FREL vs. DFGEX
Compare and contrast key facts about Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) and DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX).
FREL is a passively managed fund by Fidelity that tracks the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Real Estate Index. It was launched on Feb 2, 2015. DFGEX is managed by Dimensional. It was launched on Jun 3, 2008.
Performance
FREL vs. DFGEX - Performance Comparison
Loading graphics...
FREL vs. DFGEX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF | 0.98% | 3.09% | 5.05% | 11.74% | -26.21% | 40.46% | -4.99% | 28.78% | -4.52% | 8.86% |
DFGEX DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio | -0.76% | 7.92% | 1.92% | 9.54% | -23.84% | 31.03% | -6.71% | 26.32% | -4.12% | 5.95% |
Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, FREL achieves a 0.98% return, which is significantly higher than DFGEX's -0.76% return. Over the past 10 years, FREL has outperformed DFGEX with an annualized return of 5.16%, while DFGEX has yielded a comparatively lower 3.12% annualized return.
FREL
- 1D
- 1.43%
- 1M
- -6.56%
- YTD
- 0.98%
- 6M
- -1.57%
- 1Y
- 1.45%
- 3Y*
- 6.30%
- 5Y*
- 2.68%
- 10Y*
- 5.16%
DFGEX
- 1D
- 0.19%
- 1M
- -8.86%
- YTD
- -0.76%
- 6M
- -1.94%
- 1Y
- 4.00%
- 3Y*
- 5.81%
- 5Y*
- 2.37%
- 10Y*
- 3.12%
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
FREL vs. DFGEX - Expense Ratio Comparison
FREL has a 0.08% expense ratio, which is lower than DFGEX's 0.14% 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%.
Return for Risk
FREL vs. DFGEX — Risk / Return Rank
FREL
DFGEX
FREL vs. DFGEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) and DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX). 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 | DFGEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | 0.09 | 0.33 | -0.24 |
Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | 0.24 | 0.54 | -0.31 |
Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.03 | 1.07 | -0.04 |
Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 0.20 | 0.39 | -0.19 |
Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 0.77 | 1.57 | -0.80 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading graphics...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| FREL | DFGEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.09 | 0.33 | -0.24 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.14 | 0.15 | 0.00 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.25 | 0.18 | +0.07 |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.23 | 0.29 | -0.06 |
Correlation
The correlation between FREL and DFGEX is 0.95, which is considered to be high. That indicates a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Having highly-correlated positions in a portfolio may signal a lack of diversification, potentially leading to increased risk during market downturns.
Dividends
FREL vs. DFGEX - Dividend Comparison
FREL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.56%, less than DFGEX's 4.11% yield.
| TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF | 3.56% | 3.59% | 3.48% | 3.73% | 3.57% | 2.34% | 3.77% | 3.32% | 5.54% | 3.27% | 4.01% | 3.80% |
DFGEX DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio | 4.11% | 4.07% | 3.78% | 3.36% | 5.70% | 4.50% | 2.29% | 6.95% | 5.09% | 0.64% | 0.32% | 2.45% |
Drawdowns
FREL vs. DFGEX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum FREL drawdown since its inception was -42.61%, roughly equal to the maximum DFGEX drawdown of -42.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FREL and DFGEX.
Loading graphics...
Drawdown Indicators
| FREL | DFGEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -42.61% | -42.67% | +0.06% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -12.42% | -10.98% | -1.44% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -34.40% | -32.78% | -1.62% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -42.61% | -42.67% | +0.06% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -9.83% | -8.94% | -0.89% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.05% | -9.75% | -0.30% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 3.19% | 2.74% | +0.45% |
Volatility
FREL vs. DFGEX - Volatility Comparison
Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) has a higher volatility of 4.55% compared to DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX) at 3.88%. This indicates that FREL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFGEX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading graphics...
Volatility by Period
| FREL | DFGEX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.55% | 3.88% | +0.67% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 9.29% | 7.98% | +1.31% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 16.41% | 14.20% | +2.21% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.85% | 16.22% | +2.63% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.67% | 17.69% | +2.98% |