AVRE vs. FRI

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

AVRE (Avantis Real Estate ETF) and FRI (First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund) are both REIT funds. AVRE is actively managed, while FRI is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, AVRE returned 8.26%/yr vs 11.09%/yr for FRI. With a 0.95 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. AVRE charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for FRI.

Performance

AVRE vs. FRI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Avantis Real Estate ETF (AVRE) and First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, AVRE achieves a 7.23% return, which is significantly lower than FRI's 11.90% return.

AVRE

• 1D: -0.30%
• 1M: -1.25%
• YTD: 7.23%
• 6M: 6.93%
• 1Y: 9.59%
• 3Y*: 8.26%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FRI

• 1D: 0.21%
• 1M: -0.46%
• YTD: 11.90%
• 6M: 10.60%
• 1Y: 14.73%
• 3Y*: 11.09%
• 5Y*: 4.41%
• 10Y*: 5.62%

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

AVRE vs. FRI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
AVRE Avantis Real Estate ETF	7.23%	8.34%	0.54%	9.10%	-23.70%	13.16%
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	11.90%	2.80%	7.84%	13.33%	-24.66%	16.16%

Correlation

The correlation between AVRE and FRI is 0.92, 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	0.92
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.95
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 1, 2021	0.95

The correlation between AVRE and FRI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.95 - a consistent structural relationship.

AVRE vs. FRI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	AVRE	FRI
Real Estate	99.3%	96.2%
Financial Services	0.1%	2.3%
Utilities	0.1%	0.8%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	-

Return for Risk

AVRE vs. FRI — Risk / Return Rank

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

AVRE

AVRE Risk / Return Rank: 23
AVRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
AVRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
AVRE Omega Ratio Rank: 22
AVRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
AVRE Martin Ratio Rank: 27

FRI

FRI Risk / Return Rank: 34
FRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 31
FRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 29
FRI Omega Ratio Rank: 29
FRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 40
FRI Martin Ratio Rank: 39

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.

AVRE vs. FRI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Avantis Real Estate ETF (AVRE) and First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI). 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.

	AVRE	FRI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	1.13	-0.32
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.18	1.59	-0.41
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.20	-0.05
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.03	1.95	-0.93
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.74	6.21	-2.48
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

AVRE vs. FRI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current AVRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is comparable to the FRI Sharpe Ratio of 1.13. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of AVRE and FRI, 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

	AVRE	FRI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.81	1.13	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.27	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.13	0.18	-0.05

Drawdowns

AVRE vs. FRI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum AVRE drawdown since its inception was -32.52%, smaller than the maximum FRI drawdown of -71.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for AVRE and FRI.

Drawdown Indicators

	AVRE	FRI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-32.52%	-71.95%	+39.43%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.38%	-7.57%	-1.81%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.34%	-18.90%	+1.56%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.21%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.04%	-3.24%	+0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.76%	-13.70%	-1.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.57%	2.38%	+0.19%

Volatility

AVRE vs. FRI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Avantis Real Estate ETF (AVRE) is 3.45%, while First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI) has a volatility of 3.93%. This indicates that AVRE experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	AVRE	FRI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.45%	3.93%	-0.48%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.96%	9.14%	-0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.90%	13.05%	-1.15%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.60%	18.65%	-2.05%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.60%	21.06%	-4.46%

AVRE vs. FRI - Expense Ratio Comparison

AVRE has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is lower than FRI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

AVRE vs. FRI - Dividend Comparison

AVRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.51%, more than FRI's 2.60% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
AVRE Avantis Real Estate ETF	3.51%	4.30%	3.99%	3.33%	3.78%	0.61%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	2.60%	2.99%	3.33%	3.24%	2.52%	1.44%	3.08%	2.28%	3.21%	2.82%	3.27%	2.66%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both AVRE and FRI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, AVRE and FRI 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, AVRE or FRI?

FRI has higher volatility (3.93%) compared to AVRE (3.45%). In terms of maximum drawdown, AVRE dropped -32.52% vs FRI's -71.95%.

Which ETF is better, AVRE or FRI?

On 3-year performance, FRI leads with 11.09% vs 8.26% for AVRE. On fees, AVRE is cheaper at 0.17% per year. On volatility, AVRE has been the lower-risk option at 3.45%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, AVRE or FRI?

Over the 3-year period, FRI has performed better with a 11.09% return vs 8.26%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, AVRE or FRI?

AVRE is cheaper with a 0.17% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for FRI.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, AVRE or FRI?

AVRE has the higher dividend yield at 3.51%, compared with 2.60% for FRI.

What is the main difference between AVRE and FRI?

They also come from different issuers: Avantis and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for AVRE and 0.50% for FRI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs 0.81), 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.