What is the primary difference between REET and VNQI?

REET is the iShares Global REIT ETF, while VNQI is the Vanguard Global Ex-US Real Estate ETF. The key conceptual difference is their geographic scope, although REET's top holdings suggest significant US exposure. VNQI explicitly focuses on real estate outside the US. Both funds fall under the Global Real Estate category but target different market segments. Investors should note that REET has top holdings like WELL and PLD, which are US-based, potentially blending its global label with domestic weight.

How do the expense ratios compare between the two funds?

REET has an expense ratio of 0.14%, whereas VNQI has a lower expense ratio of 0.12%. This represents a difference of 0.02 percentage points. While this gap may seem small, lower fees generally allow investors to retain more of their returns over long periods. Both funds are cost-effective compared to many actively managed products. The choice between them based solely on fees favours VNQI, but other factors like holdings and yield must also be considered for a holistic view.

What are the dividend yields for REET and VNQI?

VNQI offers a higher dividend yield of 4.94%, compared to REET's yield of 3.52%. For income-focused investors, this difference might make VNQI more attractive for generating cash flow. However, dividend yields can change based on market conditions and company performance. It is important to understand that a higher yield is not always better without considering the underlying asset stability. Both funds distribute income from their respective real estate holdings, but the payout rates differ significantly.

What does the net asset size indicate about these ETFs?

REET has net assets of $4.7 billion, which is larger than VNQI's $3.4 billion. Generally, larger asset bases can contribute to better liquidity and tighter bid-ask spreads, potentially lowering trading costs for investors. However, both funds possess substantial size, ensuring they are not illiquid. The difference of $1.3 billion reflects varying levels of investor adoption and capital inflows. Size alone does not determine performance, but it is a factor in assessing ease of trading and fund stability.

How do the top holdings differ between REET and VNQI?

REET's top holdings include Welltower (WELL) at 9.39% and Prologis (PLD) at 7.26%, with no other listed top holdings matching VNQI's. VNQI's top holdings are not available in the provided data, making direct comparison difficult. However, the absence of shared top-10 holdings suggests distinct portfolio compositions. REET's disclosed holdings lean towards specific US-focused entities, while VNQI's 'Ex-US' mandate implies a different geographic tilt. Investors should be aware that transparency varies between the two.

How does the operating history of each fund compare?

VNQI has been operating since November 1, 2010, giving it a longer track record than REET, which launched on July 8, 2014. The four-year difference means VNQI has experienced more full market cycles. A longer history allows for more data points to evaluate how the fund tracks its benchmark during various economic conditions. However, past performance does not guarantee future results. Both funds have established operational bases, but VNQI offers slightly more historical context for risk assessment.

What index methodology details are available for these funds?

For both REET and VNQI, the specific index tracked is listed as 'not available' in the provided data. This lack of transparency regarding the exact benchmark can create uncertainty about how each fund selects and weights its holdings. Investors typically rely on index methodologies to understand diversification and risk factors. Without this detail, assessing the strategic intent behind each ETF's portfolio construction is more challenging. Prospective investors should seek additional documentation from the issuers if methodology is a priority.

Which fund might suit an income-focused investor?

VNQI, with its 4.94% dividend yield, may appeal more to investors prioritising current income generation compared to REET's 3.52% yield. However, the suitability depends on the investor's overall portfolio strategy. REET, with $4.7 billion in assets, might offer slightly better liquidity for large traders. Income investors should also consider tax implications of dividends and the stability of the underlying assets. Neither fund is recommended, but the yield differential is a key practical metric for this goal.

Is there any overlap in the top ten holdings?

The provided data indicates there are no shared top-10 holdings between REET and VNQI. REET lists specific US entities like Digital Realty (DLR) and Simon Property (SPG), while VNQI's top holdings are not available. This distinct separation suggests that the two funds offer different market exposures. If an investor holds both, they likely achieve broader diversification across real estate sectors and geographies, rather than duplicating the same assets. This lack of overlap is a key differentiator for portfolio construction.

How do sector weights compare for REET and VNQI?

Sector weight data is 'not available' for both REET and VNQI in the provided information. Consequently, investors cannot directly compare the allocation across different real estate sub-sectors, such as residential, commercial, or industrial. This gap in data means one must rely on top holdings or issuer factsheets for deeper analysis. Without specific sector weights, assessing exposure to niche real estate trends is difficult. Both funds track global real estate, but their internal diversification details remain opaque in this dataset.

What should beginners note about transparency in these ETFs?

