WDGF vs. SHLD

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) and SHLD (Global X Defense Tech ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - WDGF tracks the WisdomTree Global Defense Index while SHLD tracks the Global X Defense Tech Index. Both are passively managed. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. WDGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for SHLD.

Performance

WDGF vs. SHLD - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) 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, WDGF achieves a 3.03% return, which is significantly higher than SHLD's -2.28% return.

WDGF

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

SHLD

• 1D: -2.39%
• 1M: -7.01%
• YTD: -2.28%
• 6M: 1.71%
• 1Y: 9.71%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WDGF vs. SHLD - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	3.03%	-0.25%
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	-2.28%	-0.79%

Correlation

The correlation between WDGF and SHLD is 0.95 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 15, 2025	0.95

Return for Risk

WDGF 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: 15
SHLD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
SHLD Omega Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
SHLD Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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. SHLD - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) 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

	WDGF	SHLD	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	0.41	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	2.00	-1.83

Drawdowns

WDGF vs. SHLD - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDGF drawdown since its inception was -14.36%, smaller than the maximum SHLD drawdown of -20.10%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDGF and SHLD.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDGF	SHLD	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.36%	-20.10%	+5.74%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-20.10%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.77%	-18.85%	+6.08%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-3.19%	-2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	7.51%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDGF	SHLD	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	7.81%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	19.35%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.41%	24.05%	-1.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.41%	21.13%	+1.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	21.13%	+1.28%

WDGF vs. SHLD - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

WDGF vs. SHLD - Dividend Comparison

WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than SHLD's 0.56% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
SHLD Global X Defense Tech ETF	0.56%	0.55%	0.53%	0.26%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDGF and SHLD in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, WDGF and SHLD move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which ETF is better, WDGF or SHLD?

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 SHLD?

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

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

SHLD has the higher dividend yield at 0.56%, compared with 0.05% for WDGF.

What is the main difference between WDGF and SHLD?

WDGF tracks WisdomTree Global 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 WDGF and 0.50% for SHLD.