WDGF vs. IDEF

Last updated Apr 1, 2026

Compare and contrast key facts about WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF).

WDGF and IDEF are both exchange-traded funds (ETFs), meaning they are traded on stock exchanges and can be bought and sold throughout the day. WDGF is a passively managed fund by WisdomTree that tracks the performance of the WisdomTree Global Defense Index. It was launched on Sep 10, 2025. IDEF is an actively managed fund by iShares. It was launched on May 19, 2025.

Performance

WDGF vs. IDEF - Performance Comparison

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

WDGF vs. IDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	7.15%	-0.25%
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	6.20%	2.12%

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDGF achieves a 7.15% return, which is significantly higher than IDEF's 6.20% return.

WDGF

• 1D: 3.33%
• 1M: -6.23%
• YTD: 7.15%
• 6M: 1.79%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

IDEF

• 1D: 4.15%
• 1M: -8.78%
• YTD: 6.20%
• 6M: 3.09%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WDGF vs. IDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDGF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than IDEF's 0.55% expense ratio.

IDEF

iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF

WDGF

WisdomTree Global Defense Fund

Return for Risk

WDGF vs. IDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF (IDEF). 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	IDEF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.61	1.85	-1.24

Correlation

The correlation between WDGF and IDEF is 0.94, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.

Dividends

WDGF vs. IDEF - Dividend Comparison

WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than IDEF's 0.16% yield.

	TTM	2025
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%
IDEF iShares Defense Industrials Active ETF	0.16%	0.17%

Drawdowns

WDGF vs. IDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDGF drawdown since its inception was -13.29%, smaller than the maximum IDEF drawdown of -14.63%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDGF and IDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDGF	IDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.29%	-14.63%	+1.34%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-9.28%	-11.08%	+1.80%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-4.46%	-2.88%	-1.58%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDGF	IDEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	21.55%	20.00%	+1.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	21.55%	20.00%	+1.55%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.55%	20.00%	+1.55%