SHLD vs. WDGF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) and WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - SHLD tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index while WDGF tracks the WisdomTree Global Defense Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. SHLD charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for WDGF.

Performance

SHLD vs. WDGF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, SHLD achieves a -2.28% return, which is significantly lower than WDGF's 4.55% return.

SHLD

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -7.01%
• YTD: -2.28%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 9.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

WDGF

• 1D: -1.76%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 4.55%
• 6M: 11.25%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

SHLD vs. WDGF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	-0.79%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	4.55%	-0.25%

Correlation

The correlation between SHLD and WDGF is 0.95, 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 Sep 15, 2025	0.95

Return for Risk

SHLD vs. WDGF — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 15
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

SHLD vs. WDGF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF). 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.

	SHLD	WDGF	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.41	—	—
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.74	—	—
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.08	—	—
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.49	—	—
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.30	—	—
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	SHLD	WDGF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.41	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	2.00	0.27	+1.73

Drawdowns

SHLD vs. WDGF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum SHLD drawdown since its inception was -20.10%, which is greater than WDGF's maximum drawdown of -14.36%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for SHLD and WDGF.

Drawdown Indicators

	SHLD	WDGF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.10%	-14.36%	-5.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-20.10%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.85%	-11.49%	-7.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-3.19%	-5.42%	+2.23%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	7.51%	—	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	SHLD	WDGF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	7.81%	—	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	19.35%	—	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	24.05%	22.40%	+1.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.13%	22.40%	-1.27%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.13%	22.40%	-1.27%

SHLD vs. WDGF - Expense Ratio Comparison

SHLD has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than WDGF's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

SHLD vs. WDGF - Dividend Comparison

SHLD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.56%, more than WDGF's 0.05% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both SHLD and WDGF in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, SHLD and WDGF 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, SHLD or WDGF?

On fees, WDGF 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, SHLD or WDGF?

WDGF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for SHLD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, SHLD or WDGF?

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.05% for WDGF.

What is the main difference between SHLD and WDGF?

SHLD tracks Global X Defense Tech Index, while WDGF tracks WisdomTree Global Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: Global X and WisdomTree. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for SHLD and 0.45% for WDGF.