NASA vs. WDAF

Last updated Jun 8, 2026

NASA (Tema Space Innovators ETF) and WDAF (WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. NASA is actively managed, while WDAF is passively managed. At a 0.48 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NASA charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for WDAF.

Performance

NASA vs. WDAF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) and WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

NASA

• 1D: -9.48%
• 1M: 1.71%
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WDAF

• 1D: -4.82%
• 1M: -17.24%
• YTD: 6.47%
• 6M: 9.57%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NASA vs. WDAF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	29.65%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	-4.33%

Correlation

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

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 1, 2026	0.48

Return for Risk

NASA vs. WDAF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Tema Space Innovators ETF (NASA) and WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF). 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

	NASA	WDAF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	5.20	-0.07	+5.26

Drawdowns

NASA vs. WDAF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NASA drawdown since its inception was -22.08%, which is greater than WDAF's maximum drawdown of -20.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NASA and WDAF.

Drawdown Indicators

	NASA	WDAF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.08%	-20.11%	-1.97%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-22.08%	-20.11%	-1.97%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.70%	-6.22%	+2.52%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NASA	WDAF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	61.27%	32.43%	+28.84%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	61.27%	32.43%	+28.84%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	61.27%	32.43%	+28.84%

NASA vs. WDAF - Expense Ratio Comparison

NASA has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is higher than WDAF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

NASA vs. WDAF - Dividend Comparison

NASA has not paid dividends to shareholders, while WDAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%.

Position	TTM	2025
NASA Tema Space Innovators ETF	0.00%	0.00%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	0.12%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NASA and WDAF in my portfolio?

NASA and WDAF 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 ETF is better, NASA or WDAF?

On fees, WDAF is cheaper at 0.45% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NASA or WDAF?

WDAF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for NASA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NASA or WDAF?

WDAF has the higher dividend yield at 0.12%, compared with 0.00% for NASA.

What is the main difference between NASA and WDAF?

They also come from different issuers: Tema and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.75% for NASA and 0.45% for WDAF.