WDAF vs. KDEF

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

WDAF (WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund) and KDEF (PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - WDAF tracks the WisdomTree Asia Defense Index while KDEF tracks the The Korea Defence Industry Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WDAF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.65%/yr for KDEF.

Performance

WDAF vs. KDEF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDAF achieves a 13.63% return, which is significantly higher than KDEF's 8.67% return.

WDAF

• 1D: -2.95%
• 1M: -12.66%
• YTD: 13.63%
• 6M: 18.15%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

KDEF

• 1D: -5.71%
• 1M: -27.10%
• YTD: 8.67%
• 6M: 24.51%
• 1Y: 44.34%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WDAF vs. KDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	13.63%	-7.62%
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	8.67%	-5.14%

Correlation

The correlation between WDAF and KDEF is 0.84, 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	0.84

Return for Risk

WDAF vs. KDEF — Risk / Return Rank

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

KDEF

KDEF Risk / Return Rank: 30
KDEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
KDEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
KDEF Omega Ratio Rank: 27
KDEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
KDEF Martin Ratio Rank: 33

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. KDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF) and PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF (KDEF). 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	KDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.00	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	1.99	-1.77

Drawdowns

WDAF vs. KDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDAF drawdown since its inception was -18.21%, smaller than the maximum KDEF drawdown of -27.71%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDAF and KDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDAF	KDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.21%	-27.71%	+9.50%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-27.71%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.73%	-27.71%	+12.98%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-6.38%	+0.34%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	9.51%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDAF	KDEF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	15.79%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	36.55%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.14%	44.66%	-12.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.14%	46.55%	-14.41%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.14%	46.55%	-14.41%

WDAF vs. KDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDAF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than KDEF's 0.65% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDAF vs. KDEF - Dividend Comparison

WDAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than KDEF's 6.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
KDEF PLUS Korea Defense Industry Index ETF	6.32%	5.06%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	0.12%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDAF and KDEF in my portfolio?

WDAF and KDEF have a correlation of 0.84, 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 KDEF?

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, WDAF or KDEF?

WDAF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.65% for KDEF.

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

KDEF has the higher dividend yield at 6.32%, compared with 0.12% for WDAF.

What is the main difference between WDAF and KDEF?

WDAF tracks WisdomTree Asia Defense Index, while KDEF tracks The Korea Defence Industry Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and PLUS. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDAF and 0.65% for KDEF.