REET vs VTI
iShares Global REIT ETF vs Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
Quick Verdict
VTI has a lower expense ratio. VTI delivered stronger 1-year returns. VTI offers more diversification with 2783 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REET | VTI | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.03% | |
| AUM | $5.2B | $663.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.36% | 1.07% | |
| Holdings | 352 | 3,543 | |
| YTD Return | +12.61% | +14.16% | |
| 1Y Return | +17.31% | +23.62% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.28% | +21.43% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.68% | +12.33% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.3% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -56.6% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 8, 2014 | May 24, 2001 |
REET vs VTI Performance
iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF (VTI) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REET returned +17.31% while VTI returned +23.62%. Year to date, REET is up 12.61% versus a gain of 14.16% for VTI.
Over three years, REET compounded at +10.28% per year against +21.43% for VTI; over five years the annualized figures are +2.68% and +12.33% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VTI has the edge at +8.14% 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 VTI. 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 -56.6% for VTI. 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 0.77. They usually move together, but the gap leaves some room for diversification.
Fees and Cost Over Time
REET charges 0.14% per year while VTI charges 0.03%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $3 annually, a gap of $11 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REET currently yields 3.36% against 1.07% for VTI.
Holdings Overlap
REET and VTI share 69 holdings out of 3036 unique holdings combined, representing a 1.3% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REET or VTI?
REET has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VTI charges 0.03%. VTI is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $11 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REET or VTI?
Over the past year REET returned +17.31% vs +23.62% for VTI, so VTI leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), REET annualized +2.32% vs +8.14% for VTI. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REET or VTI?
REET has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.3% for VTI. Worst drawdown: REET -44.6% vs VTI -56.6%.
Should I hold both REET and VTI?
REET and VTI have a monthly-return correlation of 0.77, so combining them can provide real diversification depending on your allocation goals.
What is the holdings overlap between REET and VTI?
REET and VTI share 69 common holdings with a 1.3% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 3036 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REET or VTI?
REET yields 3.36% while VTI yields 1.07%, so REET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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