DFAR vs. BLDG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) and BLDG (Cambria Global Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAR returned 11.71%/yr vs 11.02%/yr for BLDG. Their correlation of 0.83 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFAR charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.59%/yr for BLDG.

Performance

DFAR vs. BLDG - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFAR achieves a 15.09% return, which is significantly higher than BLDG's 9.76% return.

DFAR

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: 15.09%
• 6M: 15.60%
• 1Y: 13.30%
• 3Y*: 11.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BLDG

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

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

DFAR vs. BLDG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	15.09%	1.31%	5.25%	11.04%	-12.16%
BLDG Cambria Global Real Estate ETF	9.76%	4.26%	8.18%	1.76%	-10.05%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAR and BLDG is 0.75, 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	0.75
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.79
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.83

The correlation between DFAR and BLDG has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.75 to 0.83 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFAR vs. BLDG — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFAR

DFAR Risk / Return Rank: 30
DFAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
DFAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
DFAR Omega Ratio Rank: 26
DFAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DFAR Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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

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.

DFAR vs. BLDG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFAR	BLDG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	0.98	0.00
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	1.39	0.00
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.17	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	1.12	+0.47
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.95	3.92	+1.02

DFAR vs. BLDG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAR Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is comparable to the BLDG Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAR and BLDG, 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

DFAR vs. BLDG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAR drawdown since its inception was -32.27%, which is greater than BLDG's maximum drawdown of -27.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAR and BLDG.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAR	BLDG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.27%	-27.25%	-5.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.43%	-10.08%	+1.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.64%	-18.57%	+0.93%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-1.83%	+0.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.05%	-9.15%	-4.90%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	2.87%	-0.18%

Volatility

DFAR vs. BLDG - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) has a higher volatility of 5.04% compared to Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG) at 4.60%. This indicates that DFAR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than BLDG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAR	BLDG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	4.60%	+0.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.22%	9.05%	+1.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.74%	11.61%	+2.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	15.28%	+3.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	15.56%	+3.60%

DFAR vs. BLDG - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAR has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than BLDG's 0.59% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFAR vs. BLDG - Dividend Comparison

DFAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, less than BLDG's 5.35% 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%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.68%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAR and BLDG in my portfolio?

DFAR and BLDG have a correlation of 0.75, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFAR or BLDG?

DFAR has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to BLDG (4.60%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAR dropped -32.27% vs BLDG's -27.25%.

Which ETF is better, DFAR or BLDG?

On 3-year performance, DFAR leads with 11.71% vs 11.02% for BLDG. On fees, DFAR is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, BLDG has been the lower-risk option at 4.60%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAR or BLDG?

Over the 3-year period, DFAR has performed better with a 11.71% return vs 11.02%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAR or BLDG?

DFAR is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for BLDG.

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

BLDG has the higher dividend yield at 5.35%, compared with 2.68% for DFAR.

What is the main difference between DFAR and BLDG?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Cambria. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for DFAR and 0.59% for BLDG.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.98 vs 0.97), 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.