WDGF vs. ITA

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) and ITA (iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - WDGF tracks the WisdomTree Global Defense Index while ITA tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WDGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.38%/yr for ITA.

Performance

WDGF vs. ITA - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, WDGF achieves a 4.55% return, which is significantly lower than ITA's 6.42% return.

WDGF

• 1D: -1.76%
• 1M: -2.27%
• YTD: 4.55%
• 6M: 11.25%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

ITA

• 1D: -0.69%
• 1M: 5.58%
• YTD: 6.42%
• 6M: 13.50%
• 1Y: 28.79%
• 3Y*: 27.53%
• 5Y*: 16.48%
• 10Y*: 15.00%

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

WDGF vs. ITA - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	4.55%	-0.25%
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	6.42%	8.06%

Correlation

The correlation between WDGF and ITA is 0.83, 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	0.83

Return for Risk

WDGF vs. ITA — Risk / Return Rank

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

ITA

ITA Risk / Return Rank: 37
ITA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
ITA Sortino Ratio Rank: 39
ITA Omega Ratio Rank: 36
ITA Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
ITA 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.

WDGF vs. ITA - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA). 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	ITA	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.39	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.83	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.65	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.27	0.51	-0.24

Drawdowns

WDGF vs. ITA - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDGF drawdown since its inception was -14.36%, smaller than the maximum ITA drawdown of -59.72%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDGF and ITA.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDGF	ITA	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.36%	-59.72%	+45.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-15.82%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-15.82%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-18.72%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-51.00%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-11.49%	-8.82%	-2.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.42%	-9.46%	+4.04%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	5.79%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDGF	ITA	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.15%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	17.66%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.40%	20.80%	+1.60%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.40%	20.01%	+2.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.40%	23.14%	-0.74%

WDGF vs. ITA - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDGF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than ITA's 0.38% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDGF vs. ITA - Dividend Comparison

WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than ITA's 0.47% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ITA iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.47%	0.55%	0.85%	0.93%	0.95%	0.82%	1.07%	1.54%	1.13%	0.91%	1.07%	1.04%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDGF and ITA in my portfolio?

WDGF and ITA have a correlation of 0.83, 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 ITA?

On fees, ITA is cheaper at 0.38% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WDGF or ITA?

ITA is cheaper with a 0.38% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for WDGF.

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

ITA has the higher dividend yield at 0.47%, compared with 0.05% for WDGF.

What is the main difference between WDGF and ITA?

WDGF tracks WisdomTree Global Defense Index, while ITA tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Aerospace & Defense Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDGF and 0.38% for ITA.