IYR vs REM: returns, risk and drawdowns compared
iShares U.S. Real Estate ETF against iShares Mortgage Real Estate ETF, over the same 19 years (June 2007 to October 2026) with dividends reinvested.
Data updated October 2026
From June 2007 to October 2026, IYR returned 4.4% a year and REM 17.5% a year on average, so REM came out ahead by 13.1% a year. REM was the more volatile of the two (27.6% against 21.4% a year), and the deepest falls from a month-end high were 67.9% for IYR and 57.3% for REM.
The correlation of monthly returns was 0.61: they moved together only in part. Over 198 rolling 3-year periods, IYR did better in 34% and REM in 66%.
Side by side
| IYR | REM | |
|---|---|---|
| Annual return (CAGR) | +4.4% | +17.5% |
| Total return | +129% | +2178% |
| Annual volatility | 21.4% | 27.6% |
| Maximum drawdown (month-end) | −67.9% | −57.3% |
| Worst month | −31.3% | −53.4% |
| Best month | +29.6% | +26.2% |
| Positive months | 61% | 64% |
| Best year | 2021: +38.7% | 2014: +82.9% |
| Worst year | 2008: −39.9% | 2022: −27.5% |
| 1-year return | +2.5% | −17.3% |
| 5 years, a year | +0.5% | −7.1% |
| 10 years, a year | +5.3% | −0.1% |
| Trading currency | USD | USD |
First nine rows: the same 233 months for both funds. Trailing returns: to each fund’s last close.
Growth of 10,000: IYR vs REM
Returns by calendar year
| Year | IYR | REM |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | +3.4% | +13.3% |
| 2024 | +4.4% | −1.0% |
| 2023 | +11.9% | +14.4% |
| 2022 | −25.5% | −27.5% |
| 2021 | +38.7% | +16.1% |
| 2020 | −5.2% | −20.0% |
| 2019 | +28.2% | +21.3% |
| 2018 | −4.3% | −3.1% |
| 2017 | +9.3% | +18.4% |
| 2016 | +7.0% | +58.4% |
| 2015 | +1.6% | +26.6% |
| 2014 | +26.7% | +82.9% |
| 2013 | +1.2% | +55.8% |
| 2012 | +18.2% | +79.3% |
| 2011 | +5.5% | +29.1% |
| 2010 | +26.5% | +56.9% |
| 2009 | +30.6% | +44.9% |
| 2008 | −39.9% | −1.5% |
How the figures are calculated
Total return in the fund’s trading currency, from end-of-day prices with dividends reinvested on the ex-date. The fund’s own ongoing charges are already reflected in its price; trading costs, taxes and currency conversion are not included. Past returns do not predict future returns.
The comparison uses only the months in which both funds have prices, so the figures cover the same period even when one fund is older.
Questions
Which has returned more, IYR or REM?
From June 2007 to October 2026, IYR returned +4.4% a year and REM +17.5% a year, with dividends reinvested. Over rolling 3-year periods IYR did better in 34% of cases. Past returns do not predict future returns.
Which is riskier, IYR or REM?
Over the same months annual volatility was 21.4% for IYR and 27.6% for REM; the deepest fall from a month-end high was 67.9% and 57.3%, and the worst single month −31.3% and −53.4%.
How correlated are IYR and REM?
The correlation of their monthly returns was 0.61: they moved together only in part. Combining them has historically given some diversification.
More comparisons
Source: MarketStack end-of-day prices, total return with dividends reinvested. Figures are historical and descriptive; they are not forecasts and not investment advice. MEDGE Capital does not recommend buying or selling any instrument. Risk disclaimer.