DFGEX vs. XLRE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFGEX (DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, DFGEX returned 4.11%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for XLRE. Their correlation of 0.93 suggests significant overlap in exposure. DFGEX charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.

Performance

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFGEX achieves a 10.89% return, which is significantly lower than XLRE's 13.17% return. Over the past 10 years, DFGEX has underperformed XLRE with an annualized return of 4.11%, while XLRE has yielded a comparatively higher 7.15% annualized return.

DFGEX

• 1D: 0.35%
• 1M: 3.29%
• YTD: 10.89%
• 6M: 11.70%
• 1Y: 13.17%
• 3Y*: 10.06%
• 5Y*: 2.03%
• 10Y*: 4.11%

XLRE

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 12.05%
• 3Y*: 10.41%
• 5Y*: 3.32%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

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

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFGEX DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio	10.89%	7.92%	1.92%	9.54%	-23.84%	31.03%	-6.71%	26.32%	-4.12%	5.95%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	13.17%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	-26.25%	46.10%	-2.18%	28.68%	-2.39%	10.69%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGEX and XLRE is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.96
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2015	0.93

The correlation between DFGEX and XLRE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFGEX vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFGEX

DFGEX Risk / Return Rank: 23
DFGEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
DFGEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
DFGEX Omega Ratio Rank: 22
DFGEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
DFGEX Martin Ratio Rank: 26

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
XLRE 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.

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). 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.

	DFGEX	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.08	0.81	+0.27
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.54	1.18	+0.37
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.15	+0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	1.34	+0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.97	3.69	+1.27

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGEX Sharpe Ratio is 1.08, which is higher than the XLRE Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGEX and XLRE, 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

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGEX drawdown since its inception was -42.67%, which is greater than XLRE's maximum drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGEX and XLRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGEX	XLRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.67%	-38.83%	-3.84%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-8.33%	-0.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.37%	-16.74%	-0.63%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.78%	-34.12%	+1.34%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.67%	-38.83%	-3.84%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.63%	-9.58%	-0.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	3.03%	-0.45%

Volatility

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX) is 3.97%, while Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) has a volatility of 4.81%. This indicates that DFGEX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLRE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFGEX	XLRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.97%	4.81%	-0.84%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.87%	10.20%	-1.33%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.92%	13.83%	-1.91%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.29%	19.10%	-2.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.72%	20.42%	-2.70%

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGEX has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is higher than XLRE's 0.13% 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

DFGEX vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison

DFGEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.67%, more than XLRE's 3.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFGEX DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio	3.67%	4.07%	3.78%	3.36%	5.70%	4.50%	2.29%	6.95%	5.09%	0.64%	0.32%	2.45%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.08%	3.45%	3.43%	3.31%	3.70%	2.61%	3.15%	3.06%	3.78%	3.25%	4.22%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGEX and XLRE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, DFGEX and XLRE 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, DFGEX or XLRE?

XLRE has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to DFGEX (3.97%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGEX dropped -42.67% vs XLRE's -38.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFGEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.08 vs 0.81), 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.