RWO vs. REIT

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

RWO (SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF) and REIT (ALPS Active REIT ETF) are both REIT funds. RWO is passively managed, while REIT is actively managed. Over the past 5 years, RWO returned 2.53%/yr vs 4.91%/yr for REIT. Their correlation of 0.92 suggests significant overlap in exposure. RWO charges 0.50%/yr vs 0.68%/yr for REIT.

Performance

RWO vs. REIT - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) 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, RWO achieves a 11.44% return, which is significantly lower than REIT's 17.16% return.

RWO

• 1D: 0.96%
• 1M: 0.76%
• YTD: 11.44%
• 6M: 11.34%
• 1Y: 14.87%
• 3Y*: 11.85%
• 5Y*: 2.53%
• 10Y*: 3.88%

REIT

• 1D: 1.28%
• 1M: 1.64%
• YTD: 17.16%
• 6M: 17.61%
• 1Y: 16.74%
• 3Y*: 12.73%
• 5Y*: 4.91%
• 10Y*: —

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

RWO vs. REIT - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021
RWO SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF	11.44%	8.87%	1.76%	10.91%	-25.11%	25.39%
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	17.16%	-0.55%	7.11%	13.74%	-21.23%	33.02%

Correlation

The correlation between RWO and REIT is 0.90, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.90
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.93
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 26, 2021	0.92

The correlation between RWO and REIT has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.90 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

RWO vs. REIT — Risk / Return Rank

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

RWO

RWO Risk / Return Rank: 34
RWO Sharpe Ratio Rank: 33
RWO Sortino Ratio Rank: 31
RWO Omega Ratio Rank: 31
RWO Calmar Ratio Rank: 33
RWO Martin Ratio Rank: 40

REIT

REIT Risk / Return Rank: 39
REIT Sharpe Ratio Rank: 37
REIT Sortino Ratio Rank: 34
REIT Omega Ratio Rank: 35
REIT Calmar Ratio Rank: 49
REIT Martin Ratio Rank: 42

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.

RWO vs. REIT - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) 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.

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.

	RWO	REIT	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.14	1.26	-0.12
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.61	1.71	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.22	-0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.57	2.29	-0.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	6.03	6.59	-0.56

RWO vs. REIT - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current RWO Sharpe Ratio is 1.14, which is comparable to the REIT Sharpe Ratio of 1.26. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of RWO 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.

Drawdowns

RWO vs. REIT - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum RWO drawdown since its inception was -67.69%, which is greater than REIT's maximum drawdown of -29.30%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for RWO and REIT.

Drawdown Indicators

	RWO	REIT	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-67.69%	-29.30%	-38.39%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.51%	-7.35%	-2.16%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.66%	-18.19%	+0.53%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.85%	-29.30%	-3.55%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-43.27%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.78%	-0.23%	-0.55%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.64%	-10.28%	-2.36%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.47%	2.54%	-0.07%

Volatility

RWO vs. REIT - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF (RWO) is 4.59%, while ALPS Active REIT ETF (REIT) has a volatility of 5.05%. This indicates that RWO experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than REIT based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	RWO	REIT	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.59%	5.05%	-0.46%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.89%	9.82%	+0.07%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.14%	13.38%	-0.24%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	17.06%	18.51%	-1.45%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.21%	18.38%	-0.17%

RWO vs. REIT - Expense Ratio Comparison

RWO has a 0.50% expense ratio, which is lower than REIT's 0.68% expense ratio.

Dividends

RWO vs. REIT - Dividend Comparison

RWO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.24%, more than REIT's 2.72% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
REIT ALPS Active REIT ETF	2.72%	3.20%	3.06%	3.13%	2.81%	4.71%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
RWO SPDR Dow Jones Global Real Estate ETF	3.24%	3.62%	3.68%	3.53%	3.69%	2.79%	3.25%	3.97%	3.90%	3.26%	3.77%	2.97%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both RWO and REIT in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.90, RWO and REIT move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, RWO or REIT?

REIT has higher volatility (5.05%) compared to RWO (4.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, RWO dropped -67.69% vs REIT's -29.30%.

Which ETF is better, RWO or REIT?

On 5-year performance, REIT leads with 4.91% vs 2.53% for RWO. On fees, RWO is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, RWO has been the lower-risk option at 4.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, RWO or REIT?

Over the 5-year period, REIT has performed better with a 4.91% return vs 2.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, RWO or REIT?

RWO is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.68% for REIT.

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

RWO has the higher dividend yield at 3.24%, compared with 2.72% for REIT.

What is the main difference between RWO and REIT?

They also come from different issuers: State Street and ALPS. Their fees differ too: 0.50% for RWO and 0.68% for REIT.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

REIT currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.26 vs 1.14), 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.