BLDG vs. FRI

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

BLDG (Cambria Global Real Estate ETF) and FRI (First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund) are both REIT funds. BLDG is actively managed, while FRI is passively managed. Over the past 5 years, BLDG returned 2.40%/yr vs 4.65%/yr for FRI. Their correlation of 0.85 suggests significant overlap in exposure. BLDG charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for FRI.

Performance

BLDG vs. FRI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG) 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, BLDG achieves a 6.82% return, which is significantly lower than FRI's 13.22% return.

BLDG

• 1D: 0.82%
• 1M: 0.01%
• YTD: 6.82%
• 6M: 6.29%
• 1Y: 11.06%
• 3Y*: 9.14%
• 5Y*: 2.40%
• 10Y*: —

FRI

• 1D: 1.18%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 13.22%
• 6M: 12.31%
• 1Y: 15.94%
• 3Y*: 11.76%
• 5Y*: 4.65%
• 10Y*: 5.84%

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

BLDG vs. FRI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BLDG Cambria Global Real Estate ETF	6.82%	4.26%	8.18%	1.76%	-14.66%	22.47%	15.37%
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	13.22%	2.80%	7.84%	13.33%	-24.66%	42.55%	15.37%

Correlation

The correlation between BLDG and FRI is 0.78, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.81
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.85
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 25, 2020	0.85

The correlation between BLDG and FRI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.85 - a consistent structural relationship.

BLDG vs. FRI - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	BLDG	FRI
Real Estate	98.6%	96.2%
Financial Services	1.4%	2.3%
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	0.8%

Return for Risk

BLDG vs. FRI — Risk / Return Rank

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

BLDG

BLDG Risk / Return Rank: 27
BLDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
BLDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
BLDG Omega Ratio Rank: 26
BLDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BLDG Martin Ratio Rank: 28

FRI

FRI Risk / Return Rank: 37
FRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 35
FRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 33
FRI Omega Ratio Rank: 33
FRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 44
FRI Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

BLDG vs. FRI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG) 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.

	BLDG	FRI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.00	1.22	-0.22
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	1.70	-0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.21	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.10	2.11	-1.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.88	6.71	-2.83
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

BLDG vs. FRI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current BLDG Sharpe Ratio is 1.00, which is comparable to the FRI Sharpe Ratio of 1.22. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of BLDG 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

	BLDG	FRI	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00	1.22	-0.22
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.16	0.25	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.28	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.46	0.18	+0.28

Drawdowns

BLDG vs. FRI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum BLDG drawdown since its inception was -27.25%, smaller than the maximum FRI drawdown of -71.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for BLDG and FRI.

Drawdown Indicators

	BLDG	FRI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-27.25%	-71.95%	+44.70%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.08%	-7.57%	-2.51%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.57%	-18.90%	+0.33%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-27.25%	-31.21%	+3.96%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.16%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.96%	-2.10%	+0.14%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.22%	-13.70%	+4.48%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.86%	2.38%	+0.48%

Volatility

BLDG vs. FRI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG) is 3.58%, while First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI) has a volatility of 4.09%. This indicates that BLDG 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

	BLDG	FRI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.58%	4.09%	-0.51%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.26%	9.20%	-0.94%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.09%	13.09%	-2.00%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.27%	18.66%	-3.39%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.54%	21.05%	-5.51%

BLDG vs. FRI - Expense Ratio Comparison

BLDG has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than FRI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

BLDG vs. FRI - Dividend Comparison

BLDG's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.68%, more than FRI's 2.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
BLDG Cambria Global Real Estate ETF	5.68%	7.46%	7.97%	4.99%	3.99%	10.40%	0.59%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	2.57%	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 BLDG and FRI in my portfolio?

BLDG and FRI have a correlation of 0.78, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, BLDG or FRI?

FRI has higher volatility (4.09%) compared to BLDG (3.58%). In terms of maximum drawdown, BLDG dropped -27.25% vs FRI's -71.95%.

Which ETF is better, BLDG or FRI?

On 5-year performance, FRI leads with 4.65% vs 2.40% for BLDG. On fees, FRI is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, BLDG has been the lower-risk option at 3.58%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, BLDG or FRI?

Over the 5-year period, FRI has performed better with a 4.65% return vs 2.40%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, BLDG or FRI?

FRI is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for BLDG.

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

BLDG has the higher dividend yield at 5.68%, compared with 2.57% for FRI.

What is the main difference between BLDG and FRI?

They also come from different issuers: Cambria and First Trust. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for BLDG and 0.50% for FRI.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.22 vs 1.00), 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.