REAI vs. REIT

Last updated Jun 3, 2026

REAI (Intelligent Real Estate ETF) and REIT (ALPS Active REIT ETF) are both REIT funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, REAI returned 14.52% vs 13.48% for REIT. Their correlation of 0.87 suggests significant overlap in exposure. REAI charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for REIT.

Performance

REAI vs. REIT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REAI achieves a 14.15% return, which is significantly higher than REIT's 12.80% return.

REAI

• 1D: 0.12%
• 1M: -0.84%
• YTD: 14.15%
• 6M: 14.58%
• 1Y: 14.52%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

REIT

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: 0.26%
• YTD: 12.80%
• 6M: 12.21%
• 1Y: 13.48%
• 3Y*: 10.38%
• 5Y*: 4.37%
• 10Y*: —

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

REAI vs. REIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
REAI Intelligent Real Estate ETF	14.15%	-6.08%	8.00%	1.46%
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	12.80%	-0.55%	7.11%	10.46%

Correlation

The correlation between REAI and REIT is 0.76, 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	0.76
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 14, 2023	0.87

The correlation between REAI and REIT shifts across timeframes, from 0.76 (1 year) to 0.87 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

REAI vs. REIT - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	REAI	REIT
Real Estate	97.9%	100.0%
Technology	2.1%	-
Communication Services	1.8%	-
Basic Materials	-	-
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	-
Financial Services	-	-
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	-
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

REAI vs. REIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

REAI

REAI Risk / Return Rank: 25
REAI Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
REAI Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
REAI Omega Ratio Rank: 25
REAI Calmar Ratio Rank: 27
REAI Martin Ratio Rank: 25

REIT

REIT Risk / Return Rank: 31
REIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 29
REIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 27
REIT Omega Ratio Rank: 27
REIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 37
REIT Martin Ratio Rank: 35

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. REIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) and ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT). 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.

	REAI	REIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio Return per unit of total volatility	0.95	1.06	-0.11
Sortino ratio Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	1.46	-0.09
Omega ratio Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.17	1.19	-0.02
Calmar ratio Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.30	1.84	-0.54
Martin ratio Return relative to average drawdown	3.35	5.33	-1.98
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

REAI vs. REIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REAI Sharpe Ratio is 0.95, which is comparable to the REIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.06. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REAI and REIT, 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

	REAI	REIT	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.95	1.06	-0.11
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.24	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.31	0.39	-0.08

Drawdowns

REAI vs. REIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REAI drawdown since its inception was -22.29%, smaller than the maximum REIT drawdown of -29.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REAI and REIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	REAI	REIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.29%	-29.30%	+7.01%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.08%	-7.35%	-3.73%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-18.19%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-29.30%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.85%	-2.65%	-0.20%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.31%	-10.38%	+3.07%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.30%	2.53%	+1.77%

Volatility

REAI vs. REIT - Volatility Comparison

Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) and ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) have volatilities of 3.87% and 3.80%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REAI	REIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.87%	3.80%	+0.07%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.49%	9.01%	+1.48%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.37%	12.78%	+2.59%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.07%	18.45%	-0.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.07%	18.38%	-0.31%

REAI vs. REIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

REAI has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is lower than REIT's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

REAI vs. REIT - Dividend Comparison

REAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.25%, more than REIT's 2.80% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
REAI Intelligent Real Estate ETF	3.25%	4.52%	3.34%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	2.80%	3.20%	3.06%	3.13%	2.81%	4.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REAI and REIT in my portfolio?

REAI and REIT have a correlation of 0.76, 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 REIT?

REAI has higher volatility (3.87%) compared to REIT (3.80%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REAI dropped -22.29% vs REIT's -29.30%.

Which ETF is better, REAI or REIT?

On 1-year performance, REAI leads with 14.52% vs 13.48% for REIT. On fees, REAI is cheaper at 0.59% per year. Their volatility is very similar. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REAI or REIT?

Over the 1-year period, REAI has performed better with a 14.52% return vs 13.48%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REAI or REIT?

REAI is cheaper with a 0.59% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for REIT.

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

REAI has the higher dividend yield at 3.25%, compared with 2.80% for REIT.

What is the main difference between REAI and REIT?

They also come from different issuers: Armada ETF Advisors and ALPS. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for REAI and 0.68% for REIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.06 vs 0.95), 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.