REET vs SPY
iShares Global REIT ETF vs State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust
Quick Verdict
SPY has a lower expense ratio. SPY delivered stronger 1-year returns. SPY offers more diversification with 503 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REET | SPY | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.09% | |
| AUM | $5.2B | $789.1B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.36% | 1.01% | |
| Holdings | 352 | 505 | |
| YTD Return | +12.61% | +13.75% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.31% | +22.91% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.28% | +21.67% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.68% | +13.32% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -56.5% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | State Street Investment Management | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 8, 2014 | Jan 22, 1993 |
REET vs SPY Performance
iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and State Street SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) is a ETF from State Street Investment Management. Over the past year REET returned +17.31% while SPY returned +22.91%. Year to date, REET is up 12.61% versus a gain of 13.75% for SPY.
Over three years, REET compounded at +10.28% per year against +21.67% for SPY; over five years the annualized figures are +2.68% and +13.32% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, SPY has the edge at +8.85% annualized vs +2.32%. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Risk: Volatility and Drawdowns
REET has been the more volatile fund, with annualized monthly volatility of 16.9% compared with 15.3% for SPY. Lower volatility generally means a smoother ride, though it often comes with lower long-run returns.
The deepest peak-to-trough decline in our data was -44.6% for REET and -56.5% for SPY. Drawdown depth is worth weighing if you expect to sell during market stress rather than ride it out.
The two funds' monthly returns correlate at 0.76. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REET charges 0.14% per year while SPY charges 0.09%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $9 annually, a gap of $5 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REET currently yields 3.36% against 1.01% for SPY.
Holdings Overlap
REET and SPY share 24 holdings out of 801 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.4% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REET or SPY?
REET has an expense ratio of 0.14% while SPY charges 0.09%. SPY is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $5 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REET or SPY?
Over the past year REET returned +17.31% vs +22.91% for SPY, so SPY leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), REET annualized +2.32% vs +8.85% for SPY. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REET or SPY?
REET has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for SPY. Worst drawdown: REET -44.6% vs SPY -56.5%.
Should I hold both REET and SPY?
REET and SPY have a monthly-return correlation of 0.76, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REET and SPY?
REET and SPY share 24 common holdings with a 1.4% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 801 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REET or SPY?
REET yields 3.36% while SPY yields 1.01%, so REET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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