DFGR vs. DFAW

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) and DFAW (Dimensional World Equity ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFGR is a REIT fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFAW is a Global Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, DFGR returned 11.18% vs 26.81% for DFAW. A 0.59 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFGR charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.25%/yr for DFAW.

Performance

DFGR vs. DFAW - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with DFGR having a 10.41% return and DFAW slightly higher at 10.74%.

DFGR

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 6M: 10.83%
• 1Y: 11.18%
• 3Y*: 11.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

DFAW

• 1D: -1.93%
• 1M: -0.34%
• YTD: 10.74%
• 6M: 9.89%
• 1Y: 26.81%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFGR vs. DFAW - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	10.41%	7.65%	1.89%	17.88%
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	10.74%	20.62%	15.49%	11.44%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGR and DFAW is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 27, 2023	0.59

The correlation between DFGR and DFAW has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.49 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFGR vs. DFAW — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFGR

DFGR Risk / Return Rank: 27
DFGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
DFGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
DFGR Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DFGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
DFGR Martin Ratio Rank: 31

DFAW

DFAW Risk / Return Rank: 67
DFAW Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Sortino Ratio Rank: 65
DFAW Omega Ratio Rank: 67
DFAW Calmar Ratio Rank: 64
DFAW Martin Ratio Rank: 73

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. DFAW - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

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

	DFGR	DFAW	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	2.11	-1.19
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	2.88	-1.56
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.38	-0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	3.03	-1.80
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.32	13.17	-8.85

DFGR vs. DFAW - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGR Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is lower than the DFAW Sharpe Ratio of 2.11. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGR and DFAW, 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

DFGR vs. DFAW - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGR drawdown since its inception was -21.28%, which is greater than DFAW's maximum drawdown of -16.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGR and DFAW.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGR	DFAW	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.28%	-16.93%	-4.35%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-8.88%	-0.27%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.57%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-2.47%	+1.05%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.22%	-1.70%	-4.52%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	2.04%	+0.55%

Volatility

DFGR vs. DFAW - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) is 4.22%, while Dimensional World Equity ETF (DFAW) has a volatility of 5.21%. This indicates that DFGR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAW based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFGR	DFAW	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	5.21%	-0.99%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.34%	10.45%	-1.11%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.29%	12.82%	-0.53%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	14.61%	+0.81%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.42%	14.61%	+0.81%

DFGR vs. DFAW - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGR has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAW's 0.25% 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

DFGR vs. DFAW - Dividend Comparison

DFGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.85%, more than DFAW's 1.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFAW Dimensional World Equity ETF	1.57%	1.71%	1.47%	0.42%	0.00%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.85%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGR and DFAW in my portfolio?

DFGR and DFAW have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFGR or DFAW?

DFAW has higher volatility (5.21%) compared to DFGR (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGR dropped -21.28% vs DFAW's -16.93%.

Which ETF is better, DFGR or DFAW?

On 1-year performance, DFAW leads with 26.81% vs 11.18% for DFGR. On fees, DFGR is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, DFGR has been the lower-risk option at 4.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFGR or DFAW?

Over the 1-year period, DFAW has performed better with a 26.81% return vs 11.18%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGR or DFAW?

DFGR is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.25% for DFAW.

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

DFGR has the higher dividend yield at 3.85%, compared with 1.57% for DFAW.

What is the main difference between DFGR and DFAW?

DFGR is categorized as REIT, while DFAW is Global Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFGR and 0.25% for DFAW.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAW currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.11 vs 0.92), 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.