WDGF vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - WDGF is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the WisdomTree Global Defense Index, while XAR is a Industrials Equities fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WDGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

WDGF vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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 XAR's 13.40% return.

WDGF

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

XAR

• 1D: -2.08%
• 1M: 7.34%
• YTD: 13.40%
• 6M: 20.10%
• 1Y: 41.33%
• 3Y*: 34.11%
• 5Y*: 16.26%
• 10Y*: 18.01%

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

WDGF vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	3.03%	-0.25%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	13.40%	9.30%

Correlation

The correlation between WDGF and XAR is 0.85, 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	0.85

Return for Risk

WDGF vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 43
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 43
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 43
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 38
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). 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	XAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	—	1.55	—
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.70	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.73	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.17	0.85	-0.67

Drawdowns

WDGF vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDGF drawdown since its inception was -14.36%, smaller than the maximum XAR drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDGF and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDGF	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-14.36%	-46.37%	+32.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	—	-17.22%	—
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-19.73%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-32.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-46.37%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.77%	-6.55%	-6.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.46%	-6.79%	+1.33%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	—	6.05%	—

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDGF	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	—	9.52%	—
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	—	22.39%	—
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.41%	26.81%	-4.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.41%	23.41%	-1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.41%	24.62%	-2.21%

WDGF vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

WDGF has a 0.45% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

WDGF vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than XAR's 0.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
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%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.32%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDGF and XAR in my portfolio?

WDGF and XAR have a correlation of 0.85, 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 XAR?

On fees, XAR is cheaper at 0.35% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF is cheaper, WDGF or XAR?

XAR is cheaper with a 0.35% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for WDGF.

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

XAR has the higher dividend yield at 0.32%, compared with 0.05% for WDGF.

What is the main difference between WDGF and XAR?

WDGF is categorized as Aerospace & Defense, while XAR is Industrials Equities. WDGF tracks WisdomTree Global Defense Index, while XAR tracks S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDGF and 0.35% for XAR.