WDGF vs. XDEF

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

WDGF (WisdomTree Global Defense Fund) and XDEF (Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF) are both Aerospace & Defense funds - WDGF tracks the WisdomTree Global Defense Index while XDEF tracks the STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. Both are passively managed. Their correlation of 0.81 suggests significant overlap in exposure. WDGF charges 0.45%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XDEF.

Performance

WDGF vs. XDEF - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

WDGF

• 1D: -1.11%
• 1M: -6.98%
• 6M: -15.92%
• YTD: -2.38%
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

XDEF

• 1D: -1.04%
• 1M: -3.42%
• 6M: -99.26%
• YTD: —
• 1Y: —
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

WDGF vs. XDEF - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	-2.38%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	-99.18%

Correlation

The correlation between WDGF and XDEF is 0.81, 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 Jan 2, 2026	0.81

Return for Risk

WDGF vs. XDEF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for WisdomTree Global Defense Fund (WDGF) and Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF (XDEF). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

Risk / return metrics aren't available yet — we need at least 12 months of trading data to calculate them.

Drawdowns

WDGF vs. XDEF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum WDGF drawdown since its inception was -18.00%, smaller than the maximum XDEF drawdown of -99.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for WDGF and XDEF.

Drawdown Indicators

	WDGF	XDEF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.00%	-99.30%	+81.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-17.35%	-99.27%	+81.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.60%	-76.16%	+69.56%

Volatility

Volatility by Period

	WDGF	XDEF	Difference
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	22.89%	139.53%	-116.64%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	22.89%	139.53%	-116.64%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.89%	139.53%	-116.64%

WDGF vs. XDEF - Expense Ratio Comparison

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

Dividends

WDGF vs. XDEF - Dividend Comparison

WDGF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.05%, less than XDEF's 1.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025
WDGF WisdomTree Global Defense Fund	0.05%	0.05%
XDEF Xtrackers Europe Defense Technologies ETF	1.54%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both WDGF and XDEF in my portfolio?

WDGF and XDEF have a correlation of 0.81, 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 XDEF?

On fees, XDEF 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 XDEF?

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

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

XDEF has the higher dividend yield at 1.54%, compared with 0.05% for WDGF.

What is the main difference between WDGF and XDEF?

WDGF tracks WisdomTree Global Defense Index, while XDEF tracks STOXX Europe Total Market Defence, Space and Cybersecurity Innovation 50-25 Index. They also come from different issuers: WisdomTree and Xtrackers. Their fees differ too: 0.45% for WDGF and 0.35% for XDEF.