VGRNX vs. DFGEX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

VGRNX (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) and DFGEX (DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, VGRNX returned 2.48%/yr vs 3.79%/yr for DFGEX. A 0.69 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGRNX charges 0.11%/yr vs 0.14%/yr for DFGEX.

Performance

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) and DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGRNX achieves a -0.93% return, which is significantly lower than DFGEX's 7.74% return. Over the past 10 years, VGRNX has underperformed DFGEX with an annualized return of 2.48%, while DFGEX has yielded a comparatively higher 3.79% annualized return.

VGRNX

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: -3.47%
• YTD: -0.93%
• 6M: 0.38%
• 1Y: 6.89%
• 3Y*: 8.72%
• 5Y*: -1.31%
• 10Y*: 2.48%

DFGEX

• 1D: -1.66%
• 1M: -1.48%
• YTD: 7.74%
• 6M: 7.73%
• 1Y: 9.95%
• 3Y*: 9.16%
• 5Y*: 1.88%
• 10Y*: 3.79%

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

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	-0.93%	22.02%	-2.40%	6.35%	-22.47%	5.63%	-6.90%	21.50%	-9.54%	26.55%
DFGEX DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio	7.74%	7.92%	1.92%	9.54%	-23.84%	31.03%	-6.71%	26.32%	-4.12%	5.95%

Correlation

The correlation between VGRNX and DFGEX is 0.69, 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	0.69
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.69
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.73
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.68
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Aug 6, 2012	0.69

The correlation between VGRNX and DFGEX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.68 to 0.73 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGRNX vs. DFGEX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGRNX

VGRNX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VGRNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VGRNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VGRNX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VGRNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VGRNX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

DFGEX

DFGEX Risk / Return Rank: 12
DFGEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
DFGEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
DFGEX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
DFGEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
DFGEX Martin Ratio Rank: 15

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.

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) 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.

	VGRNX	DFGEX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	0.90	-0.23
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.04	1.29	-0.25
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.13	1.16	-0.04
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.57	1.27	-0.70
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	1.80	4.50	-2.70
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGRNX Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is comparable to the DFGEX Sharpe Ratio of 0.90. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGRNX and DFGEX, 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

	VGRNX	DFGEX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66	0.90	-0.23
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.09	0.12	-0.21
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.17	0.22	-0.05
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.23	0.33	-0.10

Drawdowns

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGRNX drawdown since its inception was -38.77%, smaller than the maximum DFGEX drawdown of -42.67%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGRNX and DFGEX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGRNX	DFGEX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.77%	-42.67%	+3.90%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.35%	-9.04%	-5.31%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-15.82%	-17.37%	+1.55%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.59%	-32.78%	-2.81%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.77%	-42.67%	+3.90%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-10.24%	-2.59%	-7.65%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.71%	-9.65%	-1.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.55%	2.56%	+1.99%

Volatility

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) has a higher volatility of 3.80% compared to DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio (DFGEX) at 3.45%. This indicates that VGRNX'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.

Volatility by Period

	VGRNX	DFGEX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.80%	3.45%	+0.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.16%	8.64%	+1.52%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.07%	11.70%	+0.37%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	14.00%	16.28%	-2.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	14.79%	17.71%	-2.92%

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGRNX has a 0.11% 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%.

Dividends

VGRNX vs. DFGEX - Dividend Comparison

VGRNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 4.75%, more than DFGEX's 3.78% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
DFGEX DFA Global Real Estate Securities Portfolio	3.78%	4.07%	3.78%	3.36%	5.70%	4.50%	2.29%	6.95%	5.09%	0.64%	0.32%	2.45%
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.75%	4.71%	5.21%	3.76%	0.58%	6.50%	0.94%	7.81%	4.64%	3.87%	5.19%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGRNX and DFGEX in my portfolio?

VGRNX and DFGEX have a correlation of 0.69, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGRNX or DFGEX?

VGRNX has higher volatility (3.80%) compared to DFGEX (3.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGRNX dropped -38.77% vs DFGEX's -42.67%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

DFGEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.90 vs 0.66), 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.