VGSNX vs. VGRLX

Last updated Jun 25, 2026

VGSNX (Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares) and VGRLX (Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares) are both REIT funds from Vanguard. Over the past 10 years, VGSNX returned 5.45%/yr vs 2.54%/yr for VGRLX. A 0.56 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VGSNX charges 0.10%/yr vs 0.12%/yr for VGRLX.

Performance

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGRLX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, VGSNX achieves a 11.80% return, which is significantly higher than VGRLX's -4.06% return. Over the past 10 years, VGSNX has outperformed VGRLX with an annualized return of 5.45%, while VGRLX has yielded a comparatively lower 2.54% annualized return.

VGSNX

• 1D: 1.32%
• 1M: 1.13%
• YTD: 11.80%
• 6M: 11.40%
• 1Y: 11.31%
• 3Y*: 11.31%
• 5Y*: 2.87%
• 10Y*: 5.45%

VGRLX

• 1D: -1.26%
• 1M: -3.64%
• YTD: -4.06%
• 6M: -4.37%
• 1Y: 1.40%
• 3Y*: 8.56%
• 5Y*: -1.85%
• 10Y*: 2.54%

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

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	11.80%	3.21%	3.72%	13.12%	-26.19%	40.46%	-4.76%	28.98%	-5.97%	4.90%
VGRLX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	-4.06%	22.00%	-2.42%	6.19%	-22.36%	5.65%	-6.91%	21.44%	-9.55%	26.53%

Correlation

The correlation between VGSNX and VGRLX is 0.49, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.49
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.57
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.60
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.54
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Nov 1, 2010	0.56

The correlation between VGSNX and VGRLX shifts across timeframes, from 0.49 (1 year) to 0.60 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

VGSNX vs. VGRLX — Risk / Return Rank

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

VGSNX

VGSNX Risk / Return Rank: 14
VGSNX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 12
VGSNX Sortino Ratio Rank: 11
VGSNX Omega Ratio Rank: 11
VGSNX Calmar Ratio Rank: 18
VGSNX Martin Ratio Rank: 19

VGRLX

VGRLX Risk / Return Rank: 4
VGRLX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 4
VGRLX Sortino Ratio Rank: 4
VGRLX Omega Ratio Rank: 4
VGRLX Calmar Ratio Rank: 4
VGRLX Martin Ratio Rank: 4

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.

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGRLX). 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.

	VGSNX	VGRLX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.85	0.18	+0.67
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.24	0.35	+0.89
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.16	1.04	+0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	0.16	+1.25
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	4.40	0.42	+3.98

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current VGSNX Sharpe Ratio is 0.85, which is higher than the VGRLX Sharpe Ratio of 0.18. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of VGSNX and VGRLX, 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

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum VGSNX drawdown since its inception was -73.06%, which is greater than VGRLX's maximum drawdown of -38.77%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VGSNX and VGRLX.

Drawdown Indicators

	VGSNX	VGRLX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-73.06%	-38.77%	-34.29%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.34%	-14.35%	+6.01%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-17.41%	-15.81%	-1.60%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.39%	-34.74%	+0.35%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-42.30%	-38.77%	-3.53%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-0.69%	-13.05%	+12.36%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-13.26%	-10.85%	-2.41%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.66%	5.35%	-2.69%

Volatility

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Volatility Comparison

Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares (VGSNX) has a higher volatility of 5.18% compared to Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares (VGRLX) at 3.84%. This indicates that VGSNX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VGRLX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	VGSNX	VGRLX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.18%	3.84%	+1.34%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	10.58%	-0.38%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.84%	12.39%	+1.45%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.93%	14.02%	+4.91%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.95%	14.68%	+6.27%

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Expense Ratio Comparison

VGSNX has a 0.10% expense ratio, which is lower than VGRLX's 0.12% expense ratio. Despite the difference, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

VGSNX vs. VGRLX - Dividend Comparison

VGSNX's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.58%, less than VGRLX's 4.89% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
VGRLX Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate Index Fund Admiral Shares	4.89%	4.69%	5.17%	3.74%	0.56%	6.49%	0.92%	7.76%	4.62%	3.86%	5.17%	2.84%
VGSNX Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund Institutional Shares	3.58%	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 VGSNX and VGRLX in my portfolio?

VGSNX and VGRLX have a correlation of 0.49, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, VGSNX or VGRLX?

VGSNX has higher volatility (5.18%) compared to VGRLX (3.84%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VGSNX dropped -73.06% vs VGRLX's -38.77%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VGSNX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.85 vs 0.18), 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.