Space ETFs give investors a shot at companies working on satellite tech, rockets, and commercial space projects—all through one security. With these funds, you can tap into the space economy without the headache of picking individual aerospace stocks.
A space ETF is just an exchange-traded fund that puts money into companies tied to the space industry or related tech. Usually, these funds track groups of stocks from satellite operators, rocket makers, and exploration companies.
You’ll see names like Boeing and Lockheed Martin in the mix, but also newer satellite communication firms. Some funds cast a wider net and add terrestrial companies that benefit from space tech, like GPS device makers or streaming services that rely on satellites.
You can trade these funds on major exchanges, just like you would any regular stock. Buy or sell during market hours at whatever the price is.
Most space ETFs stick to either passive or active management. Passive ones follow specific industry indexes, while active funds let managers pick companies they think have the most growth potential or fit current market trends.
Analysts project the space economy could top $1 trillion by 2030, thanks in part to private companies ramping up commercial space activities. Government contracts for national security and NASA missions also keep steady money flowing to many space industry players.
New markets like commercial satellite internet, space tourism, and asteroid mining are picking up steam. SpaceX, for example, has slashed launch costs, opening the door for more commercial action.
Space tech powers a lot of daily life—think GPS, weather forecasts, or global communications. It’s not just about rockets and satellites; these companies often have several ways to make money, not just from government work.
Advances in robotics, AI, and materials science keep pushing the industry forward. These innovations help cut costs and unlock new possibilities for both exploration and commercial use.
Space ETFs make it easy to diversify across the industry without needing to research every aerospace company out there. You avoid the risk of betting on just one firm that might stumble on a technical problem or lose a big contract.
Exchange-traded funds usually charge less in fees than actively managed aerospace mutual funds. Most space ETFs have expense ratios between 0.40% and 0.75%, so they’re not too pricey for long-term investors.
You get liquidity, too, since these funds trade all day like regular stocks. If you want in or out quickly, that’s not a problem.
A lot of space ETFs include companies from around the world. That means you get a slice of European satellite operators or Asian space tech firms—stuff you might miss if you only stick to US stocks.
The global space economy has shifted from government-only missions to a booming commercial world worth hundreds of billions. Defense spending, satellite connectivity, and space tourism all help drive this rapid growth.
The global space economy hit $469 billion in 2021 and keeps growing fast. The S&P Kensho Space Index shot up 49% last year, which totally blows away the usual market’s 12% gain.
Private investors keep pouring money into space ventures. SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic pull in billions for launches and tourism.
Government spending also pushes things forward. President Trump’s Golden Dome missile defense program could run up to $542 billion, at least according to the Congressional Budget Office. NATO is pushing defense budgets up to 5% of GDP, which just adds more fuel.
The EU Space Act is shaking up regulations to help Europe compete with the US and China in space. European officials are calling this the “century of space,” and they expect massive impacts.
Civilian demand is strong, too. Satellite internet, GPS, and weather monitoring all create reliable revenue streams that support more investment and new tech.
Defense and national security drive the most growth. Modern militaries rely on space for communication, surveillance, and missile defense.
Space tourism is catching a lot of investor attention, even though it’s still early days. Virgin Galactic’s suborbital flights and SpaceX’s orbital trips show that civilian space travel isn’t just science fiction anymore.
Climate monitoring and disaster management keep satellites in high demand. Governments need data for weather, emergencies, and environmental tracking.
Commercial satellite launches help meet the exploding need for internet connectivity. Companies want cheap, reliable access to orbit for their networks and data.
Research and development from both government and private sectors keeps the tech moving forward. New inventions lower costs and boost capabilities across the board.
Aerospace and defense companies build rockets, satellites, and space-based weapons. They serve both civilian and military markets, so there’s a steady flow of contracts.
Satellite services cover communications, navigation, and Earth observation. These firms run the backbone for modern digital life.
Space exploration isn’t just NASA anymore. Private companies now run crew missions and even go after planetary contracts.
Space tourism and transportation focus on getting civilians to space. Suborbital and orbital flights—and maybe even lunar trips—are starting to look more real for paying customers.
Ground equipment and support services round out the picture. These companies handle launch pads, mission control, and specialized manufacturing for everything space-related back on Earth.
Space ETFs don’t all take the same approach. ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF goes broad with innovation, Procure Space ETF sticks to pure space companies, and SPDR S&P Kensho Final Frontiers ETF mixes in deep-sea tech alongside space.
