026

The $1.2 Trillion Aerospace And Defense Supercycle

The aerospace and defense sector is experiencing parallel growth in commercial and defense markets, with revenues projected to rise from $800B in 2025 to $1.25T by the mid-2030s. Commercial aerospace faces supply chain disruptions and regulatory hurdles, while aftermarket sales and space-related opportunities drive near-term revenue growth.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 31, 2026

Is State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) a Strong ETF Right Now?

Designed to provide broad exposure to the Industrials ETFs category of the market, the State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) is a smart beta exchange traded fund launched on 09/28/2011.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 23, 2026

Defense ETFs to Watch Before Q4 Earnings Season Unfolds

SHLD and other defense ETFs are in focus as Q4 earnings loom, with rising global military spending set to validate record contract-driven growth.

Zacks Investment Research • Jan 23, 2026

XAR And SHLD: Chips And Security, Greenland Crisis The End Of NATO?

Geopolitical tensions over Greenland highlight the region's strategic value for security, resources, and trade, impacting U.S. and European defense equities. U.S. defense ETFs like XAR and blended funds like SHLD remain attractive, given ongoing European reliance on U.S. defense products despite rising EU self-sufficiency. European defense stocks may see sentiment-driven price support, but near-term opportunities are limited by current industry capacity and budget mechanisms.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 22, 2026

XAR: Poised To Benefit From The Modernization Of Defense Systems

State Street SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF earns a strong buy rating, driven by exceptional price momentum and exposure to U.S. defense technology leaders. XAR's portfolio is concentrated in high-growth defense tech firms like KRMN, KTOS, RKLB, and AVAV, all benefiting from record backlogs and robust revenue growth. With the proposed U.S. defense budget rising to $1.5 trillion, XAR is poised to outperform peers as spending shifts toward advanced technologies and modernization.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 21, 2026

XAR: What If The Biggest Increase In Military Budgets Since The Cold War Is Just Beginning?

I reiterate my buy recommendation on State Street® SPDR® S&P® Aerospace & Defense ETF due to robust geopolitical tailwinds. XAR benefits from the U.S. national security strategy, with potential defense budget increases from $1 trillion to $1.5 trillion acting as a major catalyst. Despite XAR trading at 52-week highs and elevated P/E multiples, the military budget relative to GDP remains historically low, supporting further upside.

Seeking Alpha • Jan 9, 2026