VRAI vs. XLRE
VRAI (Virtus Real Asset Income ETF) and XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) are both REIT funds - VRAI tracks the Indxx Real Asset Income Index while XLRE tracks the Real Estate Select Sector Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, VRAI returned 5.71%/yr vs 3.53%/yr for XLRE. A 0.66 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. VRAI charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.13%/yr for XLRE.
Performance
VRAI vs. XLRE - Performance Comparison
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Returns By Period
In the year-to-date period, VRAI achieves a 20.17% return, which is significantly higher than XLRE's 12.35% return.
VRAI
- 1D
- 0.52%
- 1M
- -1.36%
- YTD
- 20.17%
- 6M
- 20.99%
- 1Y
- 22.60%
- 3Y*
- 12.35%
- 5Y*
- 5.71%
- 10Y*
- —
XLRE
- 1D
- 1.41%
- 1M
- 1.06%
- YTD
- 12.35%
- 6M
- 12.83%
- 1Y
- 9.79%
- 3Y*
- 11.31%
- 5Y*
- 3.53%
- 10Y*
- 6.92%
VRAI vs. XLRE - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF | 20.17% | 6.67% | 2.66% | 6.12% | -9.96% | 24.35% | -5.94% | 6.05% |
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund | 12.35% | 2.63% | 5.09% | 12.36% | -26.25% | 46.10% | -2.18% | 15.39% |
Correlation
The correlation between VRAI and XLRE is 0.57, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.57 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.64 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.68 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Feb 8, 2019 | 0.66 |
The correlation between VRAI and XLRE shifts across timeframes, from 0.57 (1 year) to 0.68 (5 years), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
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Return for Risk
VRAI vs. XLRE — Risk / Return Rank
VRAI
XLRE
VRAI vs. XLRE - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) 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.
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.
| VRAI | XLRE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +1.20 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +1.68 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.33 | 1.13 | +0.20 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 4.71 | 1.18 | +3.53 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 14.54 | 3.23 | +11.32 |
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Drawdowns
VRAI vs. XLRE - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum VRAI drawdown since its inception was -47.51%, which is greater than XLRE's maximum drawdown of -38.83%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for VRAI and XLRE.
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Drawdown Indicators
| VRAI | XLRE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -47.51% | -38.83% | -8.68% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -4.82% | -8.33% | +3.51% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -16.89% | -16.74% | -0.15% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -26.71% | -34.12% | +7.41% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -38.83% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -2.34% | -0.72% | -1.62% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -10.03% | -9.56% | -0.47% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.56% | 3.04% | -1.48% |
Volatility
VRAI vs. XLRE - Volatility Comparison
The current volatility for Virtus Real Asset Income ETF (VRAI) is 3.28%, while Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) has a volatility of 5.35%. This indicates that VRAI experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than XLRE based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
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Volatility by Period
| VRAI | XLRE | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 3.28% | 5.35% | -2.07% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 8.29% | 10.63% | -2.34% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 11.99% | 14.17% | -2.18% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 16.61% | 19.13% | -2.52% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 22.07% | 20.45% | +1.62% |
VRAI vs. XLRE - Expense Ratio Comparison
VRAI has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than XLRE's 0.13% expense ratio.
Dividends
VRAI vs. XLRE - Dividend Comparison
VRAI's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 2.92%, less than XLRE's 3.15% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
VRAI Virtus Real Asset Income ETF | 2.92% | 4.68% | 7.13% | 5.02% | 4.48% | 3.34% | 3.91% | 2.80% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund | 3.15% | 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
VRAI and XLRE have a correlation of 0.57, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.
XLRE has higher volatility (5.35%) compared to VRAI (3.28%). In terms of maximum drawdown, VRAI dropped -47.51% vs XLRE's -38.83%.
On 5-year performance, VRAI leads with 5.71% vs 3.53% for XLRE. On fees, XLRE is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, VRAI has been the lower-risk option at 3.28%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
Over the 5-year period, VRAI has performed better with a 5.71% return vs 3.53%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.
XLRE is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for VRAI.
XLRE has the higher dividend yield at 3.15%, compared with 2.92% for VRAI.
VRAI tracks Indxx Real Asset Income Index, while XLRE tracks Real Estate Select Sector Index. They also come from different issuers: Virtus Investment Partners and State Street. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for VRAI and 0.13% for XLRE.
VRAI currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.90 vs 0.70), 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.
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