DFAR vs VTI
Dimensional US Real Estate ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | DFAR | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.19% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $1.8B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 2.69% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 130 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +14.99% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.79% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.04% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | - | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 18.4% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -32.3% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | Dimensional | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Feb 23, 2022 | May 24, 2001 |
DFAR vs VTI Performance
Dimensional US Real Estate ETF (DFAR) is a ETF from Dimensional and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year DFAR returned +17.79% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, DFAR is up 14.99% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, DFAR compounded at +10.04% per year against +21.43% for VTI. Across the full 5-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% annualized vs +3.56%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
DFAR has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 18.4% compared with 15.3% for VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.78. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
DFAR charges 0.19% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $19 vs $3 annually, a gap of $16 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, DFAR currently yields 2.69% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
DFAR and VTI share 94 holdings out of 2813 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.6% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, DFAR or VTI?
DFAR has an expense ratio of 0.19% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $16 per year of difference.
Which performed better, DFAR or VTI?
Over the past year DFAR returned +17.79% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (5 years), DFAR annualized +3.56% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, DFAR or VTI?
DFAR has been the more volatile fund at 18.4% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: DFAR -32.3% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both DFAR and VTI?
DFAR and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.78, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between DFAR and VTI?
DFAR and VTI share 94 common holdings with a 1.6% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 2813 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, DFAR or VTI?
DFAR yields 2.69% while VTI yields 1.07%, so DFAR currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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