RIET vs. VNQ

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

RIET (Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF) and VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) are both REIT funds - RIET tracks the Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield Index while VNQ tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, RIET returned 8.68%/yr vs 9.15%/yr for VNQ. Their correlation of 0.84 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RIET charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for VNQ.

Performance

RIET vs. VNQ - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF (RIET) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, RIET achieves a 6.14% return, which is significantly lower than VNQ's 7.83% return.

RIET

• 1D: -1.15%
• 1M: 0.48%
• YTD: 6.14%
• 6M: 5.42%
• 1Y: 12.32%
• 3Y*: 8.68%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VNQ

• 1D: -0.12%
• 1M: -1.10%
• YTD: 7.83%
• 6M: 6.75%
• 1Y: 9.97%
• 3Y*: 9.15%
• 5Y*: 2.18%
• 10Y*: 5.21%

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

RIET vs. VNQ - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
RIET Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF	6.14%	2.43%	1.18%	13.04%	-25.29%	2.35%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	7.83%	3.24%	4.81%	11.85%	-26.25%	10.29%

Correlation

The correlation between RIET and VNQ 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 (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.82
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 23, 2021	0.84

The correlation between RIET and VNQ has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.76 to 0.84 - a consistent structural relationship.

RIET vs. VNQ - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	RIET	VNQ
Real Estate	87.8%	97.3%
Financial Services	2.6%	0.1%
Basic Materials	-	1.1%
Communication Services	-	0.6%
Consumer Cyclical	-	-
Consumer Defensive	-	-
Energy	-	0.1%
Healthcare	-	-
Industrials	-	0.0%
Technology	-	0.3%
Utilities	-	-

Return for Risk

RIET vs. VNQ — Risk / Return Rank

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

RIET

RIET Risk / Return Rank: 26
RIET Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
RIET Sortino Ratio Rank: 25
RIET Omega Ratio Rank: 24
RIET Calmar Ratio Rank: 29
RIET Martin Ratio Rank: 26

VNQ

VNQ Risk / Return Rank: 23
VNQ Sharpe Ratio Rank: 22
VNQ Sortino Ratio Rank: 21
VNQ Omega Ratio Rank: 20
VNQ Calmar Ratio Rank: 25
VNQ Martin Ratio Rank: 27

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.

RIET vs. VNQ - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF (RIET) and Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ). 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.

	RIET	VNQ	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.94	0.76	+0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.37	1.12	+0.26
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.14	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	1.20	+0.21
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.68	3.78	-0.11
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

RIET vs. VNQ - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RIET Sharpe Ratio is 0.94, which is comparable to the VNQ Sharpe Ratio of 0.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RIET and VNQ, 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

	RIET	VNQ	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.94	0.76	+0.18
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	—	0.12	—
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	—	0.25	—
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	-0.06	0.26	-0.32

Drawdowns

RIET vs. VNQ - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RIET drawdown since its inception was -34.61%, smaller than the maximum VNQ drawdown of -73.07%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RIET and VNQ.

Drawdown Indicators

	RIET	VNQ	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-34.61%	-73.07%	+38.46%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.76%	-8.34%	-0.42%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.38%	-17.46%	-0.92%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-34.48%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-42.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-8.50%	-3.75%	-4.75%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-16.43%	-13.63%	-2.80%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.36%	2.64%	+0.72%

Volatility

RIET vs. VNQ - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF (RIET) is 3.42%, while Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ) has a volatility of 3.72%. This indicates that RIET experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VNQ based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RIET	VNQ	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.42%	3.72%	-0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.18%	9.26%	-0.08%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.14%	13.16%	-0.02%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.95%	18.80%	+0.15%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.95%	20.70%	-1.75%

RIET vs. VNQ - Expense Ratio Comparison

RIET has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is higher than VNQ's 0.13% expense ratio.

Dividends

RIET vs. VNQ - Dividend Comparison

RIET's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 10.88%, more than VNQ's 3.69% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
RIET Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield ETF	10.88%	11.04%	10.17%	9.33%	9.33%	1.99%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
VNQ Vanguard Real Estate ETF	3.69%	3.92%	3.85%	3.95%	3.91%	2.56%	3.93%	3.39%	4.74%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RIET and VNQ in my portfolio?

RIET and VNQ 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, RIET or VNQ?

VNQ has higher volatility (3.72%) compared to RIET (3.42%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RIET dropped -34.61% vs VNQ's -73.07%.

Which ETF is better, RIET or VNQ?

On 3-year performance, VNQ leads with 9.15% vs 8.68% for RIET. On fees, VNQ is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, RIET has been the lower-risk option at 3.42%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RIET or VNQ?

Over the 3-year period, VNQ has performed better with a 9.15% return vs 8.68%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RIET or VNQ?

VNQ is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.50% for RIET.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, RIET or VNQ?

RIET has the higher dividend yield at 10.88%, compared with 3.69% for VNQ.

What is the main difference between RIET and VNQ?

RIET tracks Hoya Capital High Dividend Yield Index, while VNQ tracks MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index. They also come from different issuers: Pettee Investors and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RIET and 0.13% for VNQ.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

RIET currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.94 vs 0.76), 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.