DUTY vs. WDGF

Last updated Jul 8, 2026

DUTY (U.S. Defense ETF) and WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - DUTY tracks the Solactive U.S. Defense Index while WDGF tracks the WisdomTree Global Defense Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.70 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.45% expense ratio.

Performance

DUTY vs. WDGF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

DUTY

• 1D: -1.88%
• 1M: 1.53%
• 6M: —
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WDGF

• 1D: -2.14%
• 1M: 1.84%
• 6M: -3.46%
• YTD: 4.30%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DUTY vs. WDGF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
DUTY U.S. Defense ETF	5.47%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	-6.67%

Correlation

The correlation between DUTY and WDGF is 0.70, 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 Apr 8, 2026	0.70

Return for Risk

DUTY vs. WDGF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for U.S. Defense ETF (DUTY) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

DUTY vs. WDGF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DUTY drawdown since its inception was -13.42%, smaller than the maximum WDGF drawdown of -18.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DUTY and WDGF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DUTY	WDGF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.42%	-18.00%	+4.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-4.37%	-11.70%	+7.33%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.48%	-6.29%	+1.81%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	DUTY	WDGF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	27.50%	23.01%	+4.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	27.50%	23.01%	+4.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	27.50%	23.01%	+4.49%

DUTY vs. WDGF - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DUTY and WDGF have an expense ratio of 0.45%.

Dividends

DUTY vs. WDGF - Dividend Comparison

DUTY has not paid dividends to shareholders, while WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%.

Position	TTM	2025
DUTY U.S. Defense ETF	0.00%	0.00%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DUTY and WDGF in my portfolio?

DUTY and WDGF have a correlation of 0.70, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, DUTY or WDGF?

Both ETFs have the same 0.45% expense ratio. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, DUTY or WDGF?

DUTY and WDGF have the same expense ratio: 0.45% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, DUTY or WDGF?

WDGF has the higher dividend yield at 0.05%, compared with 0.00% for DUTY.

What is the main difference between DUTY and WDGF?

DUTY tracks Solactive U.S. Defense Index, while WDGF tracks WisdomTree Global Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: Aura and WisdomTree.