VGSIX vs. XLRE

Last updated Jun 4, 2026

VGSIX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, VGSIX returned 4.86%/yr vs 6.68%/yr for XLRE. With a 0.97 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VGSIX charges 0.26%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.

Performance

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSIX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSIX achieves a 7.90% return, which is significantly lower than XLRE's 8.56% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSIX has underperformed XLRE with an annualized return of 4.86%, while XLRE has yielded a comparatively higher 6.68% annualized return.

VGSIX

• 1D: 0.45%
• 1M: -0.95%
• YTD: 7.90%
• 6M: 6.81%
• 1Y: 9.99%
• 3Y*: 8.39%
• 5Y*: 1.69%
• 10Y*: 4.86%

XLRE

• 1D: 0.05%
• 1M: -1.29%
• YTD: 8.56%
• 6M: 7.82%
• 1Y: 8.12%
• 3Y*: 9.43%
• 5Y*: 2.86%
• 10Y*: 6.68%

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

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGSIX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund	7.90%	2.04%	2.67%	12.97%	-26.29%	40.18%	-4.87%	28.74%	-6.14%	4.80%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	8.56%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	-26.25%	46.10%	-2.18%	28.68%	-2.39%	10.69%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSIX and XLRE is 0.98 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.98
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.98
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.99
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.98
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 9, 2015	0.97

The correlation between VGSIX and XLRE has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.97 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGSIX vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSIX

VGSIX Risk / Return Rank: 10
VGSIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 9
VGSIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 9
VGSIX Omega Ratio Rank: 9
VGSIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 12
VGSIX Martin Ratio Rank: 13

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 19
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 18
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 17
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 17
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 21
XLRE Martin Ratio Rank: 22

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.

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSIX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE). 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.

	VGSIX	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.74	0.61	+0.14
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.09	0.90	+0.19
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.14	1.11	+0.02
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.17	0.98	+0.20
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.69	2.69	+1.00
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSIX Sharpe Ratio is 0.74, which is comparable to the XLRE Sharpe Ratio of 0.61. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSIX and XLRE, 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

	VGSIX	XLRE	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.74	0.61	+0.14
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.09	0.15	-0.06
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.23	0.33	-0.09
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.34	0.35	0.00

Drawdowns

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSIX drawdown since its inception was -73.13%, which is greater than XLRE's maximum drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSIX and XLRE.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSIX	XLRE	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.13%	-38.83%	-34.30%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.32%	-8.33%	+0.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.62%	-16.74%	-1.88%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.58%	-34.12%	-0.46%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.35%	-38.83%	-3.52%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-5.88%	-2.98%	-2.90%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-11.88%	-9.61%	-2.27%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.64%	3.03%	-0.39%

Volatility

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund (VGSIX) and Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) have volatilities of 3.76% and 3.71%, 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

	VGSIX	XLRE	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.76%	3.71%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	9.31%	9.66%	-0.35%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.14%	13.43%	-0.29%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.88%	19.06%	-0.18%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.85%	20.40%	+0.45%

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSIX has a 0.26% expense ratio, which is higher than XLRE's 0.13% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGSIX vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison

VGSIX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.55%, more than XLRE's 3.22% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGSIX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund	3.55%	2.76%	2.83%	3.77%	3.75%	2.43%	3.78%	3.24%	4.59%	4.09%	4.67%	3.78%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.22%	3.45%	3.43%	3.31%	3.70%	2.61%	3.15%	3.06%	3.78%	3.25%	4.22%	1.09%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGSIX and XLRE in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.98, VGSIX and XLRE 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, VGSIX or XLRE?

VGSIX has higher volatility (3.76%) compared to XLRE (3.71%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSIX dropped -73.13% vs XLRE's -38.83%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.74 vs 0.61), 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.