IRFIX vs. VGRNX

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

IRFIX (Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund) and VGRNX (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, IRFIX returned 3.10%/yr vs 2.68%/yr for VGRNX. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. IRFIX charges 1.00%/yr vs 0.11%/yr for VGRNX.

Performance

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund (IRFIX) 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, IRFIX achieves a -2.41% return, which is significantly higher than VGRNX's -2.83% return. Over the past 10 years, IRFIX has outperformed VGRNX with an annualized return of 3.10%, while VGRNX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.68% annualized return.

IRFIX

• 1D: -0.34%
• 1M: -2.83%
• YTD: -2.41%
• 6M: -2.30%
• 1Y: 2.34%
• 3Y*: 6.23%
• 5Y*: -3.72%
• 10Y*: 3.10%

VGRNX

• 1D: -0.57%
• 1M: -2.44%
• YTD: -2.83%
• 6M: -2.98%
• 1Y: 3.52%
• 3Y*: 9.02%
• 5Y*: -1.52%
• 10Y*: 2.68%

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

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
IRFIX Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund	-2.41%	23.52%	-10.56%	4.58%	-23.84%	7.66%	-0.81%	23.74%	-3.74%	23.38%
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	-2.83%	22.02%	-2.40%	6.35%	-22.47%	5.63%	-6.90%	21.50%	-9.54%	26.55%

Correlation

The correlation between IRFIX and VGRNX is 0.94, 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	0.94
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.91
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 2, 2010	0.92

The correlation between IRFIX and VGRNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.91 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

IRFIX vs. VGRNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

IRFIX

IRFIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
IRFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
IRFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
IRFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
IRFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
IRFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

VGRNX

VGRNX Risk / Return Rank: 5
VGRNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
VGRNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
VGRNX Martin Ratio Rank: 5

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.

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund (IRFIX) 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.

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.

	IRFIX	VGRNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.24	0.37	-0.13
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.44	0.62	-0.18
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.05	1.07	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.21	0.32	-0.11
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	0.58	0.86	-0.28

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current IRFIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.24, which is lower than the VGRNX Sharpe Ratio of 0.37. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of IRFIX 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.

Drawdowns

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum IRFIX drawdown since its inception was -70.13%, which is greater than VGRNX's maximum drawdown of -38.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for IRFIX and VGRNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	IRFIX	VGRNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-70.13%	-38.77%	-31.36%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-14.85%	-14.35%	-0.50%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.06%	-15.82%	-5.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-38.24%	-34.80%	-3.44%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.51%	-38.77%	-0.74%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-18.71%	-11.96%	-6.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-18.65%	-10.71%	-7.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	5.42%	5.29%	+0.13%

Volatility

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund (IRFIX) is 3.50%, while Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGRNX) has a volatility of 3.71%. This indicates that IRFIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VGRNX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	IRFIX	VGRNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.50%	3.71%	-0.21%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.98%	10.52%	+0.46%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.20%	12.34%	+0.86%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	15.34%	14.02%	+1.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	15.65%	14.78%	+0.87%

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

IRFIX has a 1.00% expense ratio, which is higher than VGRNX's 0.11% expense ratio.

Dividends

IRFIX vs. VGRNX - Dividend Comparison

IRFIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 6.32%, more than VGRNX's 4.84% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IRFIX Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund	6.32%	6.17%	3.24%	2.62%	2.62%	7.70%	3.40%	9.81%	4.19%	3.37%	6.46%	3.36%
VGRNX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	4.84%	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 IRFIX and VGRNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.94, IRFIX and VGRNX 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, IRFIX or VGRNX?

VGRNX has higher volatility (3.71%) compared to IRFIX (3.50%). In terms of maximum drawdown, IRFIX dropped -70.13% vs VGRNX's -38.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGRNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.37 vs 0.24), 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.