MGLIX vs. TIREX

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

MGLIX (MFS Global Real Estate Fund) and TIREX (TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional Class) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, MGLIX returned 3.90%/yr vs 6.47%/yr for TIREX. Their correlation of 0.90 suggests significant overlap in exposure. MGLIX charges 0.92%/yr vs 0.47%/yr for TIREX.

Performance

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in MFS Global Real Estate Fund (MGLIX) and TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional Class (TIREX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MGLIX achieves a 6.96% return, which is significantly lower than TIREX's 10.32% return. Over the past 10 years, MGLIX has underperformed TIREX with an annualized return of 3.90%, while TIREX has yielded a comparatively higher 6.47% annualized return.

MGLIX

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.12%
• YTD: 6.96%
• 6M: 7.50%
• 1Y: 7.78%
• 3Y*: 5.01%
• 5Y*: -0.19%
• 10Y*: 3.90%

TIREX

• 1D: -0.05%
• 1M: -1.81%
• YTD: 10.32%
• 6M: 10.45%
• 1Y: 11.68%
• 3Y*: 8.86%
• 5Y*: 1.98%
• 10Y*: 6.47%

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

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MGLIX MFS Global Real Estate Fund	6.96%	3.60%	-2.85%	11.32%	-26.94%	29.71%	2.18%	26.29%	-3.68%	10.26%
TIREX TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional Class	10.32%	2.10%	5.30%	12.16%	-28.74%	39.39%	1.29%	31.09%	-4.06%	11.73%

Correlation

The correlation between MGLIX and TIREX is 0.87, 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	0.87
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.93
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.91
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 11, 2009	0.90

The correlation between MGLIX and TIREX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.87 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MGLIX vs. TIREX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MGLIX

MGLIX Risk / Return Rank: 8
MGLIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 8
MGLIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 8
MGLIX Omega Ratio Rank: 8
MGLIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 8
MGLIX Martin Ratio Rank: 10

TIREX

TIREX Risk / Return Rank: 14
TIREX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 11
TIREX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
TIREX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
TIREX Calmar Ratio Rank: 17
TIREX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

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.

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for MFS Global Real Estate Fund (MGLIX) and TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional Class (TIREX). 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.

	MGLIX	TIREX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.63	0.86	-0.23
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	0.95	1.24	-0.29
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.12	1.16	-0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.73	1.36	-0.63
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.62	4.62	-1.99

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MGLIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.63, which is comparable to the TIREX Sharpe Ratio of 0.86. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MGLIX and TIREX, 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

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MGLIX drawdown since its inception was -38.55%, smaller than the maximum TIREX drawdown of -74.18%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MGLIX and TIREX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MGLIX	TIREX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.55%	-74.18%	+35.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.69%	-8.55%	-2.14%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-21.41%	-17.95%	-3.46%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-35.01%	-35.67%	+0.66%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.55%	-39.26%	+0.71%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-12.45%	-5.20%	-7.25%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.73%	-13.46%	+2.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.97%	2.52%	+0.45%

Volatility

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for MFS Global Real Estate Fund (MGLIX) is 4.11%, while TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional Class (TIREX) has a volatility of 5.02%. This indicates that MGLIX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than TIREX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MGLIX	TIREX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	5.02%	-0.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.40%	10.27%	-0.87%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.34%	13.52%	-1.18%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.56%	18.88%	-2.32%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	16.84%	20.17%	-3.33%

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MGLIX has a 0.92% expense ratio, which is higher than TIREX's 0.47% expense ratio.

Dividends

MGLIX vs. TIREX - Dividend Comparison

MGLIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.03%, more than TIREX's 2.49% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
MGLIX MFS Global Real Estate Fund	3.03%	3.24%	2.59%	1.86%	5.97%	2.12%	1.00%	5.79%	3.15%	1.87%	5.62%	7.40%
TIREX TIAA-CREF Real Estate Securities Fund Institutional Class	2.49%	3.56%	3.08%	2.71%	5.13%	3.07%	1.80%	6.18%	3.54%	7.20%	4.16%	5.65%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MGLIX and TIREX in my portfolio?

MGLIX and TIREX have a correlation of 0.87, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MGLIX or TIREX?

TIREX has higher volatility (5.02%) compared to MGLIX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MGLIX dropped -38.55% vs TIREX's -74.18%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

TIREX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.86 vs 0.63), 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.