DFAR vs. USRT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) and USRT (iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF) are both REIT funds. DFAR is actively managed, while USRT is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFAR returned 11.71%/yr vs 14.08%/yr for USRT. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFAR charges 0.19%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for USRT.

Performance

DFAR vs. USRT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT). 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 lower than USRT's 17.49% return.

DFAR

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

USRT

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: 1.84%
• YTD: 17.49%
• 6M: 17.97%
• 1Y: 18.57%
• 3Y*: 14.08%
• 5Y*: 5.53%
• 10Y*: 6.53%

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

DFAR vs. USRT - 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%
USRT iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF	17.49%	2.44%	8.58%	13.64%	-14.18%

Correlation

The correlation between DFAR and USRT is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	0.98

The correlation between DFAR and USRT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFAR vs. USRT — 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

USRT

USRT Risk / Return Rank: 42
USRT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
USRT Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
USRT Omega Ratio Rank: 37
USRT Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
USRT Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. USRT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT). 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	USRT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.98	1.35	-0.37
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.39	1.87	-0.49
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.24	-0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.58	2.32	-0.74
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.95	7.44	-2.49

DFAR vs. USRT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFAR Sharpe Ratio is 0.98, which is comparable to the USRT Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFAR and USRT, 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. USRT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFAR drawdown since its inception was -32.27%, smaller than the maximum USRT drawdown of -69.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFAR and USRT.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFAR	USRT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.27%	-69.92%	+37.65%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.43%	-8.04%	-0.39%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.64%	-18.70%	+1.06%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.31%	-0.25%	-1.06%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.05%	-12.94%	-1.11%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.69%	2.50%	+0.19%

Volatility

DFAR vs. USRT - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT) have volatilities of 5.04% and 5.19%, 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	USRT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.04%	5.19%	-0.15%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.22%	10.06%	+0.16%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.74%	13.89%	-0.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.16%	18.93%	+0.23%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	19.16%	21.33%	-2.17%

DFAR vs. USRT - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFAR has a 0.19% expense ratio, which is higher than USRT's 0.08% 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. USRT - Dividend Comparison

DFAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.68%, more than USRT's 2.57% 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%
USRT iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF	2.57%	3.07%	2.85%	3.18%	3.46%	2.27%	3.12%	3.34%	5.66%	3.44%	3.98%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFAR and USRT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DFAR and USRT 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, DFAR or USRT?

USRT has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to DFAR (5.04%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFAR dropped -32.27% vs USRT's -69.92%.

Which ETF is better, DFAR or USRT?

On 3-year performance, USRT leads with 14.08% vs 11.71% for DFAR. On fees, USRT is cheaper at 0.08% per year. On volatility, DFAR has been the lower-risk option at 5.04%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFAR or USRT?

Over the 3-year period, USRT has performed better with a 14.08% 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 USRT?

USRT is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for DFAR.

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

DFAR has the higher dividend yield at 2.68%, compared with 2.57% for USRT.

What is the main difference between DFAR and USRT?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.19% for DFAR and 0.08% for USRT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USRT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 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.