REAI vs. BLDG

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

REAI (Intelligent Real Estate ETF) and BLDG (Cambria Global Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, REAI returned 7.38%/yr vs 11.02%/yr for BLDG. A 0.78 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. Both charge a 0.59% expense ratio.

Performance

REAI vs. BLDG - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) and Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REAI achieves a 14.97% return, which is significantly higher than BLDG's 9.76% return.

REAI

• 1D: 0.41%
• 1M: -0.63%
• YTD: 14.97%
• 6M: 15.33%
• 1Y: 11.93%
• 3Y*: 7.38%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

BLDG

• 1D: 0.65%
• 1M: 1.97%
• YTD: 9.76%
• 6M: 10.36%
• 1Y: 11.23%
• 3Y*: 11.02%
• 5Y*: 2.99%
• 10Y*: —

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

REAI vs. BLDG - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
REAI Intelligent Real Estate ETF	14.97%	-6.08%	8.00%	1.59%
BLDG Cambria Global Real Estate ETF	9.76%	4.26%	8.18%	6.12%

Correlation

The correlation between REAI and BLDG is 0.64, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.64
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.77
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2023	0.78

The correlation between REAI and BLDG shifts across timeframes, from 0.64 (1 year) to 0.78 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

REAI vs. BLDG — Risk / Return Rank

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

REAI

REAI Risk / Return Rank: 23
REAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
REAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 22
REAI Omega Ratio Rank: 21
REAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
REAI Martin Ratio Rank: 23

BLDG

BLDG Risk / Return Rank: 27
BLDG Sharpe Ratio Rank: 28
BLDG Sortino Ratio Rank: 26
BLDG Omega Ratio Rank: 26
BLDG Calmar Ratio Rank: 24
BLDG Martin Ratio Rank: 29

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.

REAI vs. BLDG - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) and Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG). 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.

	REAI	BLDG	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	0.98	-0.21
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	1.39	-0.25
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.17	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.08	1.12	-0.04
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.75	3.92	-1.17

REAI vs. BLDG - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REAI Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is comparable to the BLDG Sharpe Ratio of 0.98. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REAI and BLDG, 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

REAI vs. BLDG - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REAI drawdown since its inception was -22.29%, smaller than the maximum BLDG drawdown of -27.25%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REAI and BLDG.

Drawdown Indicators

	REAI	BLDG	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.29%	-27.25%	+4.96%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.08%	-10.08%	-1.00%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.29%	-18.57%	-3.72%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-27.25%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.14%	-1.83%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.21%	-9.15%	+1.94%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.34%	2.87%	+1.47%

Volatility

REAI vs. BLDG - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) is 3.84%, while Cambria Global Real Estate ETF (BLDG) has a volatility of 4.60%. This indicates that REAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than BLDG based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REAI	BLDG	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.84%	4.60%	-0.76%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	9.05%	+1.59%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.59%	11.61%	+3.98%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.00%	15.28%	+2.72%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.00%	15.56%	+2.44%

REAI vs. BLDG - Expense Ratio Comparison

Both REAI and BLDG have an expense ratio of 0.59%.

Dividends

REAI vs. BLDG - Dividend Comparison

REAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, less than BLDG's 5.35% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020
BLDG Cambria Global Real Estate ETF	5.35%	7.46%	7.97%	4.99%	3.99%	10.40%	0.59%
REAI Intelligent Real Estate ETF	3.22%	4.52%	3.34%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REAI and BLDG in my portfolio?

REAI and BLDG have a correlation of 0.64, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, REAI or BLDG?

BLDG has higher volatility (4.60%) compared to REAI (3.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REAI dropped -22.29% vs BLDG's -27.25%.

Which ETF is better, REAI or BLDG?

On 3-year performance, BLDG leads with 11.02% vs 7.38% for REAI. Both ETFs have the same 0.59% expense ratio. On volatility, REAI has been the lower-risk option at 3.84%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REAI or BLDG?

Over the 3-year period, BLDG has performed better with a 11.02% return vs 7.38%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REAI or BLDG?

REAI and BLDG have the same expense ratio: 0.59% per year.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, REAI or BLDG?

BLDG has the higher dividend yield at 5.35%, compared with 3.22% for REAI.

What is the main difference between REAI and BLDG?

They also come from different issuers: Armada ETF Advisors and Cambria.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

BLDG currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.97 vs 0.77), 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.