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Axel Lomholt, General Manager, STOXX: “The STOXX® Europe Total Market Defence Space and Cybersecurity Innovation index innovatively combines revenues- and patents-based stock selection methodologies, capturing companies across the spectrum and life cycle of the targeted themes.”

September 29, 2025

STOXX and DWS Collaborate on Launch of DWS Xtrackers Europe Defence Technology ETF

ZUG, Switzerland (September 29, 2025) STOXX Ltd., part of the ISS STOXX group of companies, today announced its expanding collaboration with DWS, with DWS’ launch of its Xtrackers Europe Defence Technologies UCITS ETF tracking the STOXX® Europe Total Market Defence Space and Cybersecurity Innovation index, as the continent undertakes a historic upgrade of its military capabilities.

The index, part of STOXX’s Thematics series, is designed to capture the performance of companies with existing revenues and patents exposure to the three thematic segments — defense, space and cybersecurity — hence covering established suppliers of traditional military equipment and of more advanced defense systems, as well as those likely to play relevant roles in those fields in the future. The fund has been listed on the London and Frankfurt stock exchanges

Of note, registered patents that can be processed in a systematic manner represent one of the best tools at hand to identify companies that have the potential to be leading commercial actors in their field in coming years. Specialized actors and innovators are pivotal in the advancement and evolution of the defense, space, and cybersecurity sectors at a time when the European Union is directing investments towards the modernization of the region’s security capabilities.

The STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation index has gained 72% in 2025[1], adding to an average annual increase of 29% in the past four years.

Axel Lomholt, General Manager, STOXX: “The STOXX® Europe Total Market Defence Space and Cybersecurity Innovation index innovatively combines revenues- and patents-based stock selection methodologies, capturing companies across the spectrum and life cycle of the targeted themes.”

Michael Mohr, Global Head of Xtrackers Product: “Our new ETF offers an opportunity to invest in companies that can benefit from the growing momentum of the European defense sector, applying a diversified approach that also includes providers of space technology and cyber security, which are essential for modern defense systems.”

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About STOXX 
STOXX® and DAX® indices comprise a global and comprehensive family of more than 18,000 strictly rules-based and transparent indices. Best known for the leading European equity indices EURO STOXX 50®, STOXX® Europe 600 and DAX®, the portfolio of index solutions consists of total market, benchmark, blue-chip, sustainability, thematic and factor-based indices covering a complete set of world, regional and country markets. STOXX and DAX indices are licensed to more than 550 companies around the world for benchmarking purposes and as underlyings for ETFs, futures and options, structured products, and passively managed investment funds. STOXX Ltd., part of the ISS STOXX group of companies, is the administrator of the STOXX and DAX indices under the European Benchmark Regulation. stoxx.com

About ISS STOXX 
ISS STOXX GmbH, through its group companies, is a leading provider of comprehensive and data-centric research and technology solutions that help capital market participants identify investment opportunities, detect qualitative and quantitative portfolio company risks, and meet evolving regulatory requirements. With roots dating back to 1985, we today deliver world-class benchmark and custom indices across asset classes and geographies and serve as a premier source of independent corporate governance, sustainability, cyber risk, and fund intelligence research, data, and related offerings. Our products and services give clients the scale and leverage they need to grow their business more effectively and efficiently. ISS STOXX, which is majority owned by Deutsche Börse Group, is comprised of more than 3,800 professionals operating across 30 global locations in 20 countries. Its approximately 5,500 clients include many of the world’s leading institutional investors who turn to ISS STOXX for its objective and varied offerings, as well as companies focused on ESG, cyber, and governance risk mitigation as a shareholder value enhancing measure. Clients rely on ISS STOXX’s expertise to help them make informed decisions to benefit their stakeholders. 

About the DWS Group
DWS Group (DWS), with EUR 1,010bn of total assets under management (as of 30 June 2025), is a leading European asset manager with global reach. With approximately 4,800 employees in offices around the world, DWS offers individuals, institutions and large corporations access to comprehensive investment solutions and bespoke portfolios across the full spectrum of investment disciplines. Its diverse expertise in Active, Passive and Alternative asset management enables DWS to deliver targeted solutions for clients across all major liquid and illiquid asset classes.

Media Contact:
Sarah Ball
Executive Director, Communications
press@iss-stoxx.com

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[1] Net returns in EUR through Sept. 22, 2025.

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