DES vs. GDE

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) and GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DES is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend (TR), while GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree. DES is passively managed, while GDE is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DES returned 14.65%/yr vs 47.34%/yr for GDE. At a 0.46 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DES charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GDE.

Performance

DES vs. GDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DES achieves a 16.63% return, which is significantly higher than GDE's 11.30% return.

DES

• 1D: 0.99%
• 1M: 0.53%
• YTD: 16.63%
• 6M: 17.07%
• 1Y: 28.87%
• 3Y*: 14.65%
• 5Y*: 6.21%
• 10Y*: 8.17%

GDE

• 1D: 0.07%
• 1M: 1.24%
• YTD: 11.30%
• 6M: 13.79%
• 1Y: 54.85%
• 3Y*: 47.34%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

DES vs. GDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	16.63%	0.25%	9.93%	16.50%	-9.16%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	11.30%	73.76%	44.79%	33.85%	-18.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DES and GDE is 0.32, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.32
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.40
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 18, 2022	0.46

The correlation between DES and GDE shifts across timeframes, from 0.32 (1 year) to 0.46 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DES vs. GDE — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

DES

DES Risk / Return Rank: 57
DES Sharpe Ratio Rank: 51
DES Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DES Omega Ratio Rank: 49
DES Calmar Ratio Rank: 72
DES Martin Ratio Rank: 59

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 52
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 57
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 57
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 52
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 48

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

DES vs. GDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	DES	GDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.94	-0.18
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	2.38	+0.26
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.35	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	2.61	+1.06
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.48	8.19	+2.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DES vs. GDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DES Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the GDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.94. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DES and GDE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DES	GDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77	1.94	-0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.32	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.37	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	1.17	-0.85

Drawdowns

DES vs. GDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DES drawdown since its inception was -65.48%, which is greater than GDE's maximum drawdown of -32.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DES and GDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DES	GDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.48%	-32.01%	-33.47%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.64%	-22.66%	+15.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	-22.66%	-2.50%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.16%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.65%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.28%	-9.95%	+9.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-7.88%	-1.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	7.22%	-4.54%

Volatility

DES vs. GDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) is 4.24%, while WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) has a volatility of 6.82%. This indicates that DES experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than GDE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DES	GDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.24%	6.82%	-2.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.94%	24.19%	-13.25%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.42%	28.46%	-12.04%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.56%	26.12%	-6.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.97%	26.12%	-4.15%

DES vs. GDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DES has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is higher than GDE's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

DES vs. GDE - Dividend Comparison

DES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, less than GDE's 3.88% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.37%	2.85%	2.81%	2.65%	2.89%	2.31%	2.75%	2.68%	3.65%	2.89%	2.70%	3.09%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	3.88%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DES and GDE in my portfolio?

DES and GDE have a correlation of 0.32, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DES or GDE?

GDE has higher volatility (6.82%) compared to DES (4.24%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DES dropped -65.48% vs GDE's -32.01%.

Which ETF is better, DES or GDE?

On 3-year performance, GDE leads with 47.34% vs 14.65% for DES. On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, DES has been the lower-risk option at 4.24%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DES or GDE?

Over the 3-year period, GDE has performed better with a 47.34% return vs 14.65%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DES or GDE?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.38% for DES.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DES or GDE?

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.88%, compared with 2.37% for DES.

What is the main difference between DES and GDE?

DES is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while GDE is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for DES and 0.20% for GDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.94 vs 1.77), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.