IVV vs WDGF
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF vs WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF
Quick Verdict
IVV has a lower expense ratio. IVV delivered stronger 1-year returns. IVV offers more diversification with 508 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | IVV | WDGF | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.03% | 0.45% | |
| AUM | $907.0B | $6M | |
| Dividend Yield | 1.10% | 0.05% | |
| Holdings | 508 | 113 | |
| YTD Return | +12.28% | +6.02% | |
| 1Y Return | +20.94% | +8.35% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +21.81% | - | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +13.05% | - | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 15.1% | - | |
| Max Drawdown | -56.5% | -18.0% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | WisdomTree Investments | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | May 15, 2000 | Sep 12, 2025 |
IVV vs WDGF Performance
iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and WisdomTree Global Defense Fund ETF (WDGF) is a ETF from WisdomTree Investments. Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% while WDGF returned +8.35%. Year to date, IVV is up 12.28% versus a gain of 6.02% for WDGF.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -56.5% for IVV and -18.0% for WDGF. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
Fees and Cost Over Time
IVV charges 0.03% per year while WDGF charges 0.45%. On a $10,000 position that is $3 vs $45 annually, a gap of $42 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, IVV currently yields 1.10% against 0.05% for WDGF.
Holdings Overlap
IVV and WDGF share 10 holdings out of 597 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, IVV or WDGF?
IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% while WDGF charges 0.45%. IVV is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $42 per year of difference.
Which performed better, IVV or WDGF?
Over the past year IVV returned +20.94% vs +8.35% for WDGF, so IVV leads on 1-year performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
What is the holdings overlap between IVV and WDGF?
IVV and WDGF share 10 common holdings with a 1.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 597 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, IVV or WDGF?
IVV yields 1.10% while WDGF yields 0.05%, so IVV currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.