ESBG vs. GDT

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

ESBG (First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF) and GDT (WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund) are both Tactical Allocation funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. ESBG charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.30%/yr for GDT.

Performance

ESBG vs. GDT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG) and WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund (GDT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

ESBG

• 1D: 0.19%
• 1M: 0.78%
• YTD: 6.36%
• 6M: 8.12%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDT

• 1D: 0.11%
• 1M: -2.71%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

ESBG vs. GDT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	-3.09%
GDT WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund	-7.26%

Correlation

The correlation between ESBG and GDT is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 23, 2026	0.93

Return for Risk

ESBG vs. GDT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF (ESBG) and WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund (GDT). 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.

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

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	ESBG	GDT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	1.00	-0.57	+1.57

Drawdowns

ESBG vs. GDT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ESBG drawdown since its inception was -18.84%, roughly equal to the maximum GDT drawdown of -18.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ESBG and GDT.

Drawdown Indicators

	ESBG	GDT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.84%	-18.06%	-0.78%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.80%	-15.35%	+5.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.21%	-9.83%	+3.62%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	ESBG	GDT	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	25.31%	33.53%	-8.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	25.31%	33.53%	-8.22%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	25.31%	33.53%	-8.22%

ESBG vs. GDT - Expense Ratio Comparison

ESBG has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than GDT's 0.30% expense ratio.

Dividends

ESBG vs. GDT - Dividend Comparison

ESBG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.57%, less than GDT's 1.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.57%	0.24%
GDT WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund	1.75%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ESBG and GDT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, ESBG and GDT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, ESBG or GDT?

On fees, GDT is cheaper at 0.30% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, ESBG or GDT?

GDT is cheaper with a 0.30% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for ESBG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ESBG or GDT?

GDT has the higher dividend yield at 1.75%, compared with 0.57% for ESBG.

What is the main difference between ESBG and GDT?

They also come from different issuers: First Trust and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for ESBG and 0.30% for GDT.