DFGR vs. DFAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) and DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds from Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFGR returned 8.89%/yr vs 9.64%/yr for DFAR. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFGR charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for DFAR.

Performance

DFGR vs. DFAR - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFGR achieves a 7.61% return, which is significantly lower than DFAR's 11.46% return.

DFGR

• 1D: -0.28%
• 1M: -1.00%
• YTD: 7.61%
• 6M: 7.46%
• 1Y: 10.27%
• 3Y*: 8.89%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAR

• 1D: -0.04%
• 1M: -0.51%
• YTD: 11.46%
• 6M: 10.41%
• 1Y: 11.45%
• 3Y*: 9.64%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFGR vs. DFAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	7.61%	7.65%	1.89%	9.64%	-1.24%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	11.46%	1.31%	5.25%	11.04%	-2.02%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGR and DFAR is 0.96 - 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	0.96
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2022	0.97

The correlation between DFGR and DFAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.96 to 0.97 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFGR vs. DFAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFGR	DFAR
Real Estate	99.1%	99.8%
Financial Services	0.1%	0.0%
Technology	0.1%	-
Communication Services	0.0%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	-
Healthcare	0.0%	-
Industrials	0.0%	-
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	-
Energy	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	-
Basic Materials	-	-

Return for Risk

DFGR vs. DFAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFGR

DFGR Risk / Return Rank: 24
DFGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
DFGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DFGR Omega Ratio Rank: 23
DFGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
DFGR Martin Ratio Rank: 28

DFAR

DFAR Risk / Return Rank: 25
DFAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
DFAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 23
DFAR Omega Ratio Rank: 23
DFAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
DFAR 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.

DFGR vs. DFAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFGR	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	0.88	-0.01
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	1.25	+0.01
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.16	0.00
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	1.36	-0.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.00	4.29	-0.29
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFGR vs. DFAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGR Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is comparable to the DFAR Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGR and DFAR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	DFGR	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87	0.88	-0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.15	+0.32

Drawdowns

DFGR vs. DFAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGR drawdown since its inception was -21.28%, smaller than the maximum DFAR drawdown of -32.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGR and DFAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGR	DFAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.28%	-32.27%	+10.99%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-8.43%	-0.72%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.57%	-17.64%	+0.07%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-3.01%	+0.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	-14.22%	+7.92%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.67%	-0.09%

Volatility

DFGR vs. DFAR - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) and Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) have volatilities of 3.61% and 3.71%, 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

	DFGR	DFAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.61%	3.71%	-0.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.75%	9.40%	-0.65%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.86%	13.10%	-1.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	19.13%	-3.71%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.42%	19.13%	-3.71%

DFGR vs. DFAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGR has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than DFAR's 0.19% 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

DFGR vs. DFAR - Dividend Comparison

DFGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.95%, more than DFAR's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.77%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.95%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGR and DFAR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.96, DFGR and DFAR 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, DFGR or DFAR?

DFAR has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to DFGR (3.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGR dropped -21.28% vs DFAR's -32.27%.

Which ETF is better, DFGR or DFAR?

On 3-year performance, DFAR leads with 9.64% vs 8.89% for DFGR. On fees, DFAR is cheaper at 0.19% per year. On volatility, DFGR has been the lower-risk option at 3.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFGR or DFAR?

Over the 3-year period, DFAR has performed better with a 9.64% return vs 8.89%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGR or DFAR?

DFAR is cheaper with a 0.19% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFGR.

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

DFGR has the higher dividend yield at 3.95%, compared with 2.77% for DFAR.

What is the main difference between DFGR and DFAR?

Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFGR and 0.19% for DFAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.87), 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.