FREL vs. DFAR

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

FREL (Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF) and DFAR (Dimensional US Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. FREL is passively managed, while DFAR is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, FREL returned 9.05%/yr vs 9.64%/yr for DFAR. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. FREL charges 0.08%/yr vs 0.19%/yr for DFAR.

Performance

FREL vs. DFAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) 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, FREL achieves a 7.59% return, which is significantly lower than DFAR's 11.46% return.

FREL

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.00%
• YTD: 7.59%
• 6M: 6.51%
• 1Y: 9.81%
• 3Y*: 9.05%
• 5Y*: 2.09%
• 10Y*: 5.67%

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)

FREL vs. DFAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF	7.59%	3.09%	5.05%	11.74%	-15.78%
DFAR Dimensional US Real Estate ETF	11.46%	1.31%	5.25%	11.04%	-14.30%

Correlation

The correlation between FREL and DFAR is 0.97 - 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	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 25, 2022	0.99

The correlation between FREL and DFAR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

FREL vs. DFAR - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FREL	DFAR
Real Estate	97.6%	99.8%
Basic Materials	1.2%	-
Communication Services	0.4%	-
Technology	0.3%	-
Energy	0.1%	-
Financial Services	0.0%	0.0%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FREL vs. DFAR — Risk / Return Rank

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

FREL

FREL Risk / Return Rank: 22
FREL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 21
FREL Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
FREL Omega Ratio Rank: 20
FREL Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
FREL Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

FREL vs. DFAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) 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.

	FREL	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.75	0.88	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.10	1.25	-0.16
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.16	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	1.36	-0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.67	4.29	-0.62
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FREL vs. DFAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FREL Sharpe Ratio is 0.75, which is comparable to the DFAR Sharpe Ratio of 0.88. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FREL 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

	FREL	DFAR	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.75	0.88	-0.13
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.11	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.28	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.15	+0.10

Drawdowns

FREL vs. DFAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FREL drawdown since its inception was -42.61%, which is greater than DFAR's maximum drawdown of -32.27%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FREL and DFAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	FREL	DFAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-42.61%	-32.27%	-10.34%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.45%	-8.43%	-0.02%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.54%	-17.64%	+0.10%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.40%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.61%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.93%	-3.01%	-0.92%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.95%	-14.22%	+4.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	2.67%	+0.01%

Volatility

FREL vs. DFAR - Volatility Comparison

Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) and Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) have volatilities of 3.75% and 3.71%, 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

	FREL	DFAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.75%	3.71%	+0.04%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.27%	9.40%	-0.13%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.17%	13.10%	+0.07%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.84%	19.13%	-0.29%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.67%	19.13%	+1.54%

FREL vs. DFAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

FREL has a 0.08% 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

FREL vs. DFAR - Dividend Comparison

FREL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.34%, 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%
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF	3.34%	3.59%	3.48%	3.73%	3.57%	2.34%	3.77%	3.32%	5.54%	3.27%	4.01%	3.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FREL and DFAR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, FREL 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, FREL or DFAR?

FREL has higher volatility (3.75%) compared to DFAR (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FREL dropped -42.61% vs DFAR's -32.27%.

Which ETF is better, FREL or DFAR?

On 3-year performance, DFAR leads with 9.64% vs 9.05% for FREL. On fees, FREL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FREL or DFAR?

Over the 3-year period, DFAR has performed better with a 9.64% return vs 9.05%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FREL or DFAR?

FREL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.19% for DFAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FREL or DFAR?

FREL has the higher dividend yield at 3.34%, compared with 2.77% for DFAR.

What is the main difference between FREL and DFAR?

They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.08% for FREL and 0.19% for DFAR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.88 vs 0.75), 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.