PURZX vs. FREL

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

PURZX (PGIM Global Real Estate Fund) and FREL (Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, PURZX returned 4.20%/yr vs 5.83%/yr for FREL. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. PURZX charges 0.93%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for FREL.

Performance

PURZX vs. FREL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in PGIM Global Real Estate Fund (PURZX) and Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, PURZX achieves a 9.41% return, which is significantly lower than FREL's 10.01% return. Over the past 10 years, PURZX has underperformed FREL with an annualized return of 4.20%, while FREL has yielded a comparatively higher 5.83% annualized return.

PURZX

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -1.33%
• YTD: 9.41%
• 6M: 9.79%
• 1Y: 13.13%
• 3Y*: 9.65%
• 5Y*: 2.31%
• 10Y*: 4.20%

FREL

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: -0.29%
• YTD: 10.01%
• 6M: 10.30%
• 1Y: 11.38%
• 3Y*: 10.69%
• 5Y*: 2.43%
• 10Y*: 5.83%

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

PURZX vs. FREL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
PURZX PGIM Global Real Estate Fund	9.41%	9.22%	3.64%	11.24%	-26.73%	27.91%	-4.39%	20.60%	-5.32%	10.36%
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF	10.01%	3.09%	5.05%	11.74%	-26.21%	40.46%	-4.99%	28.78%	-4.52%	8.86%

Correlation

The correlation between PURZX and FREL is 0.89, 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	0.89
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	0.92
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 5, 2015	0.92

The correlation between PURZX and FREL has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

PURZX vs. FREL — Risk / Return Rank

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

PURZX

PURZX Risk / Return Rank: 16
PURZX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 16
PURZX Sortino Ratio Rank: 15
PURZX Omega Ratio Rank: 15
PURZX Calmar Ratio Rank: 15
PURZX Martin Ratio Rank: 20

FREL

FREL Risk / Return Rank: 26
FREL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 24
FREL Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
FREL Omega Ratio Rank: 22
FREL Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
FREL Martin Ratio Rank: 31

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.

PURZX vs. FREL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for PGIM Global Real Estate Fund (PURZX) and Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL). 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.

	PURZX	FREL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.04	0.83	+0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.48	1.21	+0.27
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.19	1.15	+0.04
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.27	1.35	-0.08
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.62	4.23	+0.39

PURZX vs. FREL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current PURZX Sharpe Ratio is 1.04, which is comparable to the FREL Sharpe Ratio of 0.83. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of PURZX and FREL, 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

PURZX vs. FREL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum PURZX drawdown since its inception was -69.49%, which is greater than FREL's maximum drawdown of -42.61%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for PURZX and FREL.

Drawdown Indicators

	PURZX	FREL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-69.49%	-42.61%	-26.88%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.16%	-8.45%	-1.71%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.57%	-17.54%	-1.03%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.80%	-34.40%	-0.40%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.05%	-42.61%	+1.56%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.08%	-2.12%	-0.96%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.97%	-9.91%	-2.06%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.70%	+0.09%

Volatility

PURZX vs. FREL - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for PGIM Global Real Estate Fund (PURZX) is 4.11%, while Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL) has a volatility of 4.96%. This indicates that PURZX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FREL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	PURZX	FREL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.11%	4.96%	-0.85%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.52%	10.15%	-0.63%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.40%	13.80%	-1.40%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.36%	18.89%	-2.53%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.29%	20.72%	-3.43%

PURZX vs. FREL - Expense Ratio Comparison

PURZX has a 0.93% expense ratio, which is higher than FREL's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

PURZX vs. FREL - Dividend Comparison

PURZX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.74%, less than FREL's 3.32% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FREL Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF	3.32%	3.59%	3.48%	3.73%	3.57%	2.34%	3.77%	3.32%	5.54%	3.27%	4.01%	3.80%
PURZX PGIM Global Real Estate Fund	2.74%	2.85%	2.68%	2.27%	2.22%	16.92%	1.71%	10.18%	4.22%	3.93%	4.67%	3.45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both PURZX and FREL in my portfolio?

PURZX and FREL have a correlation of 0.89, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, PURZX or FREL?

FREL has higher volatility (4.96%) compared to PURZX (4.11%). In terms of maximum drawdown, PURZX dropped -69.49% vs FREL's -42.61%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PURZX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.04 vs 0.83), 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.