ARKX is ARK Invest’s actively managed play on space. They launched it in March 2021 with a 0.75% expense ratio and a pretty wide lens on what counts as “space.”
The fund holds companies that enable space exploration or benefit from space tech. You’ll find orbital aerospace names, satellite operators, and even some earthbound businesses that use space infrastructure.
Big positions include Trimble, Kratos Defense, Iridium Communications, Boeing, and Amazon. The definition of “space exposure” is so broad that Netflix even makes the cut, thanks to its satellite delivery systems.
Highlights:
They target companies set to benefit from space commercialization. That means firms working on autonomous systems, AI, and communications tech for space.
UFO delivers the purest exposure to space companies, and it does so passively. It launched in April 2019, tracks the S-Network Space Index, and charges a 0.75% expense ratio.
This fund sticks to companies that get a big chunk of revenue from space activities. You’ll see satellite operators, hardware makers, and ground equipment firms.
Top holdings include SES SA, Eutelsat, Intelsat, Garmin, and Iridium Communications. There’s a big focus on satellite communications and space infrastructure.
Approach:
You get direct exposure to the folks actually building and running space infrastructure. That includes satellite constellations, launch service providers, and equipment makers.
Liquidity isn’t as strong as some larger ETFs, so trading spreads can be wider. If you want a concentrated bet on space, this fund might fit, but it’s less about broader tech.
ROKT mixes space exploration with deep-sea tech and is run by State Street. They launched it in October 2018, and it’s got a low 0.40% expense ratio.
The fund tracks companies working on satellite manufacturing, launch systems, and undersea robotics. This combo gives it a unique spot in the “frontier tech” world.
You’ll find Aerojet Rocketdyne, Maxar Technologies, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman among the top holdings. The portfolio leans toward aerospace contractors and tech companies.
Key points:
They look for companies building tech for extreme environments—satellites, underwater exploration gear, and cutting-edge materials.
Investors who want exposure to several “frontier” sectors might find this mix appealing. It’s a way to diversify within some pretty specialized markets.
iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) gives indirect space exposure by holding big defense contractors. Launched in May 2006 with a 0.40% expense ratio, it includes Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman.
It’s got high liquidity and holds top defense firms that make good money from space. Still, the fund mainly covers traditional aerospace and defense, not pure space plays.
Direxion Daily Aerospace & Defense Bull 3X Shares (DFEN) is a leveraged fund that triples daily returns of aerospace and defense stocks. That means way more volatility and risk.
These broader aerospace funds suit investors who want established companies involved in space, but not a pure-play bet. They’re steadier, but you miss out on the most direct space sector growth.
You can pick between concentrated space exposure, broader innovation themes, or established aerospace giants with space projects, depending on your risk and interest.
Space ETFs usually pile into aerospace giants, satellite technology firms, and emerging pure-play space ventures. The biggest positions often include defense contractors like Lockheed Martin (LMT) and Boeing, along with satellite operators and newer companies focused only on space.
Old-school aerospace and defense companies anchor most space ETFs. Boeing pops up in several funds because it does both commercial aviation and space work. They build spacecraft for NASA and run satellite divisions.
Lockheed Martin (LMT) is another mainstay in funds like XAR and PPA. The company brings in a lot of money from satellite systems and exploration contracts. Its advanced missile and space division creates tech for both military and civilian space.
General Dynamics shows up often, too, thanks to its aerospace arm. They make business jets and provide space-related services to governments.
RTX Corporation bundles a few aerospace brands under one roof. Collins Aerospace (part of RTX) supplies spacecraft components, while Raytheon makes satellite communication gear and space sensors.
Satellite companies give you pure exposure to space commerce. They run communication networks, GPS, and satellite imaging for businesses and governments.
Satellite tech isn’t just about basic comms anymore. These companies develop advanced imaging, deliver internet via satellite constellations, and offer global navigation.
The manufacturing side builds the hardware that actually gets launched. With more demand for replacement satellites and new constellations, these companies are busy.
Ground-based satellite services show up in ETF holdings, too. These firms handle satellite tracking, mission control, and data processing for operators worldwide.
Pure-play space companies stick to space-related business, nothing else. ASTR and RKLB are a couple of newer names building launch capabilities just for commercial clients.
