WDAF vs. GDE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WDAF (WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund) and GDE (WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - WDAF is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the WisdomTree Asia Defense Index, while GDE is a Gold fund actively managed by WisdomTree. WDAF is passively managed, while GDE is actively managed. At a 0.42 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WDAF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.20%/yr for GDE.

Performance

WDAF vs. GDE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDAF achieves a 11.85% return, which is significantly higher than GDE's 9.79% return.

WDAF

• 1D: -1.56%
• 1M: -13.31%
• YTD: 11.85%
• 6M: 16.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

GDE

• 1D: -1.35%
• 1M: 1.88%
• YTD: 9.79%
• 6M: 11.87%
• 1Y: 53.13%
• 3Y*: 46.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WDAF vs. GDE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	11.85%	-7.62%
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	9.79%	18.89%

Correlation

The correlation between WDAF and GDE is 0.42, 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 15, 2025	0.42

Return for Risk

WDAF vs. GDE — Risk / Return Rank

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

GDE

GDE Risk / Return Rank: 49
GDE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
GDE Sortino Ratio Rank: 45
GDE Omega Ratio Rank: 54
GDE Calmar Ratio Rank: 47
GDE Martin Ratio Rank: 44

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.

WDAF vs. GDE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF) and WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund (GDE). 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

	WDAF	GDE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.88	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.15	1.15	-1.01

Drawdowns

WDAF vs. GDE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDAF drawdown since its inception was -18.21%, smaller than the maximum GDE drawdown of -32.01%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDAF and GDE.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDAF	GDE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.21%	-32.01%	+13.80%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-22.66%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-22.66%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-16.06%	-11.17%	-4.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.09%	-7.88%	+1.79%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.26%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDAF	GDE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	6.65%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	24.24%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.10%	28.39%	+3.71%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.10%	26.12%	+5.98%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.10%	26.12%	+5.98%

WDAF vs. GDE - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDAF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than GDE's 0.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDAF vs. GDE - Dividend Comparison

WDAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than GDE's 3.94% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
GDE WisdomTree Efficient Gold Plus Equity Strategy Fund	3.94%	4.32%	7.14%	2.22%	0.81%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	0.12%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDAF and GDE in my portfolio?

WDAF and GDE have a correlation of 0.42, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WDAF or GDE?

On fees, GDE is cheaper at 0.20% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WDAF or GDE?

GDE is cheaper with a 0.20% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for WDAF.

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

GDE has the higher dividend yield at 3.94%, compared with 0.12% for WDAF.

What is the main difference between WDAF and GDE?

WDAF is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while GDE is Gold. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDAF and 0.20% for GDE.