DES vs. RB

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

DES (WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund) and RB (ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DES is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend (TR), while RB is a Defined Outcome fund tracking the Russell 2000. Both are passively managed. A 0.65 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DES charges 0.38%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for RB.

Performance

DES vs. RB - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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 RB's 6.95% 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%

RB

• 1D: 0.09%
• 1M: 1.63%
• YTD: 6.95%
• 6M: 9.59%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DES vs. RB - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
DES WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund	16.63%	6.95%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	6.95%	10.58%

Correlation

The correlation between DES and RB is 0.65, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 27, 2025	0.65

Return for Risk

DES vs. RB — 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

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. RB - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree U.S. SmallCap Dividend Fund (DES) and ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF (RB). 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	RB	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.64	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.67	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	10.48	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DES	RB	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.77	—	—
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	3.19	-2.88

Drawdowns

DES vs. RB - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DES drawdown since its inception was -65.48%, which is greater than RB's maximum drawdown of -1.70%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DES and RB.

Drawdown Indicators

	DES	RB	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-65.48%	-1.70%	-63.78%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.64%	—	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.16%	—	—
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%	-0.30%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.68%	-0.41%	-9.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DES	RB	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.24%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.94%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	16.42%	6.21%	+10.21%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.56%	6.21%	+13.35%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.97%	6.21%	+15.76%

DES vs. RB - Expense Ratio Comparison

DES has a 0.38% expense ratio, which is lower than RB's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

DES vs. RB - Dividend Comparison

DES's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.37%, more than RB's 1.99% 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%
RB ProShares Russell 2000 Dynamic Daily Buffer ETF	1.99%	1.78%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DES and RB in my portfolio?

DES and RB have a correlation of 0.65, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DES or RB?

On fees, DES is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DES or RB?

DES is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for RB.

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

DES has the higher dividend yield at 2.37%, compared with 1.99% for RB.

What is the main difference between DES and RB?

DES is categorized as Small Cap Blend Equities, while RB is Defined Outcome. DES tracks WisdomTree SmallCap Dividend (TR), while RB tracks Russell 2000. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 0.38% for DES and 0.58% for RB.