WDGF vs. WAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) and WAR (U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds. WDGF is passively managed, while WAR is actively managed. At a 0.37 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. WDGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.60%/yr for WAR.

Performance

WDGF vs. WAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

WDGF

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

WAR

• 1D: -1.92%
• 1M: —
• YTD: —
• 6M: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WDGF vs. WAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	-4.22%
WAR U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF	2.67%

Correlation

The correlation between WDGF and WAR is 0.37, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 27, 2026	0.37

Return for Risk

WDGF vs. WAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF (WAR). 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	WAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	5.18	-5.01

Drawdowns

WDGF vs. WAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDGF drawdown since its inception was -14.36%, which is greater than WAR's maximum drawdown of -1.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDGF and WAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDGF	WAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.36%	-1.92%	-12.44%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.77%	-1.92%	-10.85%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-0.88%	-4.58%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDGF	WAR	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.41%	42.90%	-20.49%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.41%	42.90%	-20.49%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	42.90%	-20.49%

WDGF vs. WAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDGF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is lower than WAR's 0.60% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDGF vs. WAR - Dividend Comparison

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

Position	TTM	2025
WAR U.S. Global Technology and Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.00%	0.00%
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDGF and WAR in my portfolio?

WDGF and WAR have a correlation of 0.37, 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 WAR?

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 WAR?

WDGF is cheaper with a 0.45% expense ratio, compared with 0.60% for WAR.

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

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

What is the main difference between WDGF and WAR?

They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and US Global. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDGF and 0.60% for WAR.