DFGR vs. DFIC

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) and DFIC (DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - DFGR is a REIT fund actively managed by Dimensional, while DFIC is a Foreign Large Cap Equities fund actively managed by Dimensional. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFGR returned 11.14%/yr vs 18.77%/yr for DFIC. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.22% expense ratio.

Performance

DFGR vs. DFIC - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFGR achieves a 10.41% return, which is significantly higher than DFIC's 7.68% return.

DFGR

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

DFIC

• 1D: -2.96%
• 1M: -2.35%
• YTD: 7.68%
• 6M: 7.21%
• 1Y: 24.23%
• 3Y*: 18.77%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFGR vs. DFIC - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	10.41%	7.65%	1.89%	9.64%	-1.20%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	7.68%	37.09%	4.10%	17.32%	-0.19%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGR and DFIC is 0.59, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.59
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2022	0.63

The correlation between DFGR and DFIC has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.59 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFGR vs. DFIC — 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

DFIC

DFIC Risk / Return Rank: 50
DFIC Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
DFIC Sortino Ratio Rank: 49
DFIC Omega Ratio Rank: 50
DFIC Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
DFIC Martin Ratio Rank: 52

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. DFIC - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) and DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC). 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	DFIC	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.92	1.67	-0.75
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.32	2.31	-0.99
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.31	-0.14
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.23	2.21	-0.99
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.32	8.69	-4.37

DFGR vs. DFIC - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGR Sharpe Ratio is 0.92, which is lower than the DFIC Sharpe Ratio of 1.67. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGR and DFIC, 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. DFIC - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGR drawdown since its inception was -21.28%, smaller than the maximum DFIC drawdown of -24.40%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGR and DFIC.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGR	DFIC	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.28%	-24.40%	+3.12%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-11.00%	+1.85%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.57%	-13.14%	-4.43%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.42%	-3.66%	+2.24%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.22%	-4.51%	-1.71%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.59%	2.79%	-0.20%

Volatility

DFGR vs. DFIC - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) is 4.22%, while DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF (DFIC) has a volatility of 5.44%. This indicates that DFGR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFIC based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFGR	DFIC	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.22%	5.44%	-1.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.34%	12.46%	-3.12%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.29%	14.60%	-2.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	16.29%	-0.87%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.42%	16.29%	-0.87%

DFGR vs. DFIC - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both DFGR and DFIC have an expense ratio of 0.22%, making them cost-effective options compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios typically range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

DFGR vs. DFIC - Dividend Comparison

DFGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.85%, more than DFIC's 2.33% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.85%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%
DFIC DFA Dimensional International Core Equity 2 ETF	2.33%	2.54%	2.87%	2.55%	1.47%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGR and DFIC in my portfolio?

DFGR and DFIC have a correlation of 0.59, 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 DFIC?

DFIC has higher volatility (5.44%) compared to DFGR (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGR dropped -21.28% vs DFIC's -24.40%.

Which ETF is better, DFGR or DFIC?

On 3-year performance, DFIC leads with 18.77% vs 11.14% for DFGR. Both ETFs have the same 0.22% expense ratio. 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 DFIC?

Over the 3-year period, DFIC has performed better with a 18.77% return vs 11.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, DFGR or DFIC?

DFGR and DFIC have the same expense ratio: 0.22% per year.

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

DFGR has the higher dividend yield at 3.85%, compared with 2.33% for DFIC.

What is the main difference between DFGR and DFIC?

DFGR is categorized as REIT, while DFIC is Foreign Large Cap Equities.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFIC currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.67 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.