DFREX vs. DFAR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

DFREX (DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio Class I) and DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds from Dimensional. Over the past 3 years, DFREX returned 11.56%/yr vs 11.71%/yr for DFAR. With a 1.00 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. DFREX charges 0.18%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for DFAR.

Performance

DFREX vs. DFAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio Class I (DFREX) 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, DFREX achieves a 14.08% return, which is significantly lower than DFAR's 15.09% return.

DFREX

• 1D: 1.19%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 14.08%
• 6M: 14.69%
• 1Y: 12.08%
• 3Y*: 11.56%
• 5Y*: 3.38%
• 10Y*: 5.82%

DFAR

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 0.69%
• YTD: 15.09%
• 6M: 15.60%
• 1Y: 13.30%
• 3Y*: 11.71%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

DFREX vs. DFAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
DFREX DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio Class I	14.08%	1.52%	5.52%	11.20%	-12.99%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	15.09%	1.31%	5.25%	11.04%	-12.16%

Correlation

The correlation between DFREX and DFAR is 0.98 - 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	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 24, 2022	1.00

The correlation between DFREX and DFAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 1.00 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DFREX vs. DFAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFREX

DFREX Risk / Return Rank: 17
DFREX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 14
DFREX Sortino Ratio Rank: 14
DFREX Omega Ratio Rank: 14
DFREX Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
DFREX Martin Ratio Rank: 22

DFAR

DFAR Risk / Return Rank: 30
DFAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
DFAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
DFAR Omega Ratio Rank: 26
DFAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
DFAR Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

DFREX vs. DFAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio Class I (DFREX) 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.

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.

	DFREX	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	0.98	+0.02
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.42	1.39	+0.03
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.18	1.18	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.63	1.58	+0.05
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.03	4.95	+0.08

DFREX vs. DFAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFREX Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is comparable to the DFAR Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFREX 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.

Drawdowns

DFREX vs. DFAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFREX drawdown since its inception was -74.36%, which is greater than DFAR's maximum drawdown of -32.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFREX and DFAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFREX	DFAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-74.36%	-32.27%	-42.09%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.40%	-8.43%	+0.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.64%	-17.64%	0.00%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.11%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.49%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.04%	-1.31%	-0.73%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.32%	-14.05%	+2.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.71%	2.69%	+0.02%

Volatility

DFREX vs. DFAR - Volatility Comparison

DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio Class I (DFREX) and Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) have volatilities of 5.01% and 5.04%, 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

	DFREX	DFAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.01%	5.04%	-0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.27%	10.22%	+0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.74%	13.74%	0.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.73%	19.16%	-0.43%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.34%	19.16%	+1.18%

DFREX vs. DFAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFREX has a 0.18% expense ratio, which is lower than DFAR's 0.19% 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

DFREX vs. DFAR - Dividend Comparison

DFREX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.54%, less than DFAR's 2.68% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	2.68%	2.97%	2.89%	3.06%	1.69%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
DFREX DFA Real Estate Securities Portfolio Class I	2.54%	2.84%	2.97%	3.59%	6.24%	2.56%	3.36%	2.23%	4.88%	1.89%	2.83%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFREX and DFAR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, DFREX and DFAR 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, DFREX or DFAR?

DFAR has higher volatility (5.04%) compared to DFREX (5.01%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFREX dropped -74.36% vs DFAR's -32.27%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFREX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.00 vs 0.98), 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.