AVRE vs. DFAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVRE (Avantis Real Estate ETF) and DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVRE returned 8.26%/yr vs 9.64%/yr for DFAR. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVRE charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for DFAR.

Performance

AVRE vs. DFAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Real Estate ETF (AVRE) and Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVRE achieves a 7.23% return, which is significantly lower than DFAR's 11.46% return.

AVRE

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -1.25%
• YTD: 7.23%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: 9.59%
• 3Y*: 8.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAR

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.51%
• YTD: 11.46%
• 6M: 10.41%
• 1Y: 11.45%
• 3Y*: 9.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

AVRE vs. DFAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
AVRE Avantis Real Estate ETF	7.23%	8.34%	0.54%	9.10%	-13.61%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	11.46%	1.31%	5.25%	11.04%	-14.30%

Correlation

The correlation between AVRE and DFAR 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 (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.97

The correlation between AVRE and DFAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVRE vs. DFAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVRE	DFAR
Real Estate	99.3%	99.8%
Financial Services	0.1%	0.0%
Utilities	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

AVRE vs. DFAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVRE

AVRE Risk / Return Rank: 23
AVRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
AVRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
AVRE Omega Ratio Rank: 22
AVRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
AVRE Martin Ratio Rank: 27

DFAR

DFAR Risk / Return Rank: 25
DFAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
DFAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DFAR Omega Ratio Rank: 23
DFAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
DFAR Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

AVRE vs. DFAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Real Estate ETF (AVRE) and Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR). 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.

	AVRE	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	0.88	-0.07
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.18	1.25	-0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.16	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.03	1.36	-0.34
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.74	4.29	-0.55
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVRE vs. DFAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is comparable to the DFAR Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVRE and DFAR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	AVRE	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81	0.88	-0.07
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.13	0.15	-0.03

Drawdowns

AVRE vs. DFAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVRE drawdown since its inception was -32.52%, roughly equal to the maximum DFAR drawdown of -32.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVRE and DFAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVRE	DFAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.52%	-32.27%	-0.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.38%	-8.43%	-0.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	-17.64%	+0.30%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.04%	-3.01%	-0.03%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.76%	-14.22%	-0.54%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	2.67%	-0.10%

Volatility

AVRE vs. DFAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis Real Estate ETF (AVRE) is 3.45%, while Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) has a volatility of 3.71%. This indicates that AVRE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVRE	DFAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.45%	3.71%	-0.26%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.96%	9.40%	-0.44%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.90%	13.10%	-1.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.60%	19.13%	-2.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.60%	19.13%	-2.53%

AVRE vs. DFAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVRE has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAR's 0.19% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

AVRE vs. DFAR - Dividend Comparison

AVRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.51%, more than DFAR's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVRE Avantis Real Estate ETF	3.51%	4.30%	3.99%	3.33%	3.78%	0.61%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.77%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVRE and DFAR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, AVRE and DFAR 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 is riskier, AVRE or DFAR?

DFAR has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to AVRE (3.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVRE dropped -32.52% vs DFAR's -32.27%.

Which ETF is better, AVRE or DFAR?

On 3-year performance, DFAR leads with 9.64% vs 8.26% for AVRE. On fees, AVRE is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, AVRE has been the lower-risk option at 3.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVRE or DFAR?

Over the 3-year period, DFAR has performed better with a 9.64% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVRE or DFAR?

AVRE is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for DFAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVRE or DFAR?

AVRE has the higher dividend yield at 3.51%, compared with 2.77% for DFAR.

What is the main difference between AVRE and DFAR?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for AVRE and 0.19% for DFAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.81), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.