DFGR vs. GQRE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) and GQRE (FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund) are both REIT funds. DFGR is actively managed, while GQRE is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, DFGR returned 8.89%/yr vs 10.30%/yr for GQRE. With a 0.96 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFGR charges 0.22%/yr vs 0.45%/yr for GQRE.

Performance

DFGR vs. GQRE - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

The year-to-date returns for both stocks are quite close, with DFGR having a 7.61% return and GQRE slightly lower at 7.34%.

DFGR

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

GQRE

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -1.32%
• YTD: 7.34%
• 6M: 7.63%
• 1Y: 11.71%
• 3Y*: 10.30%
• 5Y*: 1.99%
• 10Y*: 3.78%

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

DFGR vs. GQRE - 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%
GQRE FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund	7.34%	8.27%	6.09%	9.21%	-1.95%

Correlation

The correlation between DFGR and GQRE is 0.95 - 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 8, 2022	0.96

The correlation between DFGR and GQRE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.96 - a consistent structural relationship.

DFGR vs. GQRE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	DFGR	GQRE
Real Estate	99.1%	87.9%
Financial Services	0.1%	2.0%
Technology	0.1%	0.8%
Communication Services	0.0%	0.5%
Consumer Cyclical	0.0%	1.0%
Healthcare	0.0%	0.6%
Industrials	0.0%	0.2%
Consumer Defensive	0.0%	0.5%
Energy	0.0%	-
Utilities	0.0%	0.5%
Basic Materials	-	0.0%

Return for Risk

DFGR vs. GQRE — 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

GQRE

GQRE Risk / Return Rank: 27
GQRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
GQRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
GQRE Omega Ratio Rank: 26
GQRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
GQRE Martin Ratio Rank: 30

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. GQRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) and FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund (GQRE). 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	GQRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.87	1.01	-0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.26	1.43	-0.17
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.18	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.13	1.16	-0.03
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.00	4.42	-0.42
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. GQRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFGR Sharpe Ratio is 0.87, which is comparable to the GQRE Sharpe Ratio of 1.01. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFGR and GQRE, 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	GQRE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.87	1.01	-0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.12	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.21	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.48	0.30	+0.18

Drawdowns

DFGR vs. GQRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFGR drawdown since its inception was -21.28%, smaller than the maximum GQRE drawdown of -41.87%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFGR and GQRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFGR	GQRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-21.28%	-41.87%	+20.59%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.15%	-10.15%	+1.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.57%	-16.17%	-1.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-35.08%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.87%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.76%	-3.43%	+0.67%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-6.30%	-9.24%	+2.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.58%	2.66%	-0.08%

Volatility

DFGR vs. GQRE - Volatility Comparison

Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) and FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund (GQRE) have volatilities of 3.61% and 3.53%, 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	GQRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.61%	3.53%	+0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.75%	8.77%	-0.02%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.86%	11.64%	+0.22%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.42%	16.45%	-1.03%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.42%	17.66%	-2.24%

DFGR vs. GQRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFGR has a 0.22% expense ratio, which is lower than GQRE's 0.45% expense ratio.

Dividends

DFGR vs. GQRE - Dividend Comparison

DFGR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.95%, less than GQRE's 4.36% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.95%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
GQRE FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund	4.36%	4.75%	3.77%	2.91%	2.56%	2.36%	2.05%	4.29%	3.22%	1.97%	4.16%	2.32%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFGR and GQRE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, DFGR and GQRE 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 GQRE?

DFGR has higher volatility (3.61%) compared to GQRE (3.53%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFGR dropped -21.28% vs GQRE's -41.87%.

Which ETF is better, DFGR or GQRE?

On 3-year performance, GQRE leads with 10.30% vs 8.89% for DFGR. On fees, DFGR is cheaper at 0.22% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, DFGR or GQRE?

Over the 3-year period, GQRE has performed better with a 10.30% 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 GQRE?

DFGR is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.45% for GQRE.

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

GQRE has the higher dividend yield at 4.36%, compared with 3.95% for DFGR.

What is the main difference between DFGR and GQRE?

They also come from different issuers: Dimensional and Northern Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.22% for DFGR and 0.45% for GQRE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

GQRE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.01 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.