DLS vs. GDE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DLS (WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend) and GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - DLS is a Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities fund tracking the WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend Index, while GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree. DLS is passively managed, while GDE is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DLS returned 17.27%/yr vs 46.68%/yr for GDE. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DLS charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GDE.

Performance

DLS vs. GDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) 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, DLS achieves a 6.63% return, which is significantly lower than GDE's 9.79% return.

DLS

• 1D: -0.94%
• 1M: 0.80%
• YTD: 6.63%
• 6M: 9.37%
• 1Y: 22.56%
• 3Y*: 17.27%
• 5Y*: 6.55%
• 10Y*: 7.46%

GDE

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: 1.88%
• YTD: 9.79%
• 6M: 11.87%
• 1Y: 53.13%
• 3Y*: 46.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DLS vs. GDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	6.63%	34.11%	3.06%	15.33%	-11.51%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	9.79%	73.76%	44.79%	33.85%	-18.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DLS and GDE is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.58
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 18, 2022	0.63

The correlation between DLS and GDE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.58 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DLS vs. GDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLS

DLS Risk / Return Rank: 46
DLS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DLS Calmar Ratio Rank: 41
DLS Martin Ratio Rank: 45

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 49
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

DLS vs. GDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) 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.

	DLS	GDE	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.69	1.88	-0.19
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.32	+0.09
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.05	2.36	-0.30
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	7.55	7.34	+0.21
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DLS vs. GDE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLS Sharpe Ratio is 1.69, which is comparable to the GDE Sharpe Ratio of 1.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLS 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

	DLS	GDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.69	1.88	-0.19
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.42	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.45	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.33	1.15	-0.82

Drawdowns

DLS vs. GDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLS drawdown since its inception was -63.13%, which is greater than GDE's maximum drawdown of -32.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLS and GDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLS	GDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.13%	-32.01%	-31.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.04%	-22.66%	+11.62%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-12.69%	-22.66%	+9.97%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.22%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.77%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.20%	-11.17%	+7.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.65%	-7.88%	-5.77%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.99%	7.26%	-4.27%

Volatility

DLS vs. GDE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend (DLS) is 4.58%, while WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE) has a volatility of 6.65%. This indicates that DLS 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

	DLS	GDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.58%	6.65%	-2.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	24.24%	-13.26%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.44%	28.39%	-14.95%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.57%	26.12%	-10.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.67%	26.12%	-9.45%

DLS vs. GDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DLS has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is higher than GDE's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

DLS vs. GDE - Dividend Comparison

DLS's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.50%, less than GDE's 3.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLS WisdomTree International SmallCap Dividend	3.50%	3.87%	4.56%	4.29%	4.96%	3.29%	2.50%	3.37%	3.66%	2.79%	3.29%	2.72%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	3.94%	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 DLS and GDE in my portfolio?

DLS and GDE have a correlation of 0.59, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DLS or GDE?

GDE has higher volatility (6.65%) compared to DLS (4.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLS dropped -63.13% vs GDE's -32.01%.

Which ETF is better, DLS or GDE?

On 3-year performance, GDE leads with 46.68% vs 17.27% for DLS. On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. On volatility, DLS has been the lower-risk option at 4.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DLS or GDE?

Over the 3-year period, GDE has performed better with a 46.68% return vs 17.27%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DLS or GDE?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DLS.

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

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.94%, compared with 3.50% for DLS.

What is the main difference between DLS and GDE?

DLS is categorized as Foreign Small & Mid Cap Equities, while GDE is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for DLS and 0.20% for GDE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GDE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.88 vs 1.69), 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.