REIT vs. PIT

Last updated Jun 23, 2026

REIT (ALPS Active REIT ETF) and PIT (VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - REIT is a REIT fund actively managed by ALPS, while PIT is a Commodities fund actively managed by VanEck. Both are actively managed. Over the past 3 years, REIT returned 12.25%/yr vs 19.51%/yr for PIT. At a 0.02 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. REIT charges 0.68%/yr vs 0.55%/yr for PIT.

Performance

REIT vs. PIT - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REIT achieves a 15.68% return, which is significantly lower than PIT's 27.31% return.

REIT

• 1D: 1.03%
• 1M: 0.35%
• YTD: 15.68%
• 6M: 15.89%
• 1Y: 16.35%
• 3Y*: 12.25%
• 5Y*: 4.59%
• 10Y*: —

PIT

• 1D: -0.75%
• 1M: -10.60%
• YTD: 27.31%
• 6M: 26.74%
• 1Y: 38.33%
• 3Y*: 19.51%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

REIT vs. PIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	15.68%	-0.55%	7.11%	13.74%	0.34%
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	27.31%	21.63%	6.77%	-4.54%	1.67%

Correlation

The correlation between REIT and PIT is -0.10, meaning they tend to move in opposite directions. This is especially valuable for risk management - when one declines, the other has historically tended to hold steady or rise.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	-0.10
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	-0.03
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 22, 2022	0.02

The correlation between REIT and PIT shifts across timeframes, from -0.10 (1 year) to 0.02 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

REIT vs. PIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

REIT

REIT Risk / Return Rank: 38
REIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 36
REIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 32
REIT Omega Ratio Rank: 33
REIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 46
REIT Martin Ratio Rank: 41

PIT

PIT Risk / Return Rank: 55
PIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 54
PIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 48
PIT Omega Ratio Rank: 52
PIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
PIT Martin Ratio Rank: 62

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.

REIT vs. PIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT). 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.

	REIT	PIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.23	1.78	-0.55
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.68	2.32	-0.64
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.32	-0.10
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.23	2.74	-0.51
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.44	10.88	-4.44

REIT vs. PIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REIT Sharpe Ratio is 1.23, which is lower than the PIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.78. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REIT and PIT, 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

REIT vs. PIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REIT drawdown since its inception was -29.30%, which is greater than PIT's maximum drawdown of -14.05%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REIT and PIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	REIT	PIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-29.30%	-14.05%	-15.25%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-7.35%	-14.05%	+6.70%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.19%	-14.05%	-4.14%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-29.30%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.50%	-14.05%	+12.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-10.29%	-4.07%	-6.22%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.54%	3.59%	-1.05%

Volatility

REIT vs. PIT - Volatility Comparison

ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) and VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF (PIT) have volatilities of 4.89% and 4.67%, 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

	REIT	PIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.89%	4.67%	+0.22%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.76%	19.36%	-9.60%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.35%	21.66%	-8.31%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.50%	17.50%	+1.00%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.38%	17.50%	+0.88%

REIT vs. PIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

REIT has a 0.68% expense ratio, which is higher than PIT's 0.55% expense ratio.

Dividends

REIT vs. PIT - Dividend Comparison

REIT's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.75%, less than PIT's 7.00% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
PIT VanEck Commodity Strategy ETF	7.00%	8.92%	3.59%	6.44%	0.00%	0.00%
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	2.75%	3.20%	3.06%	3.13%	2.81%	4.71%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REIT and PIT in my portfolio?

REIT and PIT have a correlation of -0.10, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, REIT or PIT?

REIT has higher volatility (4.89%) compared to PIT (4.67%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REIT dropped -29.30% vs PIT's -14.05%.

Which ETF is better, REIT or PIT?

On 3-year performance, PIT leads with 19.51% vs 12.25% for REIT. On fees, PIT is cheaper at 0.55% per year. On volatility, PIT has been the lower-risk option at 4.67%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REIT or PIT?

Over the 3-year period, PIT has performed better with a 19.51% return vs 12.25%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REIT or PIT?

PIT is cheaper with a 0.55% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for REIT.

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

PIT has the higher dividend yield at 7.00%, compared with 2.75% for REIT.

What is the main difference between REIT and PIT?

REIT is categorized as REIT, while PIT is Commodities. They also come from different issuers: ALPS and VanEck. Their fees differ too: 0.68% for REIT and 0.55% for PIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

PIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.78 vs 1.23), 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.