Rocket Lab (RKLB) runs small satellite launches and builds spacecraft components. They go after the growing small satellite market by offering dedicated launches.
Planet Labs (PL) delivers satellite imaging to commercial and government clients. They fly big constellations of small satellites, capturing frequent earth imagery.
Virgin Galactic pops up in some space ETFs as a space tourism pioneer. The company develops suborbital flights for civilians who want that space experience.
These newer companies bring more volatility but give direct exposure to space commerce growth. Most of them zero in on specific niches in the space economy, not the whole aerospace world.
The space industry really breaks down into three main investment sectors. Aerospace and defense companies make rockets and spacecraft, satellite communication firms deliver global connectivity, and space infrastructure companies handle the ground systems and support.
Big aerospace contractors are the backbone for space industry investing. Lockheed Martin, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman win billions in government contracts for satellites and launch systems.
They build everything from military satellites to deep space probes for NASA. Nations keep boosting defense spending on satellite surveillance and communications.
Key Revenue Streams:
Private companies like SpaceX and Rocket Lab have shaken up the old guard with reusable rockets. That competition keeps innovation moving and opens new doors for space ETF investors.
The sector gets steady government funding and rising commercial demand. Defense contractors usually offer stable dividends and exposure to space industry growth.
Satellite communications still dominate the commercial space market. Companies run fleets of satellites to deliver internet, TV, and data worldwide.
SES, Eutelsat, and Intelsat pull in steady revenue from broadcasting and telecom services. They own the infrastructure that connects remote places to the rest of the world.
Market Segments:
SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Project Kuiper are launching mega-constellations for global internet. These projects need thousands of small satellites and require huge capital.
Terrestrial fiber networks pose challenges, but satellites still win in hard-to-reach markets. Companies also build the specialized gear needed for ground stations and user terminals.
Ground infrastructure makes all space operations possible. Companies provide launch sites, mission control, and satellite tracking.
Essential Infrastructure Components:
Maxar Technologies gives satellite imagery and geospatial data to governments and businesses. Trimble develops GPS and positioning tech that relies on satellites.
Support companies manufacture specialized parts like rocket engines, solar panels, and communication equipment. They usually serve several segments of the space industry at once.
Infrastructure benefits from more launches and bigger satellite constellations. Companies offering these core services keep steady revenue as the space economy expands.
Space tourism is starting to drive new infrastructure. Companies are building spaceports and passenger training centers around the U.S.
Space companies keep pushing the edge with robotics for satellite servicing and construction. 3D printing now lets them make parts on demand in zero gravity.
New materials like carbon composites and metamaterials are making spacecraft lighter and tougher.
Robotic systems now sit at the heart of modern space operations. Maxar Technologies and Northrop Grumman design robotic arms that service satellites in orbit.
These arms refuel spacecraft, repair broken parts, and can stretch missions out for decades.
Space robotics takes people out of risky operations. Autonomous rovers crawl across other planets, while robotic manufacturing builds structures in orbit.
The ISS relies on robotic systems for cargo handling and maintenance.
Manufacturing robots now work in microgravity. They assemble solar panels, build habitats, and weld with a precision humans can’t match.
These robots make big space construction projects possible and affordable.
Ground teams steer these robots remotely, usually with only a slight delay. Advanced AI lets the robots make quick decisions, no need to wait for Earth.
Additive manufacturing is changing how missions handle broken equipment and supplies. The ISS has several 3D printers that crank out tools, spare parts, and lab gear as needed.
No more shipping every possible spare from Earth.
Made In Space led the way with zero-gravity 3D printers. In microgravity, these printers make stronger metal alloys since there’s no density variation.
The parts come out with better strength-to-weight ratios.
Space-based 3D printing can produce fiber optic cables with incredible clarity. Some companies plan to make these in orbit and bring them back for use on Earth.
The glass fibers are purer than what we can make down here.
Future missions might print entire spacecraft parts in space. Big things like solar arrays and habitat modules could be manufactured using asteroid-mined materials.
Carbon fiber composites and titanium alloys make today’s spacecraft way lighter than the old aluminum designs.
SpaceX uses carbon composite fairings on Falcon 9 rockets, saving thousands of pounds per launch. These materials handle wild swings in temperature, from -250°F to 250°F.
Metamaterials with engineered properties allow for new spacecraft designs. They can bend electromagnetic waves or shield against radiation.
