BBNTX vs. XLRE

Last updated Jul 18, 2026

BBNTX (Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both funds - BBNTX is a Municipal Bonds fund managed by Sterling Capital, while XLRE is a REIT fund tracking the Real Estate Select Sector Index. Over the past 10 years, BBNTX returned 1.38%/yr vs 6.42%/yr for XLRE. At a 0.16 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. BBNTX charges 0.57%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.

Performance

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (BBNTX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, BBNTX achieves a 0.25% return, which is significantly lower than XLRE's 14.32% return. Over the past 10 years, BBNTX has underperformed XLRE with an annualized return of 1.38%, while XLRE has yielded a comparatively higher 6.42% annualized return.

BBNTX

• 1D: -0.20%
• 1M: -0.37%
• 6M: -0.34%
• YTD: 0.25%
• 1Y: 4.07%
• 3Y*: 2.81%
• 5Y*: 0.56%
• 10Y*: 1.38%

XLRE

• 1D: -0.09%
• 1M: 4.20%
• 6M: 9.28%
• YTD: 14.32%
• 1Y: 12.62%
• 3Y*: 9.68%
• 5Y*: 3.04%
• 10Y*: 6.42%

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

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
BBNTX Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund	0.25%	5.19%	0.45%	3.64%	-5.86%	-0.23%	4.26%	6.09%	0.73%	3.28%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	14.32%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	-26.25%	46.10%	-2.18%	28.68%	-2.39%	10.69%

Correlation

The correlation between BBNTX and XLRE is 0.22, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.22
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.28
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.23
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 8, 2015	0.16

The correlation between BBNTX and XLRE shifts across timeframes, from 0.16 (all time) to 0.28 (3 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

BBNTX vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank

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

BBNTX

BBNTX Risk / Return Rank: 52
BBNTX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 66
BBNTX Sortino Ratio Rank: 69
BBNTX Omega Ratio Rank: 84
BBNTX Calmar Ratio Rank: 22
BBNTX Martin Ratio Rank: 21

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 31
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 27
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 36
XLRE Martin Ratio Rank: 34

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.

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (BBNTX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). 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.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	BBNTX	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.86	0.89	+0.97
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.70	1.28	+1.42
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.46	1.16	+0.30
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.42	1.52	-0.10
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.11	4.17	-0.06

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BBNTX Sharpe Ratio is 1.86, which is higher than the XLRE Sharpe Ratio of 0.89. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BBNTX and XLRE, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BBNTX drawdown since its inception was -10.25%, smaller than the maximum XLRE drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BBNTX and XLRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	BBNTX	XLRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-10.25%	-38.83%	+28.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.81%	-8.33%	+5.52%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-4.15%	-16.74%	+12.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-10.16%	-34.12%	+23.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-10.25%	-38.83%	+28.58%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.53%	-0.09%	-1.44%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.46%	-9.51%	+8.05%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.97%	3.03%	-2.06%

Volatility

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund (BBNTX) is 0.57%, while Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) has a volatility of 5.44%. This indicates that BBNTX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLRE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	BBNTX	XLRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	0.57%	5.44%	-4.87%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	1.79%	11.17%	-9.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	2.15%	14.32%	-12.17%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	2.85%	19.18%	-16.33%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	3.22%	20.45%	-17.23%

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

BBNTX has a 0.57% expense ratio, which is higher than XLRE's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

BBNTX vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison

BBNTX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.70%, less than XLRE's 3.09% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BBNTX Sterling Capital North Carolina Intermediate Tax-Free Fund	2.70%	3.52%	2.82%	2.07%	1.94%	1.59%	1.62%	2.43%	2.51%	2.39%	2.73%	2.98%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.09%	3.45%	3.43%	3.31%	3.70%	2.61%	3.15%	3.06%	3.78%	3.25%	4.22%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both BBNTX and XLRE in my portfolio?

BBNTX and XLRE have a correlation of 0.22, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BBNTX or XLRE?

XLRE has higher volatility (5.44%) compared to BBNTX (0.57%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BBNTX dropped -10.25% vs XLRE's -38.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BBNTX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.86 vs 0.89), 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.