DFITX vs. DFAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

DFITX (DFA International Real Estate Securities) and DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFITX returned 6.64%/yr vs 9.64%/yr for DFAR. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFITX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for DFAR.

Performance

DFITX vs. DFAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) 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, DFITX achieves a -1.32% return, which is significantly lower than DFAR's 11.46% return.

DFITX

• 1D: -0.27%
• 1M: -1.06%
• YTD: -1.32%
• 6M: 0.20%
• 1Y: 6.32%
• 3Y*: 6.64%
• 5Y*: -0.80%
• 10Y*: 1.69%

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)

DFITX vs. DFAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	-1.32%	24.65%	-7.70%	5.96%	-15.10%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	11.46%	1.31%	5.25%	11.04%	-14.30%

Correlation

The correlation between DFITX and DFAR is 0.50, 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	0.50
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.61

The correlation between DFITX and DFAR shifts across timeframes, from 0.50 (1 year) to 0.61 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFITX vs. DFAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFITX

DFITX Risk / Return Rank: 6
DFITX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
DFITX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
DFITX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

DFITX vs. DFAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) 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.

	DFITX	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.46	0.88	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.76	1.25	-0.50
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.16	-0.07
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.45	1.36	-0.92
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.49	4.29	-2.80
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

DFITX vs. DFAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFITX Sharpe Ratio is 0.46, which is lower than the DFAR Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFITX 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

	DFITX	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.46	0.88	-0.41
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.05	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.10	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.10	0.15	-0.05

Drawdowns

DFITX vs. DFAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFITX drawdown since its inception was -73.49%, which is greater than DFAR's maximum drawdown of -32.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFITX and DFAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFITX	DFAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.49%	-32.27%	-41.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-12.31%	-8.43%	-3.88%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.04%	-17.64%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.84%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-45.26%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-7.97%	-3.01%	-4.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.10%	-14.22%	-3.88%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.70%	2.67%	+1.03%

Volatility

DFITX vs. DFAR - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA International Real Estate Securities (DFITX) is 3.41%, while Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) has a volatility of 3.71%. This indicates that DFITX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than DFAR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFITX	DFAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.41%	3.71%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.67%	9.40%	+0.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.98%	13.10%	-1.12%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.05%	19.13%	-4.08%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.47%	19.13%	-2.66%

DFITX vs. DFAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFITX has a 0.27% 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

DFITX vs. DFAR - Dividend Comparison

DFITX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.76%, more than DFAR's 2.77% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.77%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFITX DFA International Real Estate Securities	6.76%	6.67%	6.24%	5.05%	0.00%	7.86%	0.00%	12.86%	5.99%	4.21%	8.62%	1.79%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFITX and DFAR in my portfolio?

DFITX and DFAR have a correlation of 0.50, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFITX or DFAR?

DFAR has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to DFITX (3.41%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFITX dropped -73.49% vs DFAR's -32.27%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.46), 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.