REACX vs. FRI

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

REACX (American Century Real Estate Fund) and FRI (First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, REACX returned 5.18%/yr vs 5.67%/yr for FRI. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. REACX charges 1.14%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for FRI.

Performance

REACX vs. FRI - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in American Century Real Estate Fund (REACX) and First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REACX achieves a 14.67% return, which is significantly lower than FRI's 21.19% return. Over the past 10 years, REACX has underperformed FRI with an annualized return of 5.18%, while FRI has yielded a comparatively higher 5.67% annualized return.

REACX

• 1D: -0.07%
• 1M: 0.99%
• 6M: 11.53%
• YTD: 14.67%
• 1Y: 14.47%
• 3Y*: 9.58%
• 5Y*: 3.26%
• 10Y*: 5.18%

FRI

• 1D: 2.48%
• 1M: 4.21%
• 6M: 17.34%
• YTD: 21.19%
• 1Y: 23.85%
• 3Y*: 11.98%
• 5Y*: 5.30%
• 10Y*: 5.67%

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

REACX vs. FRI - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
REACX American Century Real Estate Fund	14.67%	0.81%	7.63%	10.97%	-24.64%	41.52%	-8.31%	30.73%	-4.18%	5.09%
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	21.19%	2.80%	7.84%	13.33%	-24.66%	42.55%	-7.90%	23.67%	-4.28%	3.86%

Correlation

The correlation between REACX and FRI is 0.97 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.97
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.97
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.98
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since May 10, 2007	0.92

The correlation between REACX and FRI has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.92 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

REACX vs. FRI — Risk / Return Rank

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

REACX

REACX Risk / Return Rank: 30
REACX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 27
REACX Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
REACX Omega Ratio Rank: 25
REACX Calmar Ratio Rank: 42
REACX Martin Ratio Rank: 34

FRI

FRI Risk / Return Rank: 68
FRI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 67
FRI Sortino Ratio Rank: 64
FRI Omega Ratio Rank: 62
FRI Calmar Ratio Rank: 77
FRI Martin Ratio Rank: 70

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.

REACX vs. FRI - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for American Century Real Estate Fund (REACX) and First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI). 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.

	REACX	FRI	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.16	1.73	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.63	2.39	-0.77
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.21	1.30	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.03	3.16	-1.13
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.22	10.12	-3.89

REACX vs. FRI - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REACX Sharpe Ratio is 1.16, which is lower than the FRI Sharpe Ratio of 1.73. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REACX and FRI, 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

REACX vs. FRI - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REACX drawdown since its inception was -75.80%, which is greater than FRI's maximum drawdown of -71.95%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REACX and FRI.

Drawdown Indicators

	REACX	FRI	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-75.80%	-71.95%	-3.85%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.72%	-7.57%	-0.15%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.16%	-18.90%	+1.74%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.15%	-31.21%	-0.94%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-41.88%	-44.16%	+2.28%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.01%	0.00%	-1.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.54%	-13.62%	+1.08%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.52%	2.36%	+0.16%

Volatility

REACX vs. FRI - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for American Century Real Estate Fund (REACX) is 4.75%, while First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund (FRI) has a volatility of 5.13%. This indicates that REACX experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than FRI based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REACX	FRI	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.75%	5.13%	-0.38%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.53%	10.58%	-0.05%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.61%	13.84%	-0.23%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.52%	18.73%	-0.21%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.53%	21.10%	-0.57%

REACX vs. FRI - Expense Ratio Comparison

REACX has a 1.14% expense ratio, which is higher than FRI's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

REACX vs. FRI - Dividend Comparison

REACX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 1.57%, less than FRI's 2.37% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FRI First Trust S&P REIT Index Fund	2.37%	2.99%	3.33%	3.24%	2.52%	1.44%	3.08%	2.28%	3.21%	2.82%	3.27%	2.66%
REACX American Century Real Estate Fund	1.57%	2.15%	1.89%	2.28%	11.26%	11.49%	1.71%	8.71%	8.73%	4.66%	11.80%	2.51%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REACX and FRI in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.97, REACX and FRI 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, REACX or FRI?

FRI has higher volatility (5.13%) compared to REACX (4.75%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REACX dropped -75.80% vs FRI's -71.95%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FRI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.73 vs 1.16), 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.