REAI vs. USRT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

REAI (Intelligent Real Estate ETF) and USRT (iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF) are both REIT funds. REAI is actively managed, while USRT is passively managed. Over the past 3 years, REAI returned 7.38%/yr vs 14.08%/yr for USRT. Their correlation of 0.88 suggests significant overlap in exposure. REAI charges 0.59%/yr vs 0.08%/yr for USRT.

Performance

REAI vs. USRT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) and iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT). 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 lower than USRT's 17.49% return.

REAI

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

USRT

• 1D: 1.30%
• 1M: 1.84%
• YTD: 17.49%
• 6M: 17.97%
• 1Y: 18.57%
• 3Y*: 14.08%
• 5Y*: 5.53%
• 10Y*: 6.53%

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

REAI vs. USRT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023
REAI Intelligent Real Estate ETF	14.97%	-6.08%	8.00%	1.59%
USRT iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF	17.49%	2.44%	8.58%	9.76%

Correlation

The correlation between REAI and USRT is 0.78, 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	0.78
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.87
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jun 13, 2023	0.88

The correlation between REAI and USRT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.78 to 0.88 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

REAI vs. USRT — 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

USRT

USRT Risk / Return Rank: 42
USRT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 40
USRT Sortino Ratio Rank: 37
USRT Omega Ratio Rank: 37
USRT Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
USRT Martin Ratio Rank: 46

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. USRT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) and iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT). 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	USRT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.77	1.35	-0.58
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.14	1.87	-0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.24	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.08	2.32	-1.24
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	2.75	7.44	-4.69

REAI vs. USRT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REAI Sharpe Ratio is 0.77, which is lower than the USRT Sharpe Ratio of 1.35. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REAI and USRT, 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. USRT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REAI drawdown since its inception was -22.29%, smaller than the maximum USRT drawdown of -69.92%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REAI and USRT.

Drawdown Indicators

	REAI	USRT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-22.29%	-69.92%	+47.63%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-11.08%	-8.04%	-3.04%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-22.29%	-18.70%	-3.59%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-31.03%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-44.38%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-2.14%	-0.25%	-1.89%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-7.21%	-12.94%	+5.73%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	4.34%	2.50%	+1.84%

Volatility

REAI vs. USRT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Intelligent Real Estate ETF (REAI) is 3.84%, while iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT) has a volatility of 5.19%. This indicates that REAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than USRT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REAI	USRT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.84%	5.19%	-1.35%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.64%	10.06%	+0.58%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	15.59%	13.89%	+1.70%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.00%	18.93%	-0.93%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.00%	21.33%	-3.33%

REAI vs. USRT - Expense Ratio Comparison

REAI has a 0.59% expense ratio, which is higher than USRT's 0.08% expense ratio.

Dividends

REAI vs. USRT - Dividend Comparison

REAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.22%, more than USRT's 2.57% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
REAI Intelligent Real Estate ETF	3.22%	4.52%	3.34%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
USRT iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF	2.57%	3.07%	2.85%	3.18%	3.46%	2.27%	3.12%	3.34%	5.66%	3.44%	3.98%	3.59%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REAI and USRT in my portfolio?

REAI and USRT have a correlation of 0.78, 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 USRT?

USRT has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to REAI (3.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REAI dropped -22.29% vs USRT's -69.92%.

Which ETF is better, REAI or USRT?

On 3-year performance, USRT leads with 14.08% vs 7.38% for REAI. On fees, USRT is cheaper at 0.08% per year. 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 USRT?

Over the 3-year period, USRT has performed better with a 14.08% 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 USRT?

USRT is cheaper with a 0.08% expense ratio, compared with 0.59% for REAI.

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

REAI has the higher dividend yield at 3.22%, compared with 2.57% for USRT.

What is the main difference between REAI and USRT?

They also come from different issuers: Armada ETF Advisors and iShares. Their fees differ too: 0.59% for REAI and 0.08% for USRT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

USRT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.35 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.