DFSTX vs. XLRE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFSTX (DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both funds - DFSTX is a Small Cap Blend Equities fund managed by Dimensional, while XLRE is a REIT fund tracking the Real Estate Select Sector Index. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX returned 11.16%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for XLRE. A 0.51 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFSTX charges 0.27%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.

Performance

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DFSTX achieves a 15.82% return, which is significantly higher than XLRE's 13.17% return. Over the past 10 years, DFSTX has outperformed XLRE with an annualized return of 11.16%, while XLRE has yielded a comparatively lower 7.15% annualized return.

DFSTX

• 1D: 2.42%
• 1M: 5.56%
• YTD: 15.82%
• 6M: 13.14%
• 1Y: 31.26%
• 3Y*: 15.72%
• 5Y*: 8.14%
• 10Y*: 11.16%

XLRE

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 3.30%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 12.05%
• 3Y*: 10.41%
• 5Y*: 3.32%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

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

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	15.82%	8.07%	11.50%	17.66%	-13.50%	30.50%	11.19%	21.78%	-13.20%	11.19%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	13.17%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	-26.25%	46.10%	-2.18%	28.68%	-2.39%	10.69%

Correlation

The correlation between DFSTX and XLRE is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.51
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2015	0.51

The correlation between DFSTX and XLRE shifts across timeframes, from 0.48 (1 year) to 0.60 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

DFSTX vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFSTX

DFSTX Risk / Return Rank: 63
DFSTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
DFSTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 59
DFSTX Omega Ratio Rank: 48
DFSTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 82
DFSTX Martin Ratio Rank: 72

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
XLRE 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.

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). 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.

	DFSTX	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.70	0.81	+0.89
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.50	1.18	+1.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.29	1.15	+0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	3.15	1.34	+1.81
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.70	3.69	+7.01

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFSTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.70, which is higher than the XLRE Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFSTX and XLRE, 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

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFSTX drawdown since its inception was -60.99%, which is greater than XLRE's maximum drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFSTX and XLRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFSTX	XLRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-60.99%	-38.83%	-22.16%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.16%	-8.33%	-0.83%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-25.91%	-16.74%	-9.17%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-25.91%	-34.12%	+8.21%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.78%	-38.83%	-5.95%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-8.76%	-9.58%	+0.82%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.70%	3.03%	-0.33%

Volatility

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison

DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio (DFSTX) has a higher volatility of 5.10% compared to Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) at 4.81%. This indicates that DFSTX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than XLRE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFSTX	XLRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.10%	4.81%	+0.29%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	12.02%	10.20%	+1.82%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	17.03%	13.83%	+3.20%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	20.61%	19.10%	+1.51%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	22.09%	20.42%	+1.67%

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFSTX has a 0.27% expense ratio, which is higher than XLRE's 0.13% 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

DFSTX vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison

DFSTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.94%, less than XLRE's 3.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFSTX DFA U.S. Small Cap Portfolio	0.94%	1.08%	1.05%	2.45%	5.18%	6.39%	1.08%	3.30%	5.16%	4.56%	3.10%	5.90%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.08%	3.45%	3.43%	3.31%	3.70%	2.61%	3.15%	3.06%	3.78%	3.25%	4.22%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DFSTX and XLRE in my portfolio?

DFSTX and XLRE have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFSTX or XLRE?

DFSTX has higher volatility (5.10%) compared to XLRE (4.81%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFSTX dropped -60.99% vs XLRE's -38.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFSTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.70 vs 0.81), 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.