DLR vs. VPN

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

DLR (Digital Realty Trust, Inc.) is a stock, while VPN (Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF) is Technology Equities fund tracking the Solactive Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure Index. Over the past 5 years, DLR returned 8.83%/yr vs 15.43%/yr for VPN. A 0.68 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined.

Performance

DLR vs. VPN - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) and Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, DLR achieves a 28.10% return, which is significantly lower than VPN's 53.84% return.

DLR

• 1D: 3.93%
• 1M: 2.51%
• YTD: 28.10%
• 6M: 29.10%
• 1Y: 14.69%
• 3Y*: 27.26%
• 5Y*: 8.83%
• 10Y*: 10.28%

VPN

• 1D: 1.69%
• 1M: 6.53%
• YTD: 53.84%
• 6M: 55.86%
• 1Y: 81.04%
• 3Y*: 36.86%
• 5Y*: 15.43%
• 10Y*: —

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

DLR vs. VPN - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
DLR Digital Realty Trust, Inc.	28.10%	-10.07%	35.90%	39.95%	-41.00%	30.66%	-6.11%
VPN Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF	53.84%	28.99%	14.92%	18.93%	-30.89%	20.35%	6.60%

Correlation

The correlation between DLR and VPN is 0.60, 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	0.60
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.64
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.70
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 29, 2020	0.68

The correlation between DLR and VPN has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.60 to 0.69 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

DLR vs. VPN — Risk / Return Rank

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

DLR

DLR Risk / Return Rank: 60
DLR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 63
DLR Sortino Ratio Rank: 57
DLR Omega Ratio Rank: 54
DLR Calmar Ratio Rank: 61
DLR Martin Ratio Rank: 63

VPN

VPN Risk / Return Rank: 92
VPN Sharpe Ratio Rank: 95
VPN Sortino Ratio Rank: 92
VPN Omega Ratio Rank: 90
VPN Calmar Ratio Rank: 93
VPN Martin Ratio Rank: 90

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.

DLR vs. VPN - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) and Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN). 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.

	DLR	VPN	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.63	3.54	-2.91
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.06	4.19	-3.13
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.55	-0.43
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.88	6.32	-5.44
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.14	19.47	-17.33

DLR vs. VPN - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current DLR Sharpe Ratio is 0.63, which is lower than the VPN Sharpe Ratio of 3.54. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of DLR and VPN, 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

DLR vs. VPN - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum DLR drawdown since its inception was -56.80%, which is greater than VPN's maximum drawdown of -38.98%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for DLR and VPN.

Drawdown Indicators

	DLR	VPN	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-56.80%	-38.98%	-17.82%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-16.83%	-12.89%	-3.94%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-29.40%	-24.96%	-4.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-48.52%	-38.98%	-9.54%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-48.52%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.47%	0.00%	-3.47%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.13%	-12.28%	+1.15%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	6.89%	4.18%	+2.71%

Volatility

DLR vs. VPN - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Digital Realty Trust, Inc. (DLR) is 8.70%, while Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF (VPN) has a volatility of 9.19%. This indicates that DLR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VPN based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	DLR	VPN	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	8.70%	9.19%	-0.49%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	16.54%	18.21%	-1.67%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	23.39%	23.08%	+0.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	28.67%	22.11%	+6.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	28.25%	22.07%	+6.18%

Dividends

DLR vs. VPN - Dividend Comparison

DLR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.50%, more than VPN's 0.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DLR Digital Realty Trust, Inc.	2.50%	3.15%	2.75%	3.63%	4.87%	2.62%	3.21%	3.61%	3.79%	3.27%	3.58%	4.50%
VPN Global X Data Center REITs & Digital Infrastructure ETF	0.71%	1.10%	1.72%	1.18%	2.57%	1.27%	0.30%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both DLR and VPN in my portfolio?

DLR and VPN have a correlation of 0.60, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, DLR or VPN?

VPN has higher volatility (9.19%) compared to DLR (8.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, DLR dropped -56.80% vs VPN's -38.98%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VPN currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (3.54 vs 0.63), 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.