STOXX and DWS Collaborate on U.S. Launch of DWS Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF

ZUG, Switzerland (February 19, 2026) – STOXX Ltd., part of the ISS STOXX group of companies, today announced its expanding collaboration with DWS, with DWS’ launch of its Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF tracking the STOXX® Europe Total Market Defence Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 index.

The new ETF was listed on Nasdaq today, following DWS’ successful equivalent Xtrackers ETF listings on major European stock exchanges last year, enabling access to this important European investment theme for a wider range of professional and private investors globally.

The underlying index captures the performance of companies with existing revenue and patent 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. Specialized 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 index, part of STOXX’s Thematics series, incorporates capping parameters that align with US Regulated Investment Company (RIC) requirements. The STOXX Europe Total Market Defence Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 index gained 86% in 2025[1], extending the total growth of 73% in the previous two years.

Axel Lomholt, General Manager, STOXX: “The STOXX® Europe Total Market Defence Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 index captures companies across the spectrum and life cycle of the targeted themes — offering exposure to today’s industry leaders as well to technological innovators in this fast-changing sector.”

Henry Wu, Head of Xtrackers Products U.S., DWS: “As the Gateway to International and European markets, Xtrackers is committed to providing investors with exposure to high-growth European companies. The Fund provides an opportunity for investors in the U.S. to invest in companies that are at the forefront of evolution in the defense, space and cybersecurity markets.”

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 provides actionable insights through its comprehensive product offerings, proven expertise, and high-quality data that capital market participants around the world can use to inform their decision-making. Across indices, investment stewardship, corporate governance, sustainability, and fund intelligence, institutional investors and companies rely on us to help them manage investments, strengthen their governance practices, and bring new products to market. ISS STOXX, which is owned by Deutsche Börse Group, employs approximately 4,000 professionals operating across 34 locations in 20 countries. ISS STOXX’s clients include many of the world’s leading institutional investors and corporate issuers who turn to ISS STOXX for its objective and varied offerings.

About the DWS Group
DWS Group (DWS), with EUR 1,085bn of total assets under management (as of 31 December 2025), is a leading European asset manager with global reach. With approximately 5,000 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.

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[1] Net returns in USD through Dec. 31, 2025. Performance data before index launch is backtested.