FAAR vs. VNQ

Last updated Jun 13, 2026

FAAR (First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF) and VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - FAAR is a Commodities fund actively managed by First Trust, while VNQ is a REIT fund tracking the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. FAAR is actively managed, while VNQ is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, FAAR returned 4.91%/yr vs 5.65%/yr for VNQ. At a 0.01 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. FAAR charges 0.95%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VNQ.

Performance

FAAR vs. VNQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FAAR achieves a 22.65% return, which is significantly higher than VNQ's 12.51% return. Over the past 10 years, FAAR has underperformed VNQ with an annualized return of 4.91%, while VNQ has yielded a comparatively higher 5.65% annualized return.

FAAR

• 1D: -0.36%
• 1M: -2.57%
• YTD: 22.65%
• 6M: 22.23%
• 1Y: 32.75%
• 3Y*: 11.36%
• 5Y*: 7.51%
• 10Y*: 4.91%

VNQ

• 1D: 0.92%
• 1M: 2.73%
• YTD: 12.51%
• 6M: 12.32%
• 1Y: 12.92%
• 3Y*: 10.14%
• 5Y*: 2.55%
• 10Y*: 5.65%

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

FAAR vs. VNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	22.65%	8.07%	5.97%	-5.63%	10.15%	12.34%	8.60%	-1.28%	-9.17%	5.00%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	12.51%	3.24%	4.81%	11.85%	-26.25%	40.54%	-4.61%	28.91%	-6.03%	4.90%

Correlation

The correlation between FAAR and VNQ is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.03
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.02
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.01
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 23, 2016	0.01

The correlation between FAAR and VNQ shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.01 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

FAAR vs. VNQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	FAAR	VNQ
Financial Services	100.0%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.1%
Communication Services	-	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.0%
Real Estate	-	97.3%
Technology	-	0.3%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

FAAR vs. VNQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

FAAR

FAAR Risk / Return Rank: 88
FAAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 86
FAAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 87
FAAR Omega Ratio Rank: 81
FAAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 95
FAAR Martin Ratio Rank: 90

VNQ

VNQ Risk / Return Rank: 32
VNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
VNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
VNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 28
VNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 35
VNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 36

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.

FAAR vs. VNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). 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.

	FAAR	VNQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	2.44	0.96	+1.48
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	3.47	1.39	+2.08
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.42	1.17	+0.25
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	6.79	1.56	+5.23
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	18.23	4.90	+13.34

FAAR vs. VNQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FAAR Sharpe Ratio is 2.44, which is higher than the VNQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FAAR and VNQ, 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

FAAR vs. VNQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FAAR drawdown since its inception was -18.03%, smaller than the maximum VNQ drawdown of -73.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FAAR and VNQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	FAAR	VNQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-18.03%	-73.07%	+55.04%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-4.85%	-8.34%	+3.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-11.54%	-17.46%	+5.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-18.03%	-34.48%	+16.45%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-18.03%	-42.40%	+24.37%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.52%	0.00%	-3.52%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.83%	-13.61%	+5.78%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	1.80%	2.65%	-0.85%

Volatility

FAAR vs. VNQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF (FAAR) is 2.28%, while Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has a volatility of 4.72%. This indicates that FAAR experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FAAR	VNQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	2.28%	4.72%	-2.44%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.69%	9.77%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.49%	13.54%	-0.05%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	13.02%	18.84%	-5.82%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	11.52%	20.72%	-9.20%

FAAR vs. VNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

FAAR has a 0.95% expense ratio, which is higher than VNQ's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

FAAR vs. VNQ - Dividend Comparison

FAAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 9.38%, more than VNQ's 3.54% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FAAR First Trust Alternative Absolute Return Strategy ETF	9.38%	11.63%	3.45%	3.20%	5.82%	6.49%	3.05%	1.02%	0.58%	2.83%	0.00%	0.00%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	3.54%	3.92%	3.85%	3.95%	3.91%	2.56%	3.93%	3.39%	4.74%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FAAR and VNQ in my portfolio?

FAAR and VNQ have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FAAR or VNQ?

VNQ has higher volatility (4.72%) compared to FAAR (2.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FAAR dropped -18.03% vs VNQ's -73.07%.

Which ETF is better, FAAR or VNQ?

On 10-year performance, VNQ leads with 5.65% vs 4.91% for FAAR. On fees, VNQ is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, FAAR has been the lower-risk option at 2.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FAAR or VNQ?

Over the 10-year period, VNQ has performed better with a 5.65% return vs 4.91%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FAAR or VNQ?

VNQ is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.95% for FAAR.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FAAR or VNQ?

FAAR has the higher dividend yield at 9.38%, compared with 3.54% for VNQ.

What is the main difference between FAAR and VNQ?

FAAR is categorized as Commodities, while VNQ is REIT. They also come from different issuers: First Trust and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.95% for FAAR and 0.13% for VNQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FAAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (2.44 vs 0.96), 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.