WDGF vs. ARKX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) and ARKX (ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. WDGF is passively managed, while ARKX is actively managed. A 0.79 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. WDGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.75%/yr for ARKX.

Performance

WDGF vs. ARKX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDGF achieves a 3.03% return, which is significantly lower than ARKX's 23.67% return.

WDGF

• 1D: -1.45%
• 1M: -3.36%
• YTD: 3.03%
• 6M: 8.65%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ARKX

• 1D: -2.24%
• 1M: 10.24%
• YTD: 23.67%
• 6M: 28.83%
• 1Y: 69.46%
• 3Y*: 36.41%
• 5Y*: 11.53%
• 10Y*: —

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

WDGF vs. ARKX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	3.03%	-0.25%
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	23.67%	10.23%

Correlation

The correlation between WDGF and ARKX is 0.79, 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	0.79

Return for Risk

WDGF vs. ARKX — Risk / Return Rank

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

ARKX

ARKX Risk / Return Rank: 58
ARKX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
ARKX Sortino Ratio Rank: 56
ARKX Omega Ratio Rank: 51
ARKX Calmar Ratio Rank: 68
ARKX Martin Ratio Rank: 53

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.

WDGF vs. ARKX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF (ARKX). 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

	WDGF	ARKX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	2.15	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.42	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.43	-0.25

Drawdowns

WDGF vs. ARKX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDGF drawdown since its inception was -14.36%, smaller than the maximum ARKX drawdown of -43.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDGF and ARKX.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDGF	ARKX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.36%	-43.61%	+29.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.42%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-25.47%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-43.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.77%	-5.03%	-7.74%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-19.99%	+14.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.57%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDGF	ARKX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	11.01%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	25.01%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.41%	32.49%	-10.08%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.41%	27.72%	-5.31%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	27.42%	-5.01%

WDGF vs. ARKX - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDGF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than ARKX's 0.75% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDGF vs. ARKX - Dividend Comparison

WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, while ARKX has not paid dividends to shareholders.

Position	TTM	2025
ARKX ARK Space Exploration & Innovation ETF	0.00%	0.00%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDGF and ARKX in my portfolio?

WDGF and ARKX have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which ETF is better, WDGF or ARKX?

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, WDGF or ARKX?

WDGF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.75% for ARKX.

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

WDGF has the higher dividend yield at 0.05%, compared with 0.00% for ARKX.

What is the main difference between WDGF and ARKX?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and ARK. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDGF and 0.75% for ARKX.