Based on 750 hedge funds · latest filing: 2026 Q1 · updated quarterly
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Selling streak — 1 quarter in a row
For 1 consecutive quarter, more hedge funds reduced or closed their XLRE positions than added to them. Sustained institutional selling is a meaningful warning sign — these are professionals with deep research teams collectively deciding to exit.
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At the ownership peak (98% of max)
98% of all-time peak
750 hedge funds hold XLRE right now — the highest count in 3.0 years. When ownership is this concentrated, any bad news can trigger a chain reaction: one big fund sells, others follow. This is a classic 'crowded trade' — high popularity doesn't equal safety.
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Stable — ownership unchanged year-over-year
fund count last 6Q
The number of hedge funds holding XLRE is almost the same as a year ago (+19 funds, +3% change). No significant rush to buy or sell — institutional backing is holding steady.
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Slight buying edge — 53% buying
400 buying350 selling
Last quarter: 400 funds bought or added vs 350 that reduced or exited. It's nearly a 50/50 split — some institutions are convinced, others are taking profits. This mixed picture is normal near price highs.
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Fewer new buyers each quarter (-30 vs last Q)
new funds entering per quarter
Funds opening this position for the first time: 71 → 85 → 129 → 99. Each quarter fewer new institutions are entering. This usually means most funds that wanted in are already in — the stock is well-known but the pool of potential new buyers is shrinking.
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61% of holders stayed for 2+ years
■ 61% conviction (2yr+)
■ 20% medium
■ 18% new
461 out of 750 hedge funds have held XLRE for over 2 years without selling. Long-term investors are generally harder to shake out during market stress, creating a stable ownership base that limits the risk of sudden capitulation.
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Price up while funds trimmed (-8% value, -24% shares)
Last quarter: total value of institutional XLRE holdings rose -8% even though funds reduced share count by 24%. The stock price increased enough to offset the selling. Institutions are quietly trimming into price strength — watch for rotation.
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Growing discovery — still being found
83 → 71 → 85 → 129 → 99 new funds/Q
New funds entering each quarter: 71 → 85 → 129 → 99. A growing number of institutions are discovering XLRE each quarter. The narrative is still spreading — leaving room for ongoing capital accumulation.
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Veteran-anchored — 65% veterans vs 22% newcomers
■ 65% veterans
■ 13% 1-2yr
■ 22% new
Entry-cohort mix of 764 holders: 500 (65%) are 2+ year veterans, 96 entered 1–2 years ago, and 168 (22%) joined within the past year. A veteran-weighted cap table skews toward institutional memory over fresh momentum.
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Elite ownership — 60% AUM from top-100 funds
60% from top-100 AUM funds
33 of 748 holders are among the 100 largest funds by AUM, controlling 60% of total institutional value in XLRE. When the biggest players dominate the cap table, it signifies deep institutional support — since mega-funds deploy the most rigorous due diligence and capital.
Exit risk score 3.5/10 — low institutional crowding. Ownership is below peak levels, holder base is relatively sticky, and buying momentum is positive.