ICF vs. XLRE

Last updated Jun 6, 2026

ICF (iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both REIT funds - ICF tracks the Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index while XLRE tracks the Real Estate Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, ICF returned 5.86%/yr vs 6.96%/yr for XLRE. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. ICF charges 0.34%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.

Performance

ICF vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF (ICF) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, ICF achieves a 15.27% return, which is significantly higher than XLRE's 11.53% return. Over the past 10 years, ICF has underperformed XLRE with an annualized return of 5.86%, while XLRE has yielded a comparatively higher 6.96% annualized return.

ICF

• 1D: 0.73%
• 1M: 0.47%
• YTD: 15.27%
• 6M: 14.79%
• 1Y: 14.27%
• 3Y*: 11.11%
• 5Y*: 3.56%
• 10Y*: 5.86%

XLRE

• 1D: 0.68%
• 1M: -0.09%
• YTD: 11.53%
• 6M: 10.98%
• 1Y: 10.76%
• 3Y*: 10.37%
• 5Y*: 3.42%
• 10Y*: 6.96%

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

ICF vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
ICF iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF	15.27%	1.85%	5.30%	10.36%	-26.12%	44.17%	-5.43%	25.48%	-2.55%	4.90%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	11.53%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	-26.25%	46.10%	-2.18%	28.68%	-2.39%	10.69%

Correlation

The correlation between ICF and XLRE 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	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 2015	0.97

The correlation between ICF and XLRE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

ICF vs. XLRE - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	ICF	XLRE
Real Estate	100.0%	98.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.8%
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Technology	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

ICF vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank

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

ICF

ICF Risk / Return Rank: 32
ICF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 30
ICF Sortino Ratio Rank: 28
ICF Omega Ratio Rank: 29
ICF Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
ICF Martin Ratio Rank: 34

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 24
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 22
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
XLRE Martin Ratio Rank: 26

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.

ICF vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF (ICF) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). 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.

	ICF	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	0.80	+0.25
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.47	1.15	+0.32
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.14	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.75	1.30	+0.45
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.96	3.56	+1.39
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

ICF vs. XLRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current ICF Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is higher than the XLRE Sharpe Ratio of 0.80. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of ICF and XLRE, 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

	ICF	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.04	0.80	+0.25
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19	0.18	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.29	0.34	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.32	0.36	-0.04

Drawdowns

ICF vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum ICF drawdown since its inception was -76.74%, which is greater than XLRE's maximum drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for ICF and XLRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	ICF	XLRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-76.74%	-38.83%	-37.91%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.20%	-8.33%	+0.13%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.25%	-16.74%	-0.51%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.74%	-34.12%	-0.62%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.22%	-38.83%	-1.39%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-0.32%	+0.32%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-14.18%	-9.60%	-4.58%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.88%	3.03%	-0.15%

Volatility

ICF vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison

iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF (ICF) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) have volatilities of 4.13% and 4.10%, 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

	ICF	XLRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.13%	4.10%	+0.03%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.04%	9.87%	+0.17%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.72%	13.59%	+0.13%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.93%	19.08%	-0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.59%	20.40%	+0.19%

ICF vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

ICF has a 0.34% expense ratio, which is higher than XLRE's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

ICF vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison

ICF's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.41%, less than XLRE's 3.13% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
ICF iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF	2.41%	2.88%	2.66%	2.76%	2.64%	1.82%	2.38%	2.55%	3.20%	3.10%	4.21%	3.30%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.13%	3.45%	3.43%	3.31%	3.70%	2.61%	3.15%	3.06%	3.78%	3.25%	4.22%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both ICF and XLRE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, ICF and XLRE 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, ICF or XLRE?

ICF has higher volatility (4.13%) compared to XLRE (4.10%). In terms of maximum drawdown, ICF dropped -76.74% vs XLRE's -38.83%.

Which ETF is better, ICF or XLRE?

On 10-year performance, XLRE leads with 6.96% vs 5.86% for ICF. On fees, XLRE is cheaper at 0.13% 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, ICF or XLRE?

Over the 10-year period, XLRE has performed better with a 6.96% return vs 5.86%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, ICF or XLRE?

XLRE is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.34% for ICF.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, ICF or XLRE?

XLRE has the higher dividend yield at 3.13%, compared with 2.41% for ICF.

What is the main difference between ICF and XLRE?

ICF tracks Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index, while XLRE tracks Real Estate Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.34% for ICF and 0.13% for XLRE.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

ICF currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.04 vs 0.80), 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.