A head-to-head comparison of iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF and VegaShares SpaceX & Beyond Earth ETF covering yield, cost, risk, and income potential.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
iShares is one of the largest ETF providers globally, known for offering a broad, diversified lineup of exchange-traded funds across multiple asset classes and investment strategies. The company operates 215 funds spanning 15 distinct families, including popular offerings in dividend income, covered call strategies, bonds, equities, ESG-focused investments, and factor-based approaches, with widely-held tickers like AGG (bond), ACWI (global equity), and AOA (allocation). iShares is characterized by its comprehensive fund ecosystem that serves both core portfolio holdings and specialized investment strategies, making it a prominent player for investors seeking both traditional and alternative income-generating ETF solutions.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on ITA.
ETFs and AUM reflect what Dividend Vision tracks — the issuer's full lineup may be larger.
VegaShares operates a focused suite of two income-focused ETFs designed to generate regular distributions through options strategies and dividend investing. The firm's lineup includes ODTE and VAIE, both emphasizing yield generation for investors seeking regular cash flow. With a specialized niche in options-based and dividend income strategies, VegaShares targets investors prioritizing distributions over capital appreciation.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on XSPC.
Tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index.
Provide exposure to the fund's underlying index or strategy per issuer materials.
Asset class
Equity
Equity
Inception date
05/01/2006
06/15/2026
Beta
0.98
—
Last dividend
$0.1636
—
Ex-dividend date
06/15/2026
—
— Distribution yield, last dividend, and ex-dividend date are not yet available because XSPC launched June 2026; these fields will populate after the first distribution.
Bottom lineChoose ITA if you want higher current income (0.27% while XSPC makes no distribution). Choose XSPC if you want broad equity exposure.
Most used
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Total returns
ITA has outpaced XSPC over the year to date, posting a 8.10% total return against -26.01%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested.
Total return with all distributions reinvested on the ex-dividend date, split-adjusted, as of July 31, 2026. YTD and 1Y are cumulative; longer windows are annualized. “Since Jun 2026” measures every fund from June 16, 2026 — the youngest fund's first trading day — so all funds share one comparison window.
Quick verdict
ITA (iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) and XSPC (VegaShares SpaceX & Beyond Earth ETF) are both ETFs, but they take different approaches.
ITA currently shows a 0.27% distribution yield. XSPC has not yet established a full distribution history, so a comparable yield figure is not available.
ITA is cheaper with an expense ratio of 0.40% compared to 0.75%.
ITA has $13.9B in assets vs $1.85M for XSPC, but XSPC only launched June 2026 — AUM comparisons will become more meaningful as it builds a track record.
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On a $10,000 investment, ITA would generate roughly $2.25/month, while XSPC has no reported distribution yield yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available, at current distribution rates.
ITA yield0.27%
XSPC yield—
Cost & efficiency
Over 10 years on $10,000, ITA would cost approximately $400 in fees vs $750 for XSPC (simplified, not compounded). The $350.00 difference may be offset by yield or performance.
ITA ER0.40%
XSPC ER0.75%
Strategy & risk
ITA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index, while XSPC is an ETF.
ITA beta0.98
XSPC beta—
Fund details
ITA is managed by iShares (launched 05/01/2006) with $13.9B in assets. XSPC is managed by VegaShares (launched 06/15/2026) with $1.85M in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Which of ITA or XSPC pays more dividend income?
ITA currently reports a distribution yield, while XSPC has not yet established a full distribution history. A direct income comparison is not yet meaningful — check back once both funds have published several consecutive distributions.
What is the difference between ITA and XSPC?
ITA (iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index, while XSPC (VegaShares SpaceX & Beyond Earth ETF) is an ETF. They are issued by iShares and VegaShares respectively.
Can I hold both ITA and XSPC?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, ITA or XSPC?
ITA has an expense ratio of 0.40% while XSPC charges 0.75%. Lower fees mean more of your investment returns stay in your pocket over time.
How much income does $10,000 in ITA vs XSPC generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in ITA would generate roughly $2.25 per month ($27.00 annually). XSPC has not established a distribution history yet, so a monthly income estimate is not available.
Which has performed better historically, ITA or XSPC?
ITA has outpaced XSPC over the year to date, posting a 8.10% total return against -26.01%. Figures are total returns: price change plus every distribution reinvested. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
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