NASA is testing heat shields made from metamaterials that adjust to atmospheric conditions.
Aerogel insulation keeps electronics safe without adding much weight. This silica-based foam insulates spacecraft and protects against micrometeorites.
Advanced ceramics hold up against the harsh effects of atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit.
Self-healing materials fix small damage on their own. These polymers seal up punctures and cracks, which means less maintenance and longer lifespans for spacecraft.
Space ETF performance really swings with market volatility and sector news. Price movements, fund comparisons, and asset size all play into how efficiently these funds trade.
Space ETFs see more volatility than broader market funds. The sector’s growth focus and sensitivity to tech breakthroughs or failures drive this.
ARKX has had some wild price swings since launch. Its performance tends to mirror how investors feel about space commercialization.
When space industry news is good, the ETF can rally fast.
UFO shows similar volatility. It tracks companies in satellite tech and space hardware. These businesses face regulatory hurdles and fierce competition, both of which move stock prices.
Price swings of 20-30% (or more) in short periods are pretty common. That creates chances for gains, but also big risks.
Space ETFs generally work best as a slice of a portfolio, not the whole thing.
ARKX leads the pack with about $406 million in assets. ARK Invest actively manages the fund, focusing on disruptive space tech.
They hold aerospace manufacturers and satellite service firms.
UFO takes a different approach and tracks an index passively. It gives broader exposure to established space companies and usually comes with lower expense ratios.
XAR covers aerospace and defense more generally. It includes big contractors working on space projects, but isn’t just about space. PPA targets aerospace companies with lots of government contracts.
Fund selection makes a big difference in performance. ARKX chases innovation and growth. UFO sticks with companies that already have proven revenue.
Assets under management shape ETF trading and costs. ARKX’s bigger asset pool gives investors better liquidity.
Higher trading volume usually means tighter bid-ask spreads.
Smaller space ETFs might struggle with liquidity, especially during volatile markets. Lower asset levels can widen the gap between buy and sell prices, which hurts returns for active traders.
Fund size also affects expense ratios. As ETFs grow, they can spread costs over more shares, which may lower fees for everyone.
Managers with bigger funds have more flexibility. They can invest in smaller companies without moving the stock price too much.
Space-focused ETFs have some unique headaches. Volatile markets, concentrated bets on speculative companies, and complicated regulations can all hit returns.
Government policy changes bring a lot of uncertainty for space ETF investors. Defense spending cuts or shifts in NASA funding can hit aerospace companies hard.
Multiple agencies regulate the space industry. The FAA controls launch licenses, the FCC manages satellite communications, and ITAR export controls limit tech sharing.
That makes growth tricky for many space companies.
Market sentiment can swing wildly. If companies like Intuitive Machines have mission failures, their stock can drop over 20% in a day.
That hits any ETF holding those shares right away.
Interest rate hikes hit growth stocks especially hard. Space companies often carry high debt and little current revenue.
Rising rates make future cash flows less valuable and borrowing more expensive.
A lot of space ETFs end up heavily concentrated. The Procure Space ETF, for example, had 4.8% of its assets in Intuitive Machines—so one company can really move the needle.
There just aren’t many pure-play space companies, so fund managers include businesses that are only loosely related. That waters down the space exposure and can tie performance closer to the broader market.
Trading volumes for space ETFs are still pretty low. Fewer assets under management can mean wider bid-ask spreads and higher trading costs.
Some space stocks trade infrequently or have small market caps. That makes it tough for ETFs to rebalance or handle big redemptions.
Space missions come with risks that most sectors never face. Rocket explosions, satellite failures, and missed landings can wipe out months of work and millions of dollars.
The high cost and complexity of space projects make execution tough. Cost overruns are the norm—sometimes 50% or more over budget.
It’s hard for smaller players to compete with giants like SpaceX. Many space stocks in ETFs are still in development, with business models that haven’t been proven.
Long development cycles mean these companies often burn cash for years before seeing real revenue. That leads to dilution risk, since they have to issue new shares to keep the lights on.
If you want to add space-focused exchange-traded funds to your portfolio, you’ll need to think about your risk tolerance and your investment timeline.
It’s all about figuring out how much to allocate and picking funds that actually fit your goals.
Most advisors say you should keep thematic ETF exposure to about 5-10% of your total portfolio.
Space ETFs tend to swing more wildly than broad market funds because they’re focused on a pretty narrow sector.