Beginners should note that REET provides detailed top holdings, while VNQI's top holdings are 'not available'. REET also lists specific tickers like VMRK and IRM, allowing for granular portfolio inspection. VNQI's lack of public listing for top holdings requires investors to trust the fund's general 'Ex-US' mandate without seeing specific weightings. Transparency impacts risk assessment. Investors valuing visibility into specific stock exposures might find REET's data more accessible, whereas VNQI requires reliance on broader category information.

What is the difference between global and ex-US real estate?

REET is labelled as a 'Global REIT ETF', implying worldwide coverage, though its top holdings are heavily US-centric. VNQI is explicitly a 'Global Ex-US Real Estate ETF', focusing exclusively on markets outside the United States. The conceptual difference lies in the inclusion or exclusion of US domestic property markets. An investor might choose VNQI for non-US exposure and REET for a blend or US-heavy portfolio, depending on how each fund's actual holdings align with its name.

REET vs VNQI

Two funds, one decision: we compare cost, performance and what each ETF actually holds in October 2026.

Compare REET (iShares Global REIT ETF) and VNQI (Vanguard Global Ex-US Real Estate ETF) on fees, holdings and dividends. Explore how each fund tracks the global real estate sector and view expense ratios of 0.14% and 0.12%. Educational content, not financial advice.

Fund Snapshot

Key Fund Metrics

REET

Metric

VNQI

0.14%

Expense Ratio

0.12%

3.52%

Dividend Yield

4.94%

$4.73B

Net Assets

$3.35B

363

Holdings

749

Jul 8, 2014

Inception Date

Nov 1, 2010

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Index Tracked

–

Global Real Estate

Fund Category

Global Real Estate

VNQI costs about $2.00 less per year for every $10,000 invested.

Shared Top Holdings

These funds do not share any of their top holdings.

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Compare VNQ and VNQI on fees, holdings, dividends, and tracking. Review 0.13% versus 0.12% expense ratios and yields for educational research.

Investment Analysis

REET

Pros

The fund offers a low 0.14% expense ratio, reducing ongoing costs for investors.
With $4.7 billion in net assets, it provides substantial liquidity and trading volume.
It includes a high 3.52% dividend yield, appealing to income-focused investors.

Considerations

The fund's inception date in 2014 means it has a shorter operating history.
Top holdings are heavily weighted towards US companies, potentially limiting global diversification.
Specific index methodology details are not available, creating transparency issues.

VNQI

Pros

It features a lower expense ratio of 0.12%, making it cost-effective.
The high 4.94% dividend yield supports income generation for investors.
It has operated since 2010, providing a longer track record of fund management.

Considerations

With $3.4 billion in net assets, it is smaller than its global competitor.
Top holdings are not publicly listed, limiting transparency for investors.
Specific index methodology details are not available, leading to uncertainty in tracking strategy.

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About REET and VNQI

REET (REET)

iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) is an exchange-traded fund that provides investors with broad exposure to listed real estate investment trusts (REITs) and real-estate-related companies around the world. It offers a simple way to access property-sector income and capital appreciation through a single, liquid security, typically distributing dividends sourced from rent and property earnings. Investors should know the ETF’s performance reflects property market cycles, interest-rate sensitivity and regional economic trends; returns can be volatile and are not guaranteed. The fund carries market, currency and sector concentration risk — for example, rising interest rates or weaker leasing demand can pressure REIT valuations. REET may suit investors seeking diversified real-estate exposure without owning direct property, but it is not a substitute for professional advice. Consider your time horizon, risk tolerance and tax position before investing, and review the fund’s prospectus and ongoing charges for costs and specific index methodology.

VNQI (VNQI)

The Vanguard Global Ex-US Real Estate ETF (VNQI) is designed to offer investors broad access to the international property market, specifically excluding the United States. By tracking a diverse range of listed property companies and real estate investment trusts (REITs) across developed and emerging markets, it provides a comprehensive snapshot of the global non-US real estate sector. This fund typically distributes dividends, with a current yield around 4.94%, appealing to income-focused portfolios. However, investors should note that real estate investments are sensitive to interest rate changes and economic cycles. With a low expense ratio of 0.12%, it remains a cost-effective vehicle for diversifying geographic exposure. It is crucial to remember that the value of this fund can fall as well as rise, and returns are not guaranteed. Suitable for those seeking long-term growth and income through international property assets, it represents a specialised component of a diversified portfolio.

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REET vs VNQI

Fund Snapshot