XLRE vs. HIGH

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

XLRE (Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund) and HIGH (Simplify Enhanced Income ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - XLRE is a REIT fund tracking the Real Estate Select Sector Index, while HIGH is a Derivative Income fund actively managed by Simplify. XLRE is passively managed, while HIGH is actively managed. Over the past 3 years, XLRE returned 10.41%/yr vs 2.92%/yr for HIGH. At a 0.15 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. XLRE charges 0.13%/yr vs 0.51%/yr for HIGH.

Performance

XLRE vs. HIGH - Performance Comparison

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

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, XLRE achieves a 13.17% return, which is significantly higher than HIGH's -0.45% return.

XLRE

• 1D: 0.98%
• 1M: 4.93%
• YTD: 13.17%
• 6M: 13.29%
• 1Y: 12.05%
• 3Y*: 10.41%
• 5Y*: 3.32%
• 10Y*: 7.15%

HIGH

• 1D: 0.16%
• 1M: 0.39%
• YTD: -0.45%
• 6M: -0.49%
• 1Y: -2.23%
• 3Y*: 2.92%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

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

XLRE vs. HIGH - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	13.17%	2.63%	5.09%	12.36%	3.83%
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	-0.45%	4.35%	1.52%	7.70%	0.47%

Correlation

The correlation between XLRE and HIGH is 0.15, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.15
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.16
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Oct 28, 2022	0.15

Return for Risk

XLRE vs. HIGH — Risk / Return Rank

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

XLRE

XLRE Risk / Return Rank: 27
XLRE Sharpe Ratio Rank: 26
XLRE Sortino Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Omega Ratio Rank: 24
XLRE Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
XLRE Martin Ratio Rank: 29

HIGH

HIGH Risk / Return Rank: 6
HIGH Sharpe Ratio Rank: 6
HIGH Sortino Ratio Rank: 6
HIGH Omega Ratio Rank: 6
HIGH Calmar Ratio Rank: 7
HIGH Martin Ratio Rank: 8

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.

XLRE vs. HIGH - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) and Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH). 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.

	XLRE	HIGH	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	0.81	-0.34	+1.15
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.18	-0.42	+1.60
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.15	0.95	+0.20
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.34	-0.31	+1.65
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.69	-0.44	+4.13

XLRE vs. HIGH - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current XLRE Sharpe Ratio is 0.81, which is higher than the HIGH Sharpe Ratio of -0.34. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of XLRE and HIGH, 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

XLRE vs. HIGH - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum XLRE drawdown since its inception was -38.83%, which is greater than HIGH's maximum drawdown of -9.50%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XLRE and HIGH.

Drawdown Indicators

	XLRE	HIGH	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-38.83%	-9.50%	-29.33%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-8.33%	-9.50%	+1.17%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-16.74%	-9.50%	-7.24%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-34.12%	—	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-38.83%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	0.00%	-7.18%	+7.18%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.58%	-2.41%	-7.17%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	3.03%	6.64%	-3.61%

Volatility

XLRE vs. HIGH - Volatility Comparison

Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLRE) has a higher volatility of 4.81% compared to Simplify Enhanced Income ETF (HIGH) at 1.61%. This indicates that XLRE's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than HIGH based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	XLRE	HIGH	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	4.81%	1.61%	+3.20%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.20%	3.67%	+6.53%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	13.83%	8.74%	+5.09%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	19.10%	9.54%	+9.56%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	20.42%	9.54%	+10.88%

XLRE vs. HIGH - Expense Ratio Comparison

XLRE has a 0.13% expense ratio, which is lower than HIGH's 0.51% expense ratio.

Dividends

XLRE vs. HIGH - Dividend Comparison

XLRE's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.08%, less than HIGH's 7.34% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
HIGH Simplify Enhanced Income ETF	7.34%	7.71%	8.34%	9.40%	0.62%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
XLRE Real Estate Select Sector SPDR Fund	3.08%	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 XLRE and HIGH in my portfolio?

XLRE and HIGH have a correlation of 0.15, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, XLRE or HIGH?

XLRE has higher volatility (4.81%) compared to HIGH (1.61%). In terms of maximum drawdown, XLRE dropped -38.83% vs HIGH's -9.50%.

Which ETF is better, XLRE or HIGH?

On 3-year performance, XLRE leads with 10.41% vs 2.92% for HIGH. On fees, XLRE is cheaper at 0.13% per year. On volatility, HIGH has been the lower-risk option at 1.61%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, XLRE or HIGH?

Over the 3-year period, XLRE has performed better with a 10.41% return vs 2.92%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, XLRE or HIGH?

XLRE is cheaper with a 0.13% expense ratio, compared with 0.51% for HIGH.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, XLRE or HIGH?

HIGH has the higher dividend yield at 7.34%, compared with 3.08% for XLRE.

What is the main difference between XLRE and HIGH?

XLRE is categorized as REIT, while HIGH is Derivative Income. They also come from different issuers: State Street and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.13% for XLRE and 0.51% for HIGH.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XLRE currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (0.81 vs -0.34), 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.