A lot of people like to spread their investments across several space ETFs instead of putting all their eggs in one basket.
Maybe you’ll put 3% into a pure-play space fund like UFO, 3% into a broader aerospace ETF like ITA, and another 4% into something like ARKX that focuses on innovation.
Before you jump in, look at what you already own.
If you’ve got a lot of tech or defense stocks, you might want to go lighter on space ETFs to avoid doubling up.
Many space ETFs already hold names like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Amazon, which probably show up in other funds you own.
Dollar-cost averaging can help with the volatility.
Instead of dropping a lump sum, try buying monthly over six to twelve months—it’ll take the edge off those price swings.
Your investment timeline really steers this ship.
If you’re conservative and want steady aerospace exposure, ITA might make sense since it holds big defense contractors that dabble in space.
If you’re chasing growth and don’t mind more risk, UFO gives you pure space industry exposure, while ARKX casts a wider net with space innovation themes.
UFO zeroes in on satellite operators and hardware companies, but ARKX includes earthbound companies that benefit from space tech.
Expense ratios eat into returns over time.
ROKT charges 0.45% per year, while UFO and ARKX each take 0.75%.
That’s $30 a year on a $10,000 investment—doesn’t sound like much, but it adds up.
Liquidity can be all over the place.
ITA trades millions of shares daily, but smaller funds like UFO often have wider bid-ask spreads, which can bump up your trading costs.
Check out the average daily volume before you buy into newer or niche space ETFs.
The space industry’s on the edge of some big changes.
Commercial space tourism is picking up speed, and global investment just keeps growing.
These shifts open fresh doors for investors and connect space with other high-tech sectors.
Commercial space travel isn’t just talk anymore.
Virgin Galactic has sent crews up multiple times, and Blue Origin keeps flying suborbital missions with paying customers.
The space tourism market is set to explode.
Analysts expect it to hit $10.09 billion by 2030, growing at a wild 44.8% annually from 2024 to 2030.
Adventure seekers and wealthy thrill-chasers are driving this boom.
More high net worth folks see space travel as the ultimate bragging right.
Companies like SpaceX are even planning civilian orbital missions.
Space hotels might be next.
A few companies are working on orbital hotels for longer stays, which could turn quick trips into full-on vacations.
Training programs for civilian astronauts are popping up too.
Companies now run dedicated facilities for pre-flight prep, which supports the whole commercial space travel ecosystem.
Defense spending keeps space investment rolling worldwide.
The U.S. leads the charge with President Trump’s proposed $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense system.
Europe’s answering back with the ReArm initiative, and NATO wants to bump defense spending up to 5% of GDP.
That’s a clear sign governments plan to stick with space for the long haul.
Space tech helps with climate monitoring and disaster response.
Satellites track weather and environmental shifts, which attracts ESG-minded investors.
Countries keep teaming up on satellite networks and space stations.
These partnerships cut costs and help everyone reach bigger markets.
Private companies are landing more government contracts.
NASA’s commercial crew program is a good example—commercial partners now do a lot of the heavy lifting.
This shift saves taxpayer money and creates new revenue streams for private space players.
Space exploration borrows a lot from deep sea exploration.
Both need tough materials, life support, and remote controls.
Some companies design products for both worlds.
Artificial intelligence is changing the game in space.
Autonomous systems now manage satellites and spacecraft, and those AI tools are finding their way into earthbound tech too.
Cybersecurity’s a growing concern as more assets go into orbit.
Satellites need protection from digital threats, so there’s a whole new field of space cybersecurity.
Quantum computing is starting to help with navigation and communication.
Better computing means smarter planning and faster data crunching, which helps both space and telecom industries.
Manufacturing in space could shake things up.
Zero gravity lets companies try production methods you just can’t do on Earth.
This could mean advances in pharmaceuticals or materials science, not just space gear.
Space ETF investing isn’t exactly simple.
Specialized index rules and regulations shape how these funds get built and managed.
The S-Network Space Index acts as the main benchmark for tracking sector performance and building funds.
The S-Network Space Index is the go-to benchmark for the industry.
This index sorts companies into four sectors within the space economy.
To get in, companies need a chunk of their revenue to come from space activities.
The index covers satellite operators, launch services, spacecraft makers, and ground equipment suppliers.
State Street and other big fund managers use systematic screens.
They check for things like market cap and liquidity before including companies.
