DFAR vs. DFAU

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) and DFAU (Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFAR is a REIT fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAU is a Large Cap Blend Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAR returned 11.71%/yr vs 20.24%/yr for DFAU. A 0.57 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAR charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for DFAU.

Performance

DFAR vs. DFAU - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU). 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 DFAU's 8.85% return.

DFAR

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

DFAU

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: -0.82%
• YTD: 8.85%
• 6M: 7.70%
• 1Y: 24.46%
• 3Y*: 20.24%
• 5Y*: 12.38%
• 10Y*: —

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

DFAR vs. DFAU - 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%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	8.85%	16.78%	23.17%	24.79%	-7.04%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAR and DFAU is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.45
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.57

Over the past year, the correlation between DFAR and DFAU has dropped to 0.27 - well below their long-term average of 0.57, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

DFAR vs. DFAU — 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

DFAU

DFAU Risk / Return Rank: 62
DFAU Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
DFAU Sortino Ratio Rank: 58
DFAU Omega Ratio Rank: 59
DFAU Calmar Ratio Rank: 60
DFAU Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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. DFAU - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU). 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	DFAU	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	1.93	-0.96
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	2.63	-1.24
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.35	-0.17
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	2.83	-1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.95	12.54	-7.60

DFAR vs. DFAU - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAR Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is lower than the DFAU Sharpe Ratio of 1.93. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAR and DFAU, 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. DFAU - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAR drawdown since its inception was -32.27%, which is greater than DFAU's maximum drawdown of -23.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAR and DFAU.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAR	DFAU	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.27%	-23.61%	-8.66%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.43%	-8.67%	+0.24%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.64%	-19.36%	+1.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-23.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-2.87%	+1.56%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.05%	-4.96%	-9.09%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	1.95%	+0.74%

Volatility

DFAR vs. DFAU - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF (DFAU) have volatilities of 5.04% and 4.95%, 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

	DFAR	DFAU	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	4.95%	+0.09%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.22%	9.98%	+0.24%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.74%	12.72%	+1.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	17.12%	+2.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	16.78%	+2.38%

DFAR vs. DFAU - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAR has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAU's 0.12% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFAR vs. DFAU - Dividend Comparison

DFAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, more than DFAU's 0.92% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.14%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%	0.00%	0.00%
DFAU Dimensional US Core Equity Market ETF	0.69%	0.95%	1.10%	1.29%	1.40%	1.00%	0.13%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAR and DFAU in my portfolio?

DFAR and DFAU have a correlation of 0.27, 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 DFAU?

DFAR has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to DFAU (4.95%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAR dropped -32.27% vs DFAU's -23.61%.

Which ETF is better, DFAR or DFAU?

On 3-year performance, DFAU leads with 20.24% vs 11.71% for DFAR. On fees, DFAU is cheaper at 0.12% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAR or DFAU?

Over the 3-year period, DFAU has performed better with a 20.24% return vs 11.71%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFAR or DFAU?

DFAU is cheaper with a 0.12% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for DFAR.

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

DFAR has the higher dividend yield at 2.68%, compared with 0.92% for DFAU.

What is the main difference between DFAR and DFAU?

DFAR is categorized as REIT, while DFAU is Large Cap Blend Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for DFAR and 0.12% for DFAU.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAU currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.93 vs 0.98), 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.