CSRE vs. DFAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

CSRE (Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF) and DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, CSRE returned 10.86% vs 11.45% for DFAR. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CSRE charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for DFAR.

Performance

CSRE vs. DFAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) 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, CSRE achieves a 9.87% return, which is significantly lower than DFAR's 11.46% return.

CSRE

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -1.86%
• YTD: 9.87%
• 6M: 8.55%
• 1Y: 10.86%
• 3Y*: —
• 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)

CSRE vs. DFAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSRE Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF	9.87%	3.27%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	11.46%	-0.49%

Correlation

The correlation between CSRE and DFAR is 0.93, 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	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 6, 2025	0.95

The correlation between CSRE and DFAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CSRE vs. DFAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

CSRE

CSRE Risk / Return Rank: 26
CSRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
CSRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
CSRE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
CSRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
CSRE Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

CSRE vs. DFAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) 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.

	CSRE	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.84	0.88	-0.04
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.20	1.25	-0.05
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.16	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.29	1.36	-0.07
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.17	4.29	-0.12
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

CSRE vs. DFAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.84, which is comparable to the DFAR Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSRE 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

	CSRE	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.84	0.88	-0.04
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.65	0.15	+0.50

Drawdowns

CSRE vs. DFAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSRE drawdown since its inception was -13.03%, smaller than the maximum DFAR drawdown of -32.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSRE and DFAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSRE	DFAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.03%	-32.27%	+19.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.44%	-8.43%	-0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.64%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.46%	-3.01%	-0.45%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.29%	-14.22%	+11.93%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.61%	2.67%	-0.06%

Volatility

CSRE vs. DFAR - Volatility Comparison

Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) and Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) have volatilities of 3.56% and 3.71%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CSRE	DFAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.56%	3.71%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.53%	9.40%	+0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.00%	13.10%	-0.10%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.45%	19.13%	-3.68%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.45%	19.13%	-3.68%

CSRE vs. DFAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSRE has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAR's 0.19% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSRE vs. DFAR - Dividend Comparison

CSRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.30%, less than DFAR's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
CSRE Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF	2.30%	2.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.77%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSRE and DFAR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, CSRE 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, CSRE or DFAR?

DFAR has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to CSRE (3.56%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSRE dropped -13.03% vs DFAR's -32.27%.

Which ETF is better, CSRE or DFAR?

On 1-year performance, DFAR leads with 11.45% vs 10.86% for CSRE. On fees, DFAR is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, CSRE has been the lower-risk option at 3.56%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSRE or DFAR?

Over the 1-year period, DFAR has performed better with a 11.45% return vs 10.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSRE or DFAR?

DFAR is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for CSRE.

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

DFAR has the higher dividend yield at 2.77%, compared with 2.30% for CSRE.

What is the main difference between CSRE and DFAR?

They also come from different issuers: Cohen & Steers and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for CSRE and 0.19% for DFAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.84), 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.