iShares Global REIT ETF

REET

Market cap $4.4B

VNQI and REET charge nearly identical expense ratios, but VNQI offers a higher dividend yield. REET holds more U.S. REITs, while VNQI focuses exclusively on non-U.S. real estate companies.

REET carries a much lower expense ratio and more assets under management than GQRE. GQRE offers higher returns and dividend yield.

HAUZ delivered a higher one-year return and yield than REET as of late 2025 REET offers greater liquidity and broader AUM, with a more concentrated top holdings list Both ETFs focus on global real estate but differ in country and company exposures These 10 Stocks Could Mint the Next Wave of Millionaires ›

RWX charges a much higher expense ratio than REET. RWX focuses on non-U.S. real estate, while REET includes both U.S. and international holdings.

iShares Global REIT ETF offers exposure to global real estate equities, with about 30% in non-US markets. REET has underperformed the broader market over the past five years, despite delivering positive returns. Current market conditions and past performance suggest a cautious approach to REET as an investment option.

The real estate market is poised for recovery, making now an opportune time to gain exposure through leading REIT ETFs REET and VNQ. VNQ offers strong U.S. megatrend exposure, especially in 5G and data centers, but REET's global diversification provides better risk-adjusted returns and lower borrowing costs. REET's international allocation, broader holdings, and higher dividend yield make it more resilient amid global economic uncertainty and potential rate cuts.

U.S. equity markets notched another series of record highs this week, surging into the weekend after surprisingly dovish commentary from Federal Reserve Chair Powell, who hinted at imminent rate cuts. Powell used his final Jackson Hole speech as Fed Chair to deliver a clear policy pivot, an unexpected reversal after months of insistence that tariff-related inflation warranted a hawkish framework. Markets were equally relieved by the policy-focused nature of Powell's speech amid speculation that the address may be used instead as a potential defiant sermon on central bank independence.

U.S. equity markets fell sharply this week, while benchmark interest rates retreated to three-month lows, after revised employment data showed that job growth was far weaker than initially reported. The BLS payrolls report showed softer-than-expected hiring in July and the steepest two-month downward revisions to jobs growth since 2020, raising concern that the Fed may be "behind the curve." The downward revisions came days after Fed Chair Powell used it as the primary evidence for "solid" labor markets, which justified the FOMC's decision to keep rates in "restrictive" territory.

REET's global diversification historically diluted returns versus US-only REIT ETFs, but shifting currency and monetary policy dynamics may reverse this trend. Over 70% of REET's holdings are US-based, but exposure to dovish monetary regimes abroad could provide unique upside and risk mitigation. Compared to similar global ETFs like RWO, REET offers lower fees and broader holdings, supporting its value as a core real estate allocation.

Despite recent price declines, REITs' future value has increased due to higher rental rates, increased property values, and reduced competing supply. Higher market demanded returns have steepened the slope, causing REIT prices to drop despite improved fundamentals and future value. The price drop is driven by higher expected returns, not impaired future value, making current REIT valuations a buying opportunity.