GDT vs. ESBG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

GDT (WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund) and ESBG (First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF) are both Tactical Allocation funds. Both are actively managed. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. GDT charges 0.30%/yr vs 0.95%/yr for ESBG.

Performance

GDT vs. ESBG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

GDT

• 1D: -1.60%
• 1M: -8.60%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ESBG

• 1D: -1.81%
• 1M: -7.19%
• YTD: -2.05%
• 6M: -5.44%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

GDT vs. ESBG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
GDT WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund	-14.30%
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	-9.15%

Correlation

The correlation between GDT and ESBG is 0.94, 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 22, 2026	0.94

Return for Risk

GDT vs. ESBG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

GDT vs. ESBG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum GDT drawdown since its inception was -22.61%, which is greater than ESBG's maximum drawdown of -18.84%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for GDT and ESBG.

Drawdown Indicators

	GDT	ESBG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.61%	-18.84%	-3.77%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.49%	-16.94%	-5.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.03%	-6.94%	-4.09%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	GDT	ESBG	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.99%	26.28%	+6.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.99%	26.28%	+6.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.99%	26.28%	+6.71%

GDT vs. ESBG - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

GDT vs. ESBG - Dividend Comparison

GDT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, more than ESBG's 0.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
ESBG First Trust Enhanced Stocks, Bonds & Gold ETF	0.62%	0.24%
GDT WisdomTree Efficient TIPS Plus Gold Fund	1.91%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both GDT and ESBG in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, GDT and ESBG 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, GDT or ESBG?

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, GDT or ESBG?

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

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

GDT has the higher dividend yield at 1.91%, compared with 0.62% for ESBG.

What is the main difference between GDT and ESBG?

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