REIT vs. DFGR

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

REIT (ALPS Active REIT ETF) and DFGR (Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, REIT returned 12.73%/yr vs 11.14%/yr for DFGR. Their correlation of 0.95 suggests significant overlap in exposure. REIT charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.22%/yr for DFGR.

Performance

REIT vs. DFGR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) and Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REIT achieves a 17.16% return, which is significantly higher than DFGR's 10.41% return.

REIT

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 1.64%
• YTD: 17.16%
• 6M: 17.61%
• 1Y: 16.74%
• 3Y*: 12.73%
• 5Y*: 4.91%
• 10Y*: —

DFGR

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: 0.41%
• YTD: 10.41%
• 6M: 10.83%
• 1Y: 11.18%
• 3Y*: 11.14%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

REIT vs. DFGR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	17.16%	-0.55%	7.11%	13.74%	-1.44%
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	10.41%	7.65%	1.89%	9.64%	-1.20%

Correlation

The correlation between REIT and DFGR is 0.93, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.93
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 7, 2022	0.95

The correlation between REIT and DFGR has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.93 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

REIT vs. DFGR — Risk / Return Rank

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

REIT

REIT Risk / Return Rank: 39
REIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
REIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
REIT Omega Ratio Rank: 35
REIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
REIT Martin Ratio Rank: 42

DFGR

DFGR Risk / Return Rank: 27
DFGR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
DFGR Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
DFGR Omega Ratio Rank: 25
DFGR Calmar Ratio Rank: 26
DFGR Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

REIT vs. DFGR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) and Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR). 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.

	REIT	DFGR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.26	0.92	+0.34
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.71	1.32	+0.39
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.17	+0.06
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.29	1.23	+1.06
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.59	4.32	+2.27

REIT vs. DFGR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.26, which is higher than the DFGR Sharpe Ratio of 0.92. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REIT and DFGR, 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

REIT vs. DFGR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REIT drawdown since its inception was -29.30%, which is greater than DFGR's maximum drawdown of -21.28%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REIT and DFGR.

Drawdown Indicators

	REIT	DFGR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.30%	-21.28%	-8.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.35%	-9.15%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.19%	-17.57%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.23%	-1.42%	+1.19%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.28%	-6.22%	-4.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	2.59%	-0.05%

Volatility

REIT vs. DFGR - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) has a higher volatility of 5.05% compared to Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF (DFGR) at 4.22%. This indicates that REIT's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than DFGR based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REIT	DFGR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.05%	4.22%	+0.83%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.82%	9.34%	+0.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.38%	12.29%	+1.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.51%	15.42%	+3.09%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.38%	15.42%	+2.96%

REIT vs. DFGR - Expense Ratio Comparison

REIT has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than DFGR's 0.22% expense ratio.

Dividends

REIT vs. DFGR - Dividend Comparison

REIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.72%, less than DFGR's 3.85% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
DFGR Dimensional Global Real Estate ETF	3.85%	4.05%	3.73%	2.77%	0.59%	0.00%
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	2.72%	3.20%	3.06%	3.13%	2.81%	4.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REIT and DFGR in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.93, REIT and DFGR 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, REIT or DFGR?

REIT has higher volatility (5.05%) compared to DFGR (4.22%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REIT dropped -29.30% vs DFGR's -21.28%.

Which ETF is better, REIT or DFGR?

On 3-year performance, REIT leads with 12.73% vs 11.14% for DFGR. On fees, DFGR is cheaper at 0.22% per year. On volatility, DFGR has been the lower-risk option at 4.22%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REIT or DFGR?

Over the 3-year period, REIT has performed better with a 12.73% return vs 11.14%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REIT or DFGR?

DFGR is cheaper with a 0.22% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for REIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, REIT or DFGR?

DFGR has the higher dividend yield at 3.85%, compared with 2.72% for REIT.

What is the main difference between REIT and DFGR?

They also come from different issuers: ALPS and Dimensional. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for REIT and 0.22% for DFGR.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs 0.92), 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.