Quarterly rebalancing keeps the index up to date.
Some funds use equal-weighting, others lean on market cap—it depends on the strategy.
This classification system gives you exposure across the space value chain, which helps avoid putting too much weight on any one segment.
Exchange-traded fund rules apply the usual investment company regulations to space-focused products.
The SEC says funds have to keep at least 80% of assets in their stated theme.
Fund managers need to prove portfolio companies actually make money from space activities.
That helps keep funds on track and gives investors more confidence.
International rules come into play when funds include foreign companies.
Things like cross-listing and tax treaties can affect how funds are built.
The FAA’s commercial space rules also matter.
Changes in launch licensing for providers can move company valuations and decide who gets into the index.
Funds must clearly spell out investment risks.
Space sector volatility and regulatory shifts are material risks that investors need to know about.
Benchmarks matter a lot for institutional investors.
The S-Network Space Index lets them compare space funds to traditional aerospace indices.
Space ETFs use these benchmarks to shape portfolios and manage risk.
Tracking error—the gap between fund and benchmark performance—becomes a key stat for passive strategies.
When companies qualify for an index, they often see more institutional buying and better liquidity.
Active managers look at index composition to help pick stocks.
Benchmarks evolve as the sector matures.
New categories pop up to capture stuff like space tourism or asteroid mining, which keeps things interesting for investors.
Space ETF investing sparks a lot of questions.
People usually want to know about the benefits, risks, and how these funds fit into a portfolio.
Space ETFs let you tap into a fast-growing economy that could top $1 trillion by 2030.
You get access to satellite communications, launch services, and space tech companies—without having to pick individual stocks.
The space industry keeps landing government contracts and private deals.
NASA’s commercial crew program and military satellite launches create steady revenue for space firms.
Most space ETFs include GPS tech, satellite internet, and space manufacturing companies.
That means you’re investing in tech that touches daily life and could set your portfolio up for future growth.
Space ETFs help diversify beyond standard tech and defense investments.
They spread your risk across a bunch of space companies, not just one or two.
Most space ETFs hold between 30 and 80 companies from different corners of the industry.
That way, a single company’s bad day doesn’t wreck your returns.
Space investing also complements sectors like telecom and aerospace.
Space stocks don’t always move in lockstep with the wider market, which can help balance things out.
Satellite operators usually make up a big chunk of space ETFs.
Companies like Iridium and SES provide global communications through satellites.
Launch service providers are another big group.
These firms build rockets and handle launches for governments and commercial clients.
Ground equipment makers supply antennas, tracking systems, and satellite parts.
Defense contractors with space arms show up a lot too.
GPS tech companies and satellite imagery providers round things out.
Some funds even include companies that benefit from satellite tech, like those in precision agriculture.
Space ETFs tend to be bumpier than broad market funds.
Sector focus means price swings can be bigger, especially after launch successes or contract news.
Performance really depends on what’s inside each ETF.
Pure plays like UFO don’t behave the same as broader innovation funds like ARKX.
Since 2018, space ETFs have had mixed results against the S&P 500.
They saw strong early growth, but more recently, volatility has increased as the sector matures.
Regulatory hurdles can trip up space companies.
Launch licenses, spectrum rights, and international law changes can all affect business.
New competitors keep popping up, putting pressure on prices.
As launches get cheaper and tech advances, established players face shrinking margins.
Technical failures are a real risk too.
A satellite or rocket mishap can hit a company—and sometimes the whole sector—pretty hard.
Space ETFs often include smaller companies with short track records.
These firms might not have the financial muscle of the big guys, so there’s extra risk there.
Expense ratios for space ETFs usually fall between 0.40% and 0.75%. Most of them hover right around 0.75%, so you’ll want to keep an eye on that.
Take a look at these fees, but don’t stop there—think about the quality of the ETF’s holdings and how the managers run things. Does it feel worth it?
Active management tends to cost more than just tracking an index. For example, ARKX asks for a 0.75% fee because they actively manage the fund.
On the other hand, passive funds like ROKT keep it lower, charging 0.45%. That difference can add up over time, can’t it?
Check out the fund’s assets under management and see how much it trades. Bigger funds with more liquidity usually give you tighter bid-ask spreads and keep trading costs down.
Look into how the fund tracks its index and how often it rebalances. Some space ETFs use their own special indices, while others stick with well-known aerospace and defense benchmarks.
