VGREX vs. VGSNX

Last updated Jun 5, 2026

VGREX (VALIC Company I Global Real Estate Fund) and VGSNX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, VGREX returned 3.25%/yr vs 5.20%/yr for VGSNX. Their correlation of 0.89 suggests significant overlap in exposure. VGREX charges 0.86%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for VGSNX.

Performance

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in VALIC Company I Global Real Estate Fund (VGREX) and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGREX achieves a 6.76% return, which is significantly lower than VGSNX's 7.79% return. Over the past 10 years, VGREX has underperformed VGSNX with an annualized return of 3.25%, while VGSNX has yielded a comparatively higher 5.20% annualized return.

VGREX

• 1D: -0.41%
• 1M: -1.74%
• YTD: 6.76%
• 6M: 7.21%
• 1Y: 9.23%
• 3Y*: 7.75%
• 5Y*: -0.08%
• 10Y*: 3.25%

VGSNX

• 1D: -0.14%
• 1M: -1.43%
• YTD: 7.79%
• 6M: 6.96%
• 1Y: 9.66%
• 3Y*: 9.14%
• 5Y*: 2.19%
• 10Y*: 5.20%

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

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGREX VALIC Company I Global Real Estate Fund	6.76%	5.83%	1.41%	9.90%	-25.89%	22.67%	-6.03%	24.50%	-7.18%	13.82%
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	7.79%	3.21%	3.72%	13.12%	-26.19%	40.46%	-4.76%	28.98%	-5.97%	4.90%

Correlation

The correlation between VGREX and VGSNX is 0.91, 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	0.91
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.94
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.94
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.90
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Apr 2, 2008	0.89

The correlation between VGREX and VGSNX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.89 to 0.94 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGREX vs. VGSNX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGREX

VGREX Risk / Return Rank: 11
VGREX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VGREX Sortino Ratio Rank: 10
VGREX Omega Ratio Rank: 10
VGREX Calmar Ratio Rank: 10
VGREX Martin Ratio Rank: 12

VGSNX

VGSNX Risk / Return Rank: 11
VGSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 10
VGSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VGSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 13
VGSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

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.

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for VALIC Company I Global Real Estate Fund (VGREX) and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX). 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.

	VGREX	VGSNX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.80	0.76	+0.03
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.16	1.12	+0.04
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	1.14	+0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	0.92	1.20	-0.29
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.38	3.79	-0.41
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGREX Sharpe Ratio is 0.80, which is comparable to the VGSNX Sharpe Ratio of 0.76. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGREX and VGSNX, 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

	VGREX	VGSNX	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.80	0.76	+0.03
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	-0.00	0.12	-0.12
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.19	0.25	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.00	0.28	-0.27

Drawdowns

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGREX drawdown since its inception was -63.57%, smaller than the maximum VGSNX drawdown of -73.06%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGREX and VGSNX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGREX	VGSNX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-63.57%	-73.06%	+9.49%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-10.29%	-8.34%	-1.95%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-20.19%	-17.41%	-2.78%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.17%	-34.39%	+0.22%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-39.92%	-42.30%	+2.38%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-6.67%	-3.66%	-3.01%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-23.79%	-13.29%	-10.50%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.79%	2.65%	+0.14%

Volatility

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Volatility Comparison

VALIC Company I Global Real Estate Fund (VGREX) and Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) have volatilities of 3.70% and 3.70%, 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

	VGREX	VGSNX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.70%	3.70%	0.00%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.02%	9.24%	-0.22%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	11.84%	13.16%	-1.32%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.04%	18.87%	-2.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	17.00%	20.90%	-3.90%

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGREX has a 0.86% expense ratio, which is higher than VGSNX's 0.10% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGREX vs. VGSNX - Dividend Comparison

VGREX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.00%, less than VGSNX's 3.71% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGREX VALIC Company I Global Real Estate Fund	3.00%	0.00%	2.68%	4.62%	1.92%	6.64%	4.61%	3.34%	4.34%	9.31%	0.00%	0.00%
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.71%	3.94%	3.87%	3.93%	3.94%	2.57%	3.95%	3.40%	4.75%	4.26%	4.84%	3.94%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGREX and VGSNX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.91, VGREX and VGSNX 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, VGREX or VGSNX?

VGSNX has higher volatility (3.70%) compared to VGREX (3.70%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGREX dropped -63.57% vs VGSNX's -73.06%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGREX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.80 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.