IFGL vs. REIT

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

IFGL (iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF) and REIT (ALPS Active REIT ETF) are both REIT funds. IFGL is passively managed, while REIT is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, IFGL returned -2.66%/yr vs 4.37%/yr for REIT. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. IFGL charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for REIT.

Performance

IFGL vs. REIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (IFGL) and ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, IFGL achieves a -2.19% return, which is significantly lower than REIT's 12.80% return.

IFGL

• 1D: -1.17%
• 1M: -4.06%
• YTD: -2.19%
• 6M: -0.58%
• 1Y: 6.13%
• 3Y*: 6.59%
• 5Y*: -2.66%
• 10Y*: 1.41%

REIT

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 12.80%
• 6M: 12.21%
• 1Y: 13.48%
• 3Y*: 10.38%
• 5Y*: 4.37%
• 10Y*: —

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

IFGL vs. REIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
IFGL iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF	-2.19%	24.31%	-7.25%	5.40%	-24.21%	7.07%
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	12.80%	-0.55%	7.11%	13.74%	-21.23%	33.56%

Correlation

The correlation between IFGL and REIT 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	0.60
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.62
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 1, 2021	0.61

The correlation between IFGL and REIT shifts across timeframes, from 0.52 (1 year) to 0.62 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

IFGL vs. REIT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	IFGL	REIT
Real Estate	98.9%	100.0%
Technology	1.1%	-
Consumer Cyclical	0.1%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Communication Services	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

IFGL vs. REIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

IFGL

IFGL Risk / Return Rank: 15
IFGL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
IFGL Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
IFGL Omega Ratio Rank: 15
IFGL Calmar Ratio Rank: 14
IFGL Martin Ratio Rank: 15

REIT

REIT Risk / Return Rank: 31
REIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
REIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
REIT Omega Ratio Rank: 27
REIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
REIT Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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.

IFGL vs. REIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (IFGL) and ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT). 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.

	IFGL	REIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.45	1.06	-0.61
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.74	1.46	-0.72
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.09	1.19	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.43	1.84	-1.41
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	1.32	5.33	-4.01
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

IFGL vs. REIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IFGL Sharpe Ratio is 0.45, which is lower than the REIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IFGL and REIT, 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

	IFGL	REIT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.45	1.06	-0.61
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.16	0.24	-0.40
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.09	—	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.04	0.39	-0.35

Drawdowns

IFGL vs. REIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IFGL drawdown since its inception was -67.94%, which is greater than REIT's maximum drawdown of -29.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IFGL and REIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	IFGL	REIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.94%	-29.30%	-38.64%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.38%	-7.35%	-7.03%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.77%	-18.19%	-0.58%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.47%	-29.30%	-9.17%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-40.38%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-14.94%	-2.65%	-12.29%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.68%	-10.38%	-6.30%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.65%	2.53%	+2.12%

Volatility

IFGL vs. REIT - Volatility Comparison

iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF (IFGL) has a higher volatility of 4.54% compared to ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) at 3.80%. This indicates that IFGL's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than REIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IFGL	REIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.54%	3.80%	+0.74%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	11.46%	9.01%	+2.45%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.68%	12.78%	+0.90%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.38%	18.45%	-2.07%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.59%	18.38%	-1.79%

IFGL vs. REIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

IFGL has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is lower than REIT's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

IFGL vs. REIT - Dividend Comparison

IFGL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.90%, more than REIT's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IFGL iShares International Developed Real Estate ETF	3.90%	3.71%	4.83%	1.82%	2.79%	3.25%	2.17%	7.60%	4.10%	4.90%	7.68%	3.70%
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	2.80%	3.20%	3.06%	3.13%	2.81%	4.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both IFGL and REIT in my portfolio?

IFGL and REIT 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, IFGL or REIT?

IFGL has higher volatility (4.54%) compared to REIT (3.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IFGL dropped -67.94% vs REIT's -29.30%.

Which ETF is better, IFGL or REIT?

On 5-year performance, REIT leads with 4.37% vs -2.66% for IFGL. On fees, IFGL is cheaper at 0.48% per year. On volatility, REIT has been the lower-risk option at 3.80%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, IFGL or REIT?

Over the 5-year period, REIT has performed better with a 4.37% return vs -2.66%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, IFGL or REIT?

IFGL is cheaper with a 0.48% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for REIT.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, IFGL or REIT?

IFGL has the higher dividend yield at 3.90%, compared with 2.80% for REIT.

What is the main difference between IFGL and REIT?

They also come from different issuers: iShares and ALPS. Their fees differ too: 0.48% for IFGL and 0.68% for REIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.06 vs 0.45), 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.