DFUSX vs. XLRE

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

DFUSX (DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both funds - DFUSX is a Large 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, DFUSX returned 15.30%/yr vs 7.15%/yr for XLRE. A 0.54 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. DFUSX charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.

Performance

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) 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, DFUSX achieves a 8.57% return, which is significantly lower than XLRE's 13.17% return. Over the past 10 years, DFUSX has outperformed XLRE with an annualized return of 15.30%, while XLRE has yielded a comparatively lower 7.15% annualized return.

DFUSX

• 1D: 1.80%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 8.57%
• 6M: 8.90%
• 1Y: 25.09%
• 3Y*: 20.99%
• 5Y*: 13.26%
• 10Y*: 15.30%

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)

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
DFUSX DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio	8.57%	17.76%	24.91%	26.28%	-18.14%	28.53%	18.41%	32.08%	-4.45%	21.04%
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 DFUSX and XLRE is 0.26, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.26
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.43
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.57
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2015	0.54

Over the past year, the correlation between DFUSX and XLRE has dropped to 0.26 - well below their long-term average of 0.54, suggesting their price drivers have been diverging.

Return for Risk

DFUSX vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank

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

DFUSX

DFUSX Risk / Return Rank: 74
DFUSX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 74
DFUSX Sortino Ratio Rank: 71
DFUSX Omega Ratio Rank: 70
DFUSX Calmar Ratio Rank: 74
DFUSX Martin Ratio Rank: 84

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.

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) 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.

	DFUSX	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.03	0.81	+1.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.79	1.18	+1.61
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.36	1.15	+0.22
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.76	1.34	+1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	12.54	3.69	+8.85

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DFUSX Sharpe Ratio is 2.03, which is higher than the XLRE Sharpe Ratio of 0.81. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DFUSX 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

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DFUSX drawdown since its inception was -54.96%, which is greater than XLRE's maximum drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DFUSX and XLRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	DFUSX	XLRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-54.96%	-38.83%	-16.13%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.88%	-8.33%	-0.55%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.76%	-16.74%	-2.02%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-24.58%	-34.12%	+9.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-33.79%	-38.83%	+5.04%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.81%	0.00%	-2.81%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.59%	-9.58%	-1.01%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.94%	3.03%	-1.09%

Volatility

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio (DFUSX) is 4.46%, while Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) has a volatility of 4.81%. This indicates that DFUSX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLRE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DFUSX	XLRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.46%	4.81%	-0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.73%	10.20%	-0.47%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.09%	13.83%	-1.74%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.95%	19.10%	-2.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.10%	20.42%	-2.32%

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

DFUSX has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than XLRE's 0.13% 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

DFUSX vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison

DFUSX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.98%, less than XLRE's 3.08% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFUSX DFA U.S. Large Company Portfolio	0.98%	1.04%	1.24%	4.17%	6.24%	6.57%	3.82%	2.74%	2.64%	1.56%	1.95%	2.87%
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 DFUSX and XLRE in my portfolio?

DFUSX and XLRE have a correlation of 0.26, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DFUSX or XLRE?

XLRE has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to DFUSX (4.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DFUSX dropped -54.96% vs XLRE's -38.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFUSX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.03 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.