MXREX vs. IRFIX

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

MXREX (Great-West Real Estate Index Fund) and IRFIX (Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, MXREX returned 3.81%/yr vs 2.61%/yr for IRFIX. At a 0.47 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. MXREX charges 0.70%/yr vs 1.00%/yr for IRFIX.

Performance

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Great-West Real Estate Index Fund (MXREX) and Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund (IRFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, MXREX achieves a 11.54% return, which is significantly higher than IRFIX's -0.55% return. Over the past 10 years, MXREX has outperformed IRFIX with an annualized return of 3.81%, while IRFIX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.61% annualized return.

MXREX

• 1D: 0.59%
• 1M: -0.80%
• YTD: 11.54%
• 6M: 10.06%
• 1Y: 15.26%
• 3Y*: 10.88%
• 5Y*: 3.87%
• 10Y*: 3.81%

IRFIX

• 1D: -0.22%
• 1M: -3.71%
• YTD: -0.55%
• 6M: 0.95%
• 1Y: 7.06%
• 3Y*: 5.34%
• 5Y*: -3.15%
• 10Y*: 2.61%

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

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
MXREX Great-West Real Estate Index Fund	11.54%	3.16%	7.47%	13.31%	-26.44%	45.80%	-12.52%	22.41%	-4.92%	2.25%
IRFIX Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund	-0.55%	23.52%	-10.56%	4.58%	-23.84%	7.66%	-0.81%	23.74%	-3.74%	23.38%

Correlation

The correlation between MXREX and IRFIX is 0.48, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.48
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.49
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.53
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.47
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 3, 2013	0.47

The correlation between MXREX and IRFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.47 to 0.53 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

MXREX vs. IRFIX — Risk / Return Rank

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

MXREX

MXREX Risk / Return Rank: 21
MXREX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 17
MXREX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
MXREX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
MXREX Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
MXREX Martin Ratio Rank: 28

IRFIX

IRFIX Risk / Return Rank: 6
IRFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
IRFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
IRFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 6
IRFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 5
IRFIX 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.

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Great-West Real Estate Index Fund (MXREX) and Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund (IRFIX). 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.

	MXREX	IRFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	0.50	+0.66
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.62	0.83	+0.79
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.10	+0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.01	0.44	+1.57
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.65	1.38	+5.27
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current MXREX Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is higher than the IRFIX Sharpe Ratio of 0.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of MXREX and IRFIX, 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

	MXREX	IRFIX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.16	0.50	+0.66
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.20	-0.21	+0.41
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.18	0.17	+0.01
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.21	0.19	+0.02

Drawdowns

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum MXREX drawdown since its inception was -43.89%, smaller than the maximum IRFIX drawdown of -70.13%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for MXREX and IRFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	MXREX	IRFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-43.89%	-70.13%	+26.24%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.73%	-14.85%	+7.12%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.79%	-21.06%	+2.27%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-33.06%	-38.41%	+5.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.89%	-39.51%	-4.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.40%	-17.16%	+13.76%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.63%	-18.66%	+7.03%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.31%	4.71%	-2.40%

Volatility

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Volatility Comparison

Great-West Real Estate Index Fund (MXREX) has a higher volatility of 4.14% compared to Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund (IRFIX) at 3.87%. This indicates that MXREX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IRFIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	MXREX	IRFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.14%	3.87%	+0.27%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.47%	10.74%	-1.27%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.37%	12.95%	+0.42%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.33%	15.32%	+4.01%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.94%	15.68%	+6.26%

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

MXREX has a 0.70% expense ratio, which is lower than IRFIX's 1.00% expense ratio.

Dividends

MXREX vs. IRFIX - Dividend Comparison

MXREX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.86%, less than IRFIX's 6.20% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IRFIX Cohen & Steers International Realty Fund	6.20%	6.17%	3.24%	2.62%	2.62%	7.70%	3.40%	9.81%	4.19%	3.37%	6.46%	3.36%
MXREX Great-West Real Estate Index Fund	1.86%	2.07%	6.74%	1.85%	4.69%	1.93%	1.60%	4.51%	4.10%	3.36%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both MXREX and IRFIX in my portfolio?

MXREX and IRFIX have a correlation of 0.48, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, MXREX or IRFIX?

MXREX has higher volatility (4.14%) compared to IRFIX (3.87%). In terms of maximum drawdown, MXREX dropped -43.89% vs IRFIX's -70.13%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

MXREX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.16 vs 0.50), 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.