NBJP vs. DFJ

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

NBJP (Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF) and DFJ (WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund) are both Japan Equities funds. NBJP is actively managed, while DFJ is passively managed. Over the past year, NBJP returned 38.22% vs 29.48% for DFJ. Their correlation of 0.82 suggests significant overlap in exposure. NBJP charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.58%/yr for DFJ.

Performance

NBJP vs. DFJ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF (NBJP) and WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, NBJP achieves a 19.75% return, which is significantly higher than DFJ's 10.30% return.

NBJP

• 1D: -5.02%
• 1M: 2.82%
• YTD: 19.75%
• 6M: 18.67%
• 1Y: 38.22%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFJ

• 1D: -2.08%
• 1M: -0.13%
• YTD: 10.30%
• 6M: 10.45%
• 1Y: 29.48%
• 3Y*: 19.83%
• 5Y*: 10.02%
• 10Y*: 9.32%

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

NBJP vs. DFJ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
NBJP Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF	19.75%	30.41%	-2.65%
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund	10.30%	31.90%	-2.70%

Correlation

The correlation between NBJP and DFJ is 0.81, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 12, 2024	0.82

The correlation between NBJP and DFJ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.81 to 0.82 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

NBJP vs. DFJ — Risk / Return Rank

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

NBJP

NBJP Risk / Return Rank: 58
NBJP Sharpe Ratio Rank: 59
NBJP Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
NBJP Omega Ratio Rank: 58
NBJP Calmar Ratio Rank: 59
NBJP Martin Ratio Rank: 58

DFJ

DFJ Risk / Return Rank: 50
DFJ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 55
DFJ Sortino Ratio Rank: 54
DFJ Omega Ratio Rank: 51
DFJ Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
DFJ Martin Ratio Rank: 41

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.

NBJP vs. DFJ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF (NBJP) and WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ). 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.

	NBJP	DFJ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.81	1.76	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.48	2.46	+0.02
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.33	1.30	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.68	2.27	+0.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	9.51	6.34	+3.17

NBJP vs. DFJ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current NBJP Sharpe Ratio is 1.81, which is comparable to the DFJ Sharpe Ratio of 1.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of NBJP and DFJ, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

NBJP vs. DFJ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum NBJP drawdown since its inception was -14.34%, smaller than the maximum DFJ drawdown of -46.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for NBJP and DFJ.

Drawdown Indicators

	NBJP	DFJ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.34%	-46.00%	+31.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.34%	-13.03%	-1.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-13.03%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.71%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-40.02%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.02%	-5.86%	+0.84%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.18%	-11.14%	+7.96%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.03%	4.66%	-0.63%

Volatility

NBJP vs. DFJ - Volatility Comparison

Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF (NBJP) has a higher volatility of 9.10% compared to WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund (DFJ) at 5.39%. This indicates that NBJP's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFJ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	NBJP	DFJ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	9.10%	5.39%	+3.71%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	18.37%	13.93%	+4.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.18%	16.85%	+4.33%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.21%	15.96%	+4.25%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.21%	16.94%	+3.27%

NBJP vs. DFJ - Expense Ratio Comparison

NBJP has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than DFJ's 0.58% expense ratio.

Dividends

NBJP vs. DFJ - Dividend Comparison

NBJP's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.91%, less than DFJ's 2.41% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFJ WisdomTree Japan SmallCap Dividend Fund	2.41%	2.68%	2.46%	2.43%	2.62%	2.07%	2.59%	2.24%	1.89%	1.60%	1.76%	1.23%
NBJP Neuberger Berman Japan Equity ETF	1.91%	2.29%	0.75%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both NBJP and DFJ in my portfolio?

NBJP and DFJ have a correlation of 0.81, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, NBJP or DFJ?

NBJP has higher volatility (9.10%) compared to DFJ (5.39%). In terms of maximum drawdown, NBJP dropped -14.34% vs DFJ's -46.00%.

Which ETF is better, NBJP or DFJ?

On 1-year performance, NBJP leads with 38.22% vs 29.48% for DFJ. On fees, NBJP is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, DFJ has been the lower-risk option at 5.39%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, NBJP or DFJ?

Over the 1-year period, NBJP has performed better with a 38.22% return vs 29.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, NBJP or DFJ?

NBJP is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.58% for DFJ.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, NBJP or DFJ?

DFJ has the higher dividend yield at 2.41%, compared with 1.91% for NBJP.

What is the main difference between NBJP and DFJ?

They also come from different issuers: Neuberger Berman and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for NBJP and 0.58% for DFJ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

NBJP currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.81 vs 1.76), 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.