DFAR vs SPY
Dimensional US Real Estate ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAR | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.69% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +16.75% | +13.79% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.89% | +23.66% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.56% | +21.40% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +13.37% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.3% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2022 | Jan 22, 1993 |
DFAR vs SPY Performance
Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) is a ETF from Dimensional and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year DFAR returned +17.89% while SPY returned +23.66%. Year to date, DFAR is up 16.75% versus a gain of 13.79% for SPY.
Over three years, DFAR compounded at +10.56% per year against +21.40% for SPY. Across the full 4-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +3.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.3% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -32.3% for DFAR and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAR charges 0.19% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $9 annually, a gap of $10 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAR currently yields 2.69% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
DFAR and SPY share 28 holdings out of 599 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.7% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAR or SPY?
DFAR has an expense ratio of 0.19% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $10 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAR or SPY?
Over the past year DFAR returned +17.89% vs +23.66% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (4 years), DFAR annualized +3.92% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAR or SPY?
DFAR has been the more volatile fund at 18.3% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: DFAR -32.3% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both DFAR and SPY?
DFAR and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAR and SPY?
DFAR and SPY share 28 common holdings with a 1.7% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 599 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAR or SPY?
DFAR yields 2.69% while SPY yields 1.01%, so DFAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
Popular ETF Comparisons
Get Full ETF Analytics
Access complete holdings data, overlap analysis, screener tools, and more with FundXLS.