HEDJ vs. RFEU

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

HEDJ (WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Fund) and RFEU (First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF) are both Europe Equities funds. HEDJ is passively managed, while RFEU is actively managed. Over the past 10 years, HEDJ returned 10.67%/yr vs 7.29%/yr for RFEU. A 0.71 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. HEDJ charges 0.58%/yr vs 0.83%/yr for RFEU.

Performance

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Fund (HEDJ) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, HEDJ achieves a 6.37% return, which is significantly higher than RFEU's 1.50% return. Over the past 10 years, HEDJ has outperformed RFEU with an annualized return of 10.67%, while RFEU has yielded a comparatively lower 7.29% annualized return.

HEDJ

• 1D: -0.88%
• 1M: 5.79%
• YTD: 6.37%
• 6M: 7.94%
• 1Y: 15.93%
• 3Y*: 14.41%
• 5Y*: 10.93%
• 10Y*: 10.67%

RFEU

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: 1.50%
• 6M: 4.04%
• 1Y: 13.97%
• 3Y*: 12.44%
• 5Y*: 3.74%
• 10Y*: 7.29%

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

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
HEDJ WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Fund	6.37%	23.55%	5.28%	26.89%	-10.09%	23.54%	-3.35%	27.50%	-9.27%	13.51%
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	1.50%	30.78%	-1.78%	16.19%	-24.17%	22.83%	6.25%	23.21%	-17.57%	26.58%

Correlation

The correlation between HEDJ and RFEU is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.68
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.71
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 15, 2016	0.71

Over the past year, the correlation between HEDJ and RFEU has dropped to 0.48 - well below their long-term average of 0.71, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	HEDJ	RFEU
Industrials	22.9%	15.4%
Financial Services	15.0%	18.9%
Consumer Cyclical	13.4%	10.6%
Consumer Defensive	12.7%	9.3%
Technology	11.0%	12.5%
Healthcare	8.4%	13.3%
Basic Materials	7.0%	1.2%
Communication Services	5.5%	3.8%
Energy	4.0%	8.7%
Real Estate	-	-
Utilities	-	6.4%

Return for Risk

HEDJ vs. RFEU — Risk / Return Rank

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

HEDJ

HEDJ Risk / Return Rank: 29
HEDJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
HEDJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
HEDJ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
HEDJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
HEDJ Martin Ratio Rank: 35

RFEU

RFEU Risk / Return Rank: 59
RFEU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 52
RFEU Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
RFEU Omega Ratio Rank: 65
RFEU Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
RFEU Martin Ratio Rank: 61

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.

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Fund (HEDJ) and First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU). 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.

	HEDJ	RFEU	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	1.77	-0.74
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.56	2.57	-1.01
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.39	-0.20
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	2.99	-1.65
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	5.36	10.93	-5.57
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current HEDJ Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is lower than the RFEU Sharpe Ratio of 1.77. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of HEDJ and RFEU, 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

	HEDJ	RFEU	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.04	1.77	-0.74
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.66	0.23	+0.43
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.58	0.41	+0.17
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.41	+0.06

Drawdowns

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum HEDJ drawdown since its inception was -38.18%, roughly equal to the maximum RFEU drawdown of -39.74%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for HEDJ and RFEU.

Drawdown Indicators

	HEDJ	RFEU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.18%	-39.74%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.90%	-5.15%	-6.75%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.93%	-13.48%	-2.45%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-22.17%	-35.92%	+13.75%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.18%	-39.74%	+1.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.21%	-0.11%	-1.10%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.92%	-9.62%	+3.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.98%	1.35%	+1.63%

Volatility

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Volatility Comparison

WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Fund (HEDJ) has a higher volatility of 5.50% compared to First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF (RFEU) at 0.00%. This indicates that HEDJ's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than RFEU based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	HEDJ	RFEU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.50%	0.00%	+5.50%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.53%	4.43%	+8.10%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.43%	8.73%	+6.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.76%	16.77%	-0.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.41%	17.86%	+0.55%

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Expense Ratio Comparison

HEDJ has a 0.58% expense ratio, which is lower than RFEU's 0.83% expense ratio.

Dividends

HEDJ vs. RFEU - Dividend Comparison

HEDJ's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.53%, less than RFEU's 2.83% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HEDJ WisdomTree Europe Hedged Equity Fund	1.53%	1.63%	3.28%	3.31%	2.83%	2.08%	2.65%	1.82%	2.73%	2.27%	2.74%	9.43%
RFEU First Trust RiverFront Dynamic Europe ETF	2.83%	2.87%	5.45%	3.37%	4.98%	1.82%	2.32%	3.08%	2.84%	1.35%	3.16%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both HEDJ and RFEU in my portfolio?

HEDJ and RFEU have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, HEDJ or RFEU?

HEDJ has higher volatility (5.50%) compared to RFEU (0.00%). In terms of maximum drawdown, HEDJ dropped -38.18% vs RFEU's -39.74%.

Which ETF is better, HEDJ or RFEU?

On 10-year performance, HEDJ leads with 10.67% vs 7.29% for RFEU. On fees, HEDJ is cheaper at 0.58% per year. On volatility, RFEU has been the lower-risk option at 0.00%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, HEDJ or RFEU?

Over the 10-year period, HEDJ has performed better with a 10.67% return vs 7.29%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, HEDJ or RFEU?

HEDJ is cheaper with a 0.58% expense ratio, compared with 0.83% for RFEU.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, HEDJ or RFEU?

RFEU has the higher dividend yield at 2.83%, compared with 1.53% for HEDJ.

What is the main difference between HEDJ and RFEU?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.58% for HEDJ and 0.83% for RFEU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RFEU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.77 vs 1.04), 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.