BIREX vs. FARCX
BIREX (BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund) and FARCX (Nuveen Real Estate Securities Fund) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, BIREX returned 6.43%/yr vs 5.73%/yr for FARCX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. BIREX charges 0.75%/yr vs 0.97%/yr for FARCX.
Performance
BIREX vs. FARCX - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with BIREX having a 14.21% return and FARCX slightly higher at 14.50%. Over the past 10 years, BIREX has outperformed FARCX with an annualized return of 6.43%, while FARCX has yielded a comparatively lower 5.73% annualized return.
BIREX
- 1D
- 1.08%
- 1M
- -0.47%
- YTD
- 14.21%
- 6M
- 14.60%
- 1Y
- 13.80%
- 3Y*
- 11.90%
- 5Y*
- 3.34%
- 10Y*
- 6.43%
FARCX
- 1D
- 1.17%
- 1M
- -0.24%
- YTD
- 14.50%
- 6M
- 15.11%
- 1Y
- 15.30%
- 3Y*
- 11.71%
- 5Y*
- 4.18%
- 10Y*
- 5.73%
BIREX vs. FARCX - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIREX BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund | 14.21% | 3.08% | 3.75% | 13.57% | -27.58% | 46.24% | -4.17% | 27.75% | -2.95% | 6.19% |
FARCX Nuveen Real Estate Securities Fund | 14.50% | 2.56% | 6.04% | 11.55% | -24.57% | 41.57% | -6.14% | 25.63% | -5.57% | 5.67% |
Correlation
The correlation between BIREX and FARCX is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.99 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | 0.98 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 2, 2013 | 0.98 |
The correlation between BIREX and FARCX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.98 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
BIREX vs. FARCX — Risk / Return Rank
BIREX
FARCX
BIREX vs. FARCX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund (BIREX) and Nuveen Real Estate Securities Fund (FARCX). 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.
| BIREX | FARCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | -0.12 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | -0.15 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.20 | 1.22 | -0.02 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.89 | 2.17 | -0.28 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 6.18 | 6.99 | -0.82 |
Loading charts...
Drawdowns
BIREX vs. FARCX - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum BIREX drawdown since its inception was -41.92%, smaller than the maximum FARCX drawdown of -70.62%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BIREX and FARCX.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| BIREX | FARCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -41.92% | -70.62% | +28.70% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -8.16% | -7.83% | -0.33% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -18.05% | -17.59% | -0.46% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -34.76% | -31.77% | -2.99% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | -41.92% | -41.05% | -0.87% |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.75% | -1.50% | -0.25% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -9.69% | -10.44% | +0.75% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 2.49% | 2.42% | +0.07% |
Volatility
BIREX vs. FARCX - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund (BIREX) is 4.66%, while Nuveen Real Estate Securities Fund (FARCX) has a volatility of 4.93%. This indicates that BIREX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FARCX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| BIREX | FARCX | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 4.66% | 4.93% | -0.27% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 10.15% | 9.96% | +0.19% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 13.55% | 13.57% | -0.02% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 18.77% | 18.38% | +0.39% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 20.93% | 20.20% | +0.73% |
BIREX vs. FARCX - Expense Ratio Comparison
BIREX has a 0.75% expense ratio, which is lower than FARCX's 0.97% expense ratio.
Dividends
BIREX vs. FARCX - Dividend Comparison
BIREX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.67%, less than FARCX's 5.09% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
BIREX BlackRock Real Estate Securities Fund | 2.67% | 2.98% | 2.88% | 2.87% | 4.36% | 1.63% | 2.16% | 1.93% | 3.07% | 9.88% | 6.72% | 6.75% |
FARCX Nuveen Real Estate Securities Fund | 5.09% | 5.77% | 9.34% | 3.30% | 20.25% | 15.12% | 2.89% | 11.46% | 6.19% | 13.43% | 10.99% | 8.24% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.98, BIREX and FARCX 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.
FARCX has higher volatility (4.93%) compared to BIREX (4.66%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BIREX dropped -41.92% vs FARCX's -70.62%.
FARCX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.25 vs 1.14), 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.
Find the right allocation for BIREX and FARCX
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer