DFAR vs. DFITX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) and DFITX (DFA International Real Estate Securities) are both REIT funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFAR returned 11.71%/yr vs 8.34%/yr for DFITX. A 0.60 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFAR charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.27%/yr for DFITX.

Performance

DFAR vs. DFITX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX). 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 DFITX's -1.32% return.

DFAR

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

DFITX

• 1D: 0.00%
• 1M: 0.00%
• YTD: -1.32%
• 6M: -1.58%
• 1Y: 4.38%
• 3Y*: 8.34%
• 5Y*: -0.88%
• 10Y*: 2.20%

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

DFAR vs. DFITX - 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%
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	-1.32%	24.65%	-7.70%	5.96%	-15.68%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAR and DFITX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.60

The correlation between DFAR and DFITX shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.60 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFAR vs. DFITX — 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

DFITX

DFITX Risk / Return Rank: 6
DFITX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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. DFITX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX). 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	DFITX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	0.45	+0.52
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	0.74	+0.65
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.09	+0.09
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	0.45	+1.14
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.95	1.39	+3.56

DFAR vs. DFITX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAR Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is higher than the DFITX Sharpe Ratio of 0.45. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAR and DFITX, 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. DFITX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAR drawdown since its inception was -32.27%, smaller than the maximum DFITX drawdown of -73.49%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAR and DFITX.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAR	DFITX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.27%	-73.49%	+41.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.43%	-12.31%	+3.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.64%	-18.04%	+0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.84%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-45.26%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-7.97%	+6.66%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.05%	-18.06%	+4.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	3.96%	-1.27%

Volatility

DFAR vs. DFITX - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) has a higher volatility of 5.04% compared to DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) at 3.73%. This indicates that DFAR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFITX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFAR	DFITX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	3.73%	+1.31%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.22%	10.02%	+0.20%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.74%	12.22%	+1.52%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	15.06%	+4.10%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	16.46%	+2.70%

DFAR vs. DFITX - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAR has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is lower than DFITX's 0.27% expense ratio. Despite the difference, 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. DFITX - Dividend Comparison

DFAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, less than DFITX's 6.76% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.68%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	6.76%	6.67%	6.24%	5.05%	0.00%	7.86%	0.00%	12.86%	5.99%	4.21%	8.62%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAR and DFITX in my portfolio?

DFAR and DFITX have a correlation of 0.48, 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 DFITX?

DFAR has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to DFITX (3.73%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAR dropped -32.27% vs DFITX's -73.49%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.98 vs 0.45), 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.