VNQ vs HYG — 18-Year Performance Comparison
Real Estate (REIT) vs High Yield Bonds — backtested 2007–2024
VNQ wins$24,535 vs $22,983 on $10,000 over 18 years
VNQReal Estate (REIT)
Final value$24,535
CAGR+5.1%
Max drawdown-47.3%
Best year+41% (2021)
Years won9 of 18
HYGHigh Yield Bonds
Final value$22,983
CAGR+4.7%
Max drawdown-17.5%
Best year+29% (2009)
Years won9 of 18
Growth of $10,000
2007–2024VNQHYG
VNQ$24,535
HYG$22,983
50/50 mix$24,821
50/50 blend: $24,821 (+5.2%/yr CAGR)
Splitting equally between VNQ and HYG would have outperformed both individually — diversification smoothed the ride. Try a custom split →
Year-by-year: VNQ vs HYG
| Year | VNQ | HYG | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | +4.8% | +8.0% | HYG |
| 2023 | +11.8% | +11.5% | VNQ |
| 2022 | -26.2% | -11.0% | HYG |
| 2021 | +40.5% | +3.8% | VNQ |
| 2020 | -4.7% | +4.5% | HYG |
| 2019 | +28.9% | +14.1% | VNQ |
| 2018 | -6.0% | -2.0% | HYG |
| 2017 | +4.9% | +6.1% | HYG |
| 2016 | +8.6% | +13.4% | HYG |
| 2015 | +2.4% | -5.0% | VNQ |
| 2014 | +30.4% | +1.9% | VNQ |
| 2013 | +2.3% | +5.8% | HYG |
| 2012 | +17.6% | +11.7% | VNQ |
| 2011 | +8.6% | +6.8% | VNQ |
| 2010 | +28.4% | +11.9% | VNQ |
| 2009 | +30.1% | +28.5% | VNQ |
| 2008 | -37.0% | -17.6% | HYG |
| 2007 | -16.3% | +1.6% | HYG |
More comparisons
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