WDAF vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

WDAF (WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - WDAF tracks the WisdomTree Asia Defense Index while SHLD tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WDAF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

WDAF vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). 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 SHLD's 0.11% return.

WDAF

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

SHLD

• 1D: -1.16%
• 1M: -4.51%
• YTD: 0.11%
• 6M: 6.04%
• 1Y: 13.67%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WDAF vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	13.63%	-7.62%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.11%	-0.79%

Correlation

The correlation between WDAF and SHLD is 0.54, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2025	0.54

Return for Risk

WDAF vs. SHLD — Risk / Return Rank

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

SHLD

SHLD Risk / Return Rank: 18
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 19
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 18
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 17

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. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund (WDAF) and Global X Defense Tech ETF (SHLD). 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	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.57	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.22	2.07	-1.85

Drawdowns

WDAF vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDAF drawdown since its inception was -18.21%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDAF and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDAF	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.21%	-20.10%	+1.89%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.73%	-16.87%	+2.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.04%	-3.17%	-2.87%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.42%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDAF	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.51%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	19.39%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	32.14%	23.94%	+8.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	32.14%	21.09%	+11.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	32.14%	21.09%	+11.05%

WDAF vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDAF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than SHLD's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDAF vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

WDAF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.12%, less than SHLD's 0.55% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.55%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%
WDAF WisdomTree Asia Defense Fund	0.12%	0.13%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDAF and SHLD in my portfolio?

WDAF and SHLD have a correlation of 0.54, 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 SHLD?

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 SHLD?

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

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.55%, compared with 0.12% for WDAF.

What is the main difference between WDAF and SHLD?

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