DFGR vs. DFCF

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) and DFCF (Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFGR is a REIT fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFCF is a Intermediate Core Bond fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFGR returned 8.89%/yr vs 4.79%/yr for DFCF. At a 0.41 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. DFGR charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.17%/yr for DFCF.

Performance

DFGR vs. DFCF - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). 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 higher than DFCF's 0.37% return.

DFGR

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

DFCF

• 1D: -0.19%
• 1M: 0.32%
• YTD: 0.37%
• 6M: 0.21%
• 1Y: 5.78%
• 3Y*: 4.79%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFGR vs. DFCF - 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%
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	0.37%	7.89%	1.86%	6.94%	-1.63%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGR and DFCF is 0.45, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.46
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2022	0.41

Return for Risk

DFGR vs. DFCF — 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

DFCF

DFCF Risk / Return Rank: 40
DFCF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
DFCF Sortino Ratio Rank: 41
DFCF Omega Ratio Rank: 38
DFCF Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
DFCF Martin Ratio Rank: 40

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. DFCF - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) and Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF). 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	DFCF	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	1.46	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	2.14	-0.88
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.25	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	2.08	-0.95
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.00	6.32	-2.33
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. DFCF - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGR Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is lower than the DFCF Sharpe Ratio of 1.46. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGR and DFCF, 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	DFCF	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87	1.46	-0.58
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.04	+0.44

Drawdowns

DFGR vs. DFCF - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGR drawdown since its inception was -21.28%, which is greater than DFCF's maximum drawdown of -19.56%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGR and DFCF.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGR	DFCF	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.28%	-19.56%	-1.72%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-2.79%	-6.36%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.57%	-5.05%	-12.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-1.46%	-1.30%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	-8.04%	+1.74%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	0.92%	+1.66%

Volatility

DFGR vs. DFCF - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) has a higher volatility of 3.61% compared to Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF (DFCF) at 1.36%. This indicates that DFGR's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFCF based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFGR	DFCF	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.61%	1.36%	+2.25%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.75%	2.90%	+5.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.86%	3.99%	+7.87%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	6.46%	+8.96%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.42%	6.46%	+8.96%

DFGR vs. DFCF - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGR has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is higher than DFCF's 0.17% 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. DFCF - Dividend Comparison

DFGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.95%, less than DFCF's 4.31% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFCF Dimensional Core Fixed Income ETF	4.31%	4.48%	4.61%	4.51%	3.27%	0.16%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.95%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGR and DFCF in my portfolio?

DFGR and DFCF have a correlation of 0.45, 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 DFCF?

DFGR has higher volatility (3.61%) compared to DFCF (1.36%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGR dropped -21.28% vs DFCF's -19.56%.

Which ETF is better, DFGR or DFCF?

On 3-year performance, DFGR leads with 8.89% vs 4.79% for DFCF. On fees, DFCF is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, DFCF has been the lower-risk option at 1.36%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFGR or DFCF?

Over the 3-year period, DFGR has performed better with a 8.89% return vs 4.79%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGR or DFCF?

DFCF is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.22% for DFGR.

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

DFCF has the higher dividend yield at 4.31%, compared with 3.95% for DFGR.

What is the main difference between DFGR and DFCF?

DFGR is categorized as REIT, while DFCF is Intermediate Core Bond. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFGR and 0.17% for DFCF.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFCF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.46 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.