NATO vs. WDAF

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NATO (Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF) and WDAF (WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - NATO tracks the Solactive Transatlantic Aerospace and Defense Index while WDAF tracks the WisdomTree Asia Defense Index. Both are passively managed. At a 0.45 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. NATO charges 0.35%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for WDAF.

Performance

NATO vs. WDAF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NATO achieves a 4.58% return, which is significantly lower than WDAF's 10.54% return.

NATO

• 1D: -0.10%
• 1M: 1.72%
• YTD: 4.58%
• 6M: 4.25%
• 1Y: 17.37%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WDAF

• 1D: -5.17%
• 1M: -7.02%
• YTD: 10.54%
• 6M: 9.61%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

NATO vs. WDAF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
NATO Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF	4.58%	2.75%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	10.54%	-7.71%

Correlation

The correlation between NATO and WDAF is 0.45, 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 Sep 12, 2025	0.45

Return for Risk

NATO vs. WDAF — Risk / Return Rank

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

NATO

NATO Risk / Return Rank: 23
NATO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
NATO Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
NATO Omega Ratio Rank: 23
NATO Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
NATO Martin Ratio Rank: 22

WDAF

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

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.

NATO vs. WDAF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF (NATO) 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.

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.

	NATO	WDAF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	—	—
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.31	—	—
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	—	—
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.09	—	—
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.65	—	—

Drawdowns

NATO vs. WDAF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NATO drawdown since its inception was -15.99%, smaller than the maximum WDAF drawdown of -20.11%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NATO and WDAF.

Drawdown Indicators

	NATO	WDAF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-15.99%	-20.11%	+4.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-15.99%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.55%	-17.04%	+7.49%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.89%	-6.70%	+2.81%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.57%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	NATO	WDAF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.57%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.35%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.46%	32.59%	-11.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.72%	32.59%	-9.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.72%	32.59%	-9.87%

NATO vs. WDAF - Expense Ratio Comparison

NATO has a 0.35% expense ratio, which is lower than WDAF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

NATO vs. WDAF - Dividend Comparison

NATO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.43%, more than WDAF's 0.12% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024
NATO Themes Transatlantic Defense ETF	0.43%	0.45%	0.08%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	0.12%	0.13%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NATO and WDAF in my portfolio?

NATO and WDAF have a correlation of 0.45, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, NATO or WDAF?

On fees, NATO is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, NATO or WDAF?

NATO is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for WDAF.

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

NATO has the higher dividend yield at 0.43%, compared with 0.12% for WDAF.

What is the main difference between NATO and WDAF?

NATO tracks Solactive Transatlantic Aerospace and Defense Index, while WDAF tracks WisdomTree Asia Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: Themes and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.35% for NATO and 0.45% for WDAF.