BLDG vs. DFGR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

BLDG (Cambria Global Real Estate ETF) and DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, BLDG returned 11.02%/yr vs 11.14%/yr for DFGR. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BLDG charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for DFGR.

Performance

BLDG vs. DFGR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BLDG achieves a 9.76% return, which is significantly lower than DFGR's 10.41% return.

BLDG

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 9.76%
• 6M: 10.36%
• 1Y: 11.23%
• 3Y*: 11.02%
• 5Y*: 2.99%
• 10Y*: —

DFGR

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 6M: 10.83%
• 1Y: 11.18%
• 3Y*: 11.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

BLDG vs. DFGR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
BLDG Cambria Global Real Estate ETF	9.76%	4.26%	8.18%	1.76%	1.75%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	10.41%	7.65%	1.89%	9.64%	-1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between BLDG and DFGR is 0.79, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.79
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.83
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2022	0.84

The correlation between BLDG and DFGR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.79 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

BLDG vs. DFGR — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLDG

BLDG Risk / Return Rank: 27
BLDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
BLDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
BLDG Omega Ratio Rank: 26
BLDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BLDG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

DFGR

DFGR Risk / Return Rank: 27
DFGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
DFGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
DFGR Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DFGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
DFGR Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

BLDG vs. DFGR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG) and Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR). 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.

	BLDG	DFGR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	0.92	+0.06
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	1.32	+0.06
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.17	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	1.23	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.92	4.32	-0.40

BLDG vs. DFGR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLDG Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is comparable to the DFGR Sharpe Ratio of 0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLDG and DFGR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BLDG vs. DFGR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLDG drawdown since its inception was -27.25%, which is greater than DFGR's maximum drawdown of -21.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLDG and DFGR.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLDG	DFGR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.25%	-21.28%	-5.97%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.08%	-9.15%	-0.93%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.57%	-17.57%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.25%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.83%	-1.42%	-0.41%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.15%	-6.22%	-2.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.87%	2.59%	+0.28%

Volatility

BLDG vs. DFGR - Volatility Comparison

Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG) has a higher volatility of 4.60% compared to Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) at 4.22%. This indicates that BLDG's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFGR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BLDG	DFGR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.60%	4.22%	+0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.05%	9.34%	-0.29%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.61%	12.29%	-0.68%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.28%	15.42%	-0.14%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.56%	15.42%	+0.14%

BLDG vs. DFGR - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLDG has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than DFGR's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLDG vs. DFGR - Dividend Comparison

BLDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.35%, more than DFGR's 3.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BLDG Cambria Global Real Estate ETF	5.35%	7.46%	7.97%	4.99%	3.99%	10.40%	0.59%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.85%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BLDG and DFGR in my portfolio?

BLDG and DFGR have a correlation of 0.79, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLDG or DFGR?

BLDG has higher volatility (4.60%) compared to DFGR (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLDG dropped -27.25% vs DFGR's -21.28%.

Which ETF is better, BLDG or DFGR?

On 3-year performance, DFGR leads with 11.14% vs 11.02% for BLDG. On fees, DFGR is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, DFGR has been the lower-risk option at 4.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLDG or DFGR?

Over the 3-year period, DFGR has performed better with a 11.14% return vs 11.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLDG or DFGR?

DFGR is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for BLDG.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, BLDG or DFGR?

BLDG has the higher dividend yield at 5.35%, compared with 3.85% for DFGR.

What is the main difference between BLDG and DFGR?

They also come from different issuers: Cambria and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for BLDG and 0.22% for DFGR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BLDG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs 0.92), 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.