iShares Defense Industrials Act (IDEF)
IDEF Is Struggling To Capture Secular Demand Growth Trend, Consider US ETFs
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF is downgraded from buy to hold due to persistent underperformance versus US-focused aerospace & defense ETFs. IDEF's international exposure and holdings in related, non-core companies dilute its ability to capture robust US sector growth and backlog momentum. IDEF's higher expense ratio (0.58%) and weaker quant grades on momentum, dividends, and risk further undermine its long-term attractiveness.
Bank of New York Mellon Corp Takes $66.56 Million Position in iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF $IDEF
Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new stake in iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (NASDAQ: IDEF) in the undefined quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund acquired 2,034,240 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $66,560,000. Bank of New
Keystone Makes a $8.2 Million Bet on Defense With New IDEF Position
Keystone Financial Services initiated a new position in IDEF by acquiring 235,248 shares during Q1 2026, with an estimated transaction value of approximately $8.2 million. The new position represents approximately 2.4% of Keystone's reportable U.S. equity assets under management (AUM) as of March 31, 2026, placing it outside the fund's top five holdings.
IDEF: Defense Selloff Creates A Compelling Buying Opportunity
iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF) is initiated with a buy rating due to its potential to capitalize on secular growth outlook. IDEF outperformed peer aerospace & defense ETFs since launch, driven by active management and global stock selection focused on high-growth, fundamentally sound companies. IDEF maintains at least 50% exposure to aerospace & defense, with top holdings like RTX, LMT, GD, NOC, and BA, and benefits from portfolio diversification.
What to Know About This $2.9 Million Defense ETF Buy in a 1.5% Allocation Bet
True Vision MN bought 87,908 shares of IDEF in the first quarter. The quarter-end position value increased by $2.88 million, reflecting both the new holding and price movement.
One Fund Just Disclosed a New $5 Million Bet on a Defense Fund With 88% Industrials Exposure. Here's What to Know
Bay Harbor initiated a 140,090-share stake in IDEF during the first quarter; the shares were worth $4.58 million at quarter's end. The stake represents a 1.19% increase in 13F reportable AUM.
U.S.-Iran Ceasefire: Short Interest Surges for This Defense ETF
After an 11th hour ceasefire framework was agreed upon by the United States and Iran on April 7, the slow reopening of the Strait for Hormuz sent oil prices plummeting. But the energy sector, which fell by nearly 5% last Wednesday, April 8, won't be the only corner of the market to feel some pain if the ceasefire holds up and the war ultimately comes to a close.
SHJ Wealth Advisors Opens $10 Million Position in iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF)
SHJ acquired 311,318 shares in a new position; estimated trade size $10.19 million based on quarterly average price. Quarter-end position value increased by $10.19 million, reflecting both the stake purchase and relevant price changes.
Pete Hegseth's broker attempted to make defense investments before Iran war: Financial Times
Hegseth's broker at banking giant Morgan Stanley contacted BlackRock in February about making a multimillion-dollar investment in its iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF. However, the investment discussed by Hegseth's broker did not ultimately go ahead.