ICF VS FREL
4 min read
By Beqa Bumbeishvili, ETF Insider

ICF VS FREL

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have become a cornerstone of modern investment portfolios, offering investors easy access to diversified exposure across various sectors and asset classes. In this article, we will conduct an in-depth analysis of two prominent Real Estate ETFs: ICF (iShares Cohen & Steers REIT ETF) and FREL (Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF). Our exploration will encompass key aspects such as ETF tickers, full names, issuers, sectors, top holdings, capitalization, investment strategy, tracking methodology, and exposure.

ICF Vs FREL: Overview

ICF and FREL are two Real Estate ETFs that cater to investors seeking exposure to the real estate sector. However, they employ different approaches to achieve this goal. ICF primarily invests in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) that own and manage properties, whereas FREL tracks the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Real Estate Index. This fundamental distinction in investment strategy leads to varying exposure and potential returns.

ICF Vs FREL: Sectors and Top Holdings

The ICF ETF provides exposure to a wide range of real estate sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and specialized properties. Its top holdings consist of well-known REITs like American Tower Corporation, Simon Property Group, and Prologis. FREL, on the other hand, captures the performance of large, mid, and small-cap real estate companies across the United States. Understanding the sectors and top holdings is crucial for investors aiming to align their investments with specific real estate sub-sectors.

ICF  overlap ICF VS FRELICF overlap ICF VS FREL

ICF Vs FREL: Capitalization and Investment Strategy

ICF boasts a substantial Asset Under Management (AUM), reflecting its popularity among investors looking for exposure to the real estate market. The ETF's investment strategy focuses on providing broad coverage of the REIT market. FREL's strategy involves replicating the performance of the MSCI USA IMI Real Estate Index, which includes both residential and commercial real estate companies. The divergence in capitalization and investment strategy can lead to variations in risk and potential rewards.

ICF Vs FREL: Tracking Methodology and Exposure

ICF endeavors to mirror the performance of the Cohen & Steers Realty Majors Index, capturing the returns of large and mid-cap REITs. FREL, on the other hand, employs a market-capitalization-weighted approach to track the MSCI USA IMI Real Estate Index. This index comprises a broader spectrum of real estate companies, allowing for a comprehensive exposure to the U.S. real estate market. Investors must understand the nuances of tracking methodology to make informed decisions.

Conclusion

In the realm of Real Estate ETFs, ICF and FREL cater to distinct investment preferences. While ICF emphasizes exposure to a diverse range of REITs, FREL aims to replicate the performance of a comprehensive real estate index. Investors seeking deeper insights into holdings, correlations, overlaps, and other vital information can turn to ETF Insider—an intuitive app that provides valuable insights into various financial instruments, including ETFs.

Disclaimer: This article does not offer any investment advisory services.

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FAQ

  • Why is ICF better than FREL?

    ICF may be considered better than FREL for some investors due to its specific focus, offering diversification.

  • Does FREL beat ICF?

    FREL's performance relative to ICF will vary over time, depending on market conditions.

  • Should I invest in ICF or FREL?

    The choice between ICF and FREL should align with your investment goals, risk tolerance, and desired exposure.

  • Are ICF and FREL good investments?

    Both ICF and FREL can be suitable investments depending on individual investment strategies, goals, and risk profiles.

  • What is the correlation between ICF and FREL?

    The correlation between ICF and FREL can vary over time, reflecting differences in performance.