CSRE vs. FREL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

CSRE (Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF) and FREL (Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF) are both REIT funds. CSRE is actively managed, while FREL is passively managed. Over the past year, CSRE returned 12.27% vs 11.38% for FREL. Their correlation of 0.94 suggests significant overlap in exposure. CSRE charges 0.70%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for FREL.

Performance

CSRE vs. FREL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) and Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CSRE achieves a 11.91% return, which is significantly higher than FREL's 10.01% return.

CSRE

• 1D: 1.17%
• 1M: -1.28%
• YTD: 11.91%
• 6M: 12.59%
• 1Y: 12.27%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FREL

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 10.01%
• 6M: 10.30%
• 1Y: 11.38%
• 3Y*: 10.69%
• 5Y*: 2.43%
• 10Y*: 5.83%

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

CSRE vs. FREL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
CSRE Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF	11.91%	4.30%
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF	10.01%	1.81%

Correlation

The correlation between CSRE and FREL 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 (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2025	0.94

The correlation between CSRE and FREL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

CSRE vs. FREL — Risk / Return Rank

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

CSRE

CSRE Risk / Return Rank: 28
CSRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
CSRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
CSRE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
CSRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
CSRE Martin Ratio Rank: 33

FREL

FREL Risk / Return Rank: 26
FREL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FREL Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FREL Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FREL Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FREL Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

CSRE vs. FREL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) and Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL). 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.

	CSRE	FREL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	0.83	+0.08
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.29	1.21	+0.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.15	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.46	1.35	+0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.68	4.23	+0.45

CSRE vs. FREL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CSRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is comparable to the FREL Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CSRE and FREL, 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

CSRE vs. FREL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CSRE drawdown since its inception was -13.03%, smaller than the maximum FREL drawdown of -42.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CSRE and FREL.

Drawdown Indicators

	CSRE	FREL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-13.03%	-42.61%	+29.58%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.44%	-8.45%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-17.54%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.40%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.61%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.69%	-2.12%	+0.43%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.25%	-9.91%	+7.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.63%	2.70%	-0.07%

Volatility

CSRE vs. FREL - Volatility Comparison

Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF (CSRE) and Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) have volatilities of 4.88% and 4.96%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CSRE	FREL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.88%	4.96%	-0.08%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.33%	10.15%	+0.18%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.62%	13.80%	-0.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.61%	18.89%	-3.28%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.61%	20.72%	-5.11%

CSRE vs. FREL - Expense Ratio Comparison

CSRE has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is higher than FREL's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

CSRE vs. FREL - Dividend Comparison

CSRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.25%, less than FREL's 3.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CSRE Cohen & Steers Real Estate Active ETF	2.25%	2.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF	3.32%	3.59%	3.48%	3.73%	3.57%	2.34%	3.77%	3.32%	5.54%	3.27%	4.01%	3.80%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CSRE and FREL in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.92, CSRE and FREL 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, CSRE or FREL?

FREL has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to CSRE (4.88%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CSRE dropped -13.03% vs FREL's -42.61%.

Which ETF is better, CSRE or FREL?

On 1-year performance, CSRE leads with 12.27% vs 11.38% for FREL. On fees, FREL is cheaper at 0.08% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, CSRE or FREL?

Over the 1-year period, CSRE has performed better with a 12.27% return vs 11.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, CSRE or FREL?

FREL is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.70% for CSRE.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, CSRE or FREL?

FREL has the higher dividend yield at 3.32%, compared with 2.25% for CSRE.

What is the main difference between CSRE and FREL?

They also come from different issuers: Cohen & Steers and Fidelity. Their fees differ too: 0.70% for CSRE and 0.08% for FREL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

CSRE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.91 vs 0.83), 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.