VGSLX vs. IRSAX

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

VGSLX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares) and IRSAX (Delaware Ivy Securian Real Estate Securities Fund) are both REIT funds. Over the past 10 years, VGSLX returned 4.79%/yr vs 7.31%/yr for IRSAX. With a 0.98 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. VGSLX charges 0.13%/yr vs 1.20%/yr for IRSAX.

Performance

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) and Delaware Ivy Securian Real Estate Securities Fund (IRSAX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSLX achieves a 12.18% return, which is significantly lower than IRSAX's 18.29% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSLX has underperformed IRSAX with an annualized return of 4.79%, while IRSAX has yielded a comparatively higher 7.31% annualized return.

VGSLX

• 1D: 0.28%
• 1M: -0.35%
• 6M: 10.78%
• YTD: 12.18%
• 1Y: 12.68%
• 3Y*: 8.72%
• 5Y*: 2.35%
• 10Y*: 4.79%

IRSAX

• 1D: 0.27%
• 1M: 1.60%
• 6M: 17.28%
• YTD: 18.29%
• 1Y: 24.31%
• 3Y*: 17.41%
• 5Y*: 7.62%
• 10Y*: 7.31%

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

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	12.18%	3.18%	3.67%	13.13%	-26.20%	40.39%	-4.75%	28.90%	-5.99%	4.91%
IRSAX Delaware Ivy Securian Real Estate Securities Fund	18.29%	7.28%	23.62%	9.53%	-25.47%	43.57%	-3.51%	24.13%	-5.69%	5.29%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSLX and IRSAX is 0.95, 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	0.95
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.96
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.97
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.97
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 12, 2001	0.98

The correlation between VGSLX and IRSAX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.95 to 0.98 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

VGSLX vs. IRSAX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSLX

VGSLX Risk / Return Rank: 22
VGSLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 19
VGSLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 18
VGSLX Omega Ratio Rank: 18
VGSLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 28
VGSLX Martin Ratio Rank: 27

IRSAX

IRSAX Risk / Return Rank: 71
IRSAX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 69
IRSAX Sortino Ratio Rank: 62
IRSAX Omega Ratio Rank: 59
IRSAX Calmar Ratio Rank: 83
IRSAX Martin Ratio Rank: 82

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.

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) and Delaware Ivy Securian Real Estate Securities Fund (IRSAX). 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.

	VGSLX	IRSAX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.91	1.84	-0.93
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.33	2.48	-1.15
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.32	-0.15
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.52	3.07	-1.54
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.78	11.51	-6.73

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSLX Sharpe Ratio is 0.91, which is lower than the IRSAX Sharpe Ratio of 1.84. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSLX and IRSAX, 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

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSLX drawdown since its inception was -73.05%, roughly equal to the maximum IRSAX drawdown of -72.03%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSLX and IRSAX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSLX	IRSAX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.05%	-72.03%	-1.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-8.04%	-0.29%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.41%	-16.26%	-1.15%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.41%	-37.56%	+3.15%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.34%	-40.71%	-1.63%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.37%	-1.06%	-0.31%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-12.53%	-13.19%	+0.66%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.65%	2.14%	+0.51%

Volatility

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGSLX) has a higher volatility of 4.95% compared to Delaware Ivy Securian Real Estate Securities Fund (IRSAX) at 4.65%. This indicates that VGSLX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than IRSAX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSLX	IRSAX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.95%	4.65%	+0.30%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.67%	10.48%	+0.19%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.95%	13.40%	+0.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.96%	28.61%	-9.65%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.89%	25.63%	-4.74%

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSLX has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than IRSAX's 1.20% expense ratio.

Dividends

VGSLX vs. IRSAX - Dividend Comparison

VGSLX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.57%, less than IRSAX's 20.30% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
IRSAX Delaware Ivy Securian Real Estate Securities Fund	20.30%	24.77%	29.95%	9.61%	34.76%	13.03%	1.81%	9.69%	7.51%	12.71%	10.34%	5.88%
VGSLX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	3.57%	3.92%	3.85%	3.91%	3.91%	2.56%	3.92%	3.39%	4.73%	4.23%	4.82%	3.92%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both VGSLX and IRSAX in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.95, VGSLX and IRSAX 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, VGSLX or IRSAX?

VGSLX has higher volatility (4.95%) compared to IRSAX (4.65%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSLX dropped -73.05% vs IRSAX's -72.03%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

IRSAX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.84 vs 0.91), 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.