FREEX vs. VGRNX

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

FREEX (Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund) and VGRNX (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, FREEX returned 6.60%/yr vs 2.48%/yr for VGRNX. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FREEX charges 1.11%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VGRNX.

Performance

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund (FREEX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FREEX achieves a 9.10% return, which is significantly higher than VGRNX's -0.93% return. Over the past 10 years, FREEX has outperformed VGRNX with an annualized return of 6.60%, while VGRNX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.48% annualized return.

FREEX

• 1D: -1.82%
• 1M: -2.48%
• YTD: 9.10%
• 6M: 8.49%
• 1Y: 8.32%
• 3Y*: 8.08%
• 5Y*: 2.68%
• 10Y*: 6.60%

VGRNX

• 1D: -1.40%
• 1M: -3.47%
• YTD: -0.93%
• 6M: 0.38%
• 1Y: 6.89%
• 3Y*: 8.72%
• 5Y*: -1.31%
• 10Y*: 2.48%

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

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
FREEX Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund	9.10%	2.24%	3.84%	9.99%	-25.71%	44.04%	-3.34%	52.71%	-6.58%	2.62%
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	-0.93%	22.02%	-2.40%	6.35%	-22.47%	5.63%	-6.90%	21.50%	-9.54%	26.55%

Correlation

The correlation between FREEX and VGRNX is 0.52, 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	0.52
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.59
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 3, 2010	0.56

The correlation between FREEX and VGRNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.52 to 0.59 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FREEX vs. VGRNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

FREEX

FREEX Risk / Return Rank: 9
FREEX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
FREEX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
FREEX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
FREEX Calmar Ratio Rank: 11
FREEX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

VGRNX

VGRNX Risk / Return Rank: 7
VGRNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
VGRNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
VGRNX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
VGRNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 6
VGRNX Martin Ratio Rank: 6

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.

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund (FREEX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX). 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.

	FREEX	VGRNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.66	0.66	0.00
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	0.97	1.04	-0.07
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.13	0.00
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.12	0.57	+0.55
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.25	1.80	+1.45
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FREEX Sharpe Ratio is 0.66, which is comparable to the VGRNX Sharpe Ratio of 0.66. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FREEX and VGRNX, 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

	FREEX	VGRNX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.66	0.66	0.00
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.14	-0.09	+0.23
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.30	0.17	+0.13
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.23	+0.11

Drawdowns

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FREEX drawdown since its inception was -76.99%, which is greater than VGRNX's maximum drawdown of -38.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FREEX and VGRNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FREEX	VGRNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.99%	-38.77%	-38.22%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.76%	-14.35%	+6.59%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.72%	-15.82%	-0.90%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.79%	-35.59%	+1.80%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.57%	-38.77%	-1.80%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.36%	-10.24%	+4.88%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.24%	-10.71%	-3.53%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.68%	4.55%	-1.87%

Volatility

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Volatility Comparison

Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund (FREEX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) have volatilities of 3.79% and 3.80%, 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

	FREEX	VGRNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.79%	3.80%	-0.01%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.31%	10.16%	-0.85%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.89%	12.07%	+0.82%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.37%	14.00%	+5.37%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.85%	14.79%	+7.06%

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FREEX has a 1.11% expense ratio, which is higher than VGRNX's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

FREEX vs. VGRNX - Dividend Comparison

FREEX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.09%, more than VGRNX's 4.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FREEX Franklin Real Estate Securities Fund	6.09%	6.65%	12.00%	5.13%	3.70%	7.51%	8.38%	33.46%	5.49%	9.77%	2.66%	1.50%
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.75%	4.71%	5.21%	3.76%	0.58%	6.50%	0.94%	7.81%	4.64%	3.87%	5.19%	2.86%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FREEX and VGRNX in my portfolio?

FREEX and VGRNX have a correlation of 0.52, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FREEX or VGRNX?

VGRNX has higher volatility (3.80%) compared to FREEX (3.79%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FREEX dropped -76.99% vs VGRNX's -38.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FREEX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.66 vs 0.66), 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.