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DFARvsVNQETF Comparison
Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) belong to the same industry segment: US Real Estate. Both ETFs have the same top 3 sector exposures: and Real Estate. DFAR is more expensive with a Total Expense Ratio (TER) of 0.2%, versus 0.13% for VNQ. DFAR is up 8.25% year-to-date (YTD) with +$71M in YTD flows. VNQ performs worse with 4.75% YTD performance, and +$420M in YTD flows. Run a side-by-side ETF comparison of DFAR and VNQ below, and assess how they stack up in performance, liquidity, risk, exposure, holdings, and more, helping you select the best ETF for your investments.
DFAR vs VNQ performance and flow charts
Performance
Cumulative Flows
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | DFAR VNQ | +1.27%-0.76% | +8.62%+4.43% | +8.25%+4.75% | +7.21%+6.48% | +31.06%+27.64% | n/a+23.79% |
| Flows | DFAR VNQ | +$12M+$169M | +$109M+$848M | +$71M+$420M | +$256M+$342M | +$874M-$671M | -+$1.06B |
| 3M | 1Y | 3Y | 5Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volatility | DFAR VNQ | +12.06%+11.84% | +16.17%+16.34% | +17.43%+17.07% | n/a+18.78% |
| Max drawdown | DFAR VNQ | -3.63%-3.42% | -12.27%-12.42% | -17.73%-17.41% | n/a-34.43% |
| Max drawdown duration | DFAR VNQ | 17d18d | 79d79d | 514d141d | n/a1529d |
DFAR | VNQ | |
Last sale 3/11/2026 at 1:30 PM | $24.55 | $92.65 |
| Previous close 03/11/2026 | $24.81 | $93.62 |
| Consolidated volume 03/11/2026 | ||
| Average volume 30 days | ||
| Average discount or premium 30 days | ||
| Average Bid/Ask spread 30 days |
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DFAR | VNQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking error | ||
| Tracking difference | ||
| 1 year cumulative return difference | ||
| Best | ||
| Worst | ||
| Daily return difference | ||
| Average | ||
| Worst | ||
DFAR | VNQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Last price | $24.55 | $92.65 |
| 1D performance | -1.03% | -1.04% |
| AuM | $1.62 B | $35.90 B |
| E/R | 0.2% | 0.13% |
DFAR | VNQ | |
|---|---|---|
| Management strategy | Active | Passive |
| Provider | Dimensional | Vanguard |
| Benchmark | - | MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Transition Index |
| N° of holdings | 121 | 128 |
| Asset class | - | Equities |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | Join | Join |
| Inception date | February 23, 2022 | September 23, 2004 |
| ESG | No | No |
Countries
Sectors
Diversification
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Total weight of top 15 holdings out of 15
Top 15 holdings
How have the DFAR and VNQ ETFs performed in 2026?
As of March 10, 2026, DFAR is up 8.25% year-to-date (YTD), while VNQ has returned 4.75%. That puts DFAR better performer ahead so far this year.
Which ETF is attracting more investor money: DFAR or VNQ?
Year-to-date, the DFAR ETF saw +$71M in flows, compared to +$420M for VNQ.
Which ETF is more volatile: DFAR or VNQ?
Over the past year, DFAR had a volatility of 16.17%, while VNQ experienced 16.34%.
Which ETF is bigger: DFAR or VNQ?
As of March 10, 2026, DFAR holds $1.62 B in assets under management (AUM), while VNQ manages $35.90 B.
What sectors do the DFAR and VNQ ETFs invest in?
DFAR leans toward sectors like Real Estate. Meanwhile, VNQ focuses on Real Estate.
What are the top holdings of the DFAR ETF and VNQ ETF?
DFAR top holdings include WELLTOWER INC, PROLOGIS REIT and AMERICAN TOWER CL A REIT. VNQ holds in its top three: WELLTOWER INC, PROLOGIS REIT and AMERICAN TOWER CL A REIT.
Which ETF is more diversified: DFAR or VNQ?
DFAR holds 121 securities with 58.83% of its assets in the top 15. VNQ has 147 securities and a top 15 weight of 57.03%.
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