CRED vs. DFGR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

CRED (Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF) and DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. CRED is passively managed, while DFGR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, CRED returned 11.05%/yr vs 11.14%/yr for DFGR. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CRED charges 0.33%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for DFGR.

Performance

CRED vs. DFGR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF (CRED) 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, CRED achieves a 16.23% return, which is significantly higher than DFGR's 10.41% return.

CRED

• 1D: 1.13%
• 1M: 1.64%
• YTD: 16.23%
• 6M: 17.22%
• 1Y: 10.72%
• 3Y*: 11.05%
• 5Y*: —
• 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)

CRED vs. DFGR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
CRED Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF	16.23%	-2.30%	5.21%	12.70%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	10.41%	7.65%	1.89%	9.37%

Correlation

The correlation between CRED and DFGR is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 26, 2023	0.94

The correlation between CRED and DFGR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CRED vs. DFGR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CRED

CRED Risk / Return Rank: 24
CRED Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
CRED Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
CRED Omega Ratio Rank: 22
CRED Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
CRED Martin Ratio Rank: 24

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.

CRED vs. DFGR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF (CRED) 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.

	CRED	DFGR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	0.92	-0.11
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.17	1.32	-0.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.17	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	1.23	+0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.92	4.32	-1.40

CRED vs. DFGR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CRED Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is comparable to the DFGR Sharpe Ratio of 0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CRED 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

CRED vs. DFGR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CRED drawdown since its inception was -17.59%, smaller than the maximum DFGR drawdown of -21.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CRED and DFGR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CRED	DFGR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-17.59%	-21.28%	+3.69%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-9.15%	+0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.59%	-17.57%	-0.02%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.13%	-1.42%	+1.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-5.56%	-6.22%	+0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.68%	2.59%	+1.09%

Volatility

CRED vs. DFGR - Volatility Comparison

Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF (CRED) has a higher volatility of 4.80% compared to Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) at 4.22%. This indicates that CRED'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

	CRED	DFGR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.80%	4.22%	+0.58%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	9.34%	+0.70%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.36%	12.29%	+1.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.28%	15.42%	+0.86%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.28%	15.42%	+0.86%

CRED vs. DFGR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CRED has a 0.33% expense ratio, which is higher than DFGR's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

CRED vs. DFGR - Dividend Comparison

CRED's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.38%, more than DFGR's 3.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CRED Columbia Research Enhanced Real Estate ETF	4.38%	5.50%	4.82%	2.72%	0.00%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.85%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CRED and DFGR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, CRED and DFGR 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, CRED or DFGR?

CRED has higher volatility (4.80%) compared to DFGR (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CRED dropped -17.59% vs DFGR's -21.28%.

Which ETF is better, CRED or DFGR?

On 3-year performance, DFGR leads with 11.14% vs 11.05% for CRED. 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, CRED or DFGR?

Over the 3-year period, DFGR has performed better with a 11.14% return vs 11.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CRED or DFGR?

DFGR is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.33% for CRED.

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

CRED has the higher dividend yield at 4.38%, compared with 3.85% for DFGR.

What is the main difference between CRED and DFGR?

They also come from different issuers: Columbia and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.33% for CRED and 0.22% for DFGR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFGR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.92 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.