REET vs VXUS
iShares Global REIT ETF vs Vanguard Total International Stock ETF
Quick Verdict
VXUS has a lower expense ratio. VXUS delivered stronger 1-year returns. VXUS offers more diversification with 7861 holdings.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | REET | VXUS | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expense Ratio | 0.14% | 0.05% | |
| AUM | $5.2B | $156.5B | |
| Dividend Yield | 3.36% | 2.60% | |
| Holdings | 352 | 8,747 | |
| YTD Return | +12.73% | +15.00% | |
| 1Y Return | +16.82% | +26.87% | |
| 3Y Return (annualized) | +10.65% | +19.79% | |
| 5Y Return (annualized) | +2.59% | +9.26% | |
| Volatility (annualized) | 16.9% | 15.1% | |
| Max Drawdown | -44.6% | -39.9% | |
| Fund Family | iShares by BlackRock (US) | Vanguard (US) | |
| Category | Equity | Equity | |
| Inception | Jul 8, 2014 | Jan 26, 2011 |
REET vs VXUS Performance
iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) is a ETF from iShares by BlackRock (US) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) is a ETF from Vanguard (US). Over the past year REET returned +16.82% while VXUS returned +26.87%. Year to date, REET is up 12.73% versus a gain of 15.00% for VXUS.
Over three years, REET compounded at +10.65% per year against +19.79% for VXUS; over five years the annualized figures are +2.59% and +9.26% respectively. Across the full 12-year window we track, VXUS has the edge at +4.88% annualized vs +2.33%. 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 15.1% for VXUS. 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 -39.9% for VXUS. 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 VXUS charges 0.05%. On a $10,000 position that is $14 vs $5 annually, a gap of $9 per year that compounds over a long holding period. On income, REET currently yields 3.36% against 2.60% for VXUS.
Holdings Overlap
REET and VXUS share 143 holdings out of 8040 unique holdings combined, representing a 0.8% weight overlap.
Moderate overlap means holding both could provide meaningful diversification benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is cheaper, REET or VXUS?
REET has an expense ratio of 0.14% while VXUS charges 0.05%. VXUS is the cheaper option. On a $10,000 investment, that is $9 per year of difference.
Which performed better, REET or VXUS?
Over the past year REET returned +16.82% vs +26.87% for VXUS, so VXUS leads on 1-year performance. Over the longest common window we track (12 years), REET annualized +2.33% vs +4.88% for VXUS. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Which is riskier, REET or VXUS?
REET has been the more volatile fund at 16.9% annualized versus 15.1% for VXUS. Worst drawdown: REET -44.6% vs VXUS -39.9%.
Should I hold both REET and VXUS?
REET and VXUS 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 VXUS?
REET and VXUS share 143 common holdings with a 0.8% weight overlap. Combined, they hold 8040 unique securities.
Which pays a higher dividend, REET or VXUS?
REET yields 3.36% while VXUS yields 2.60%, so REET currently pays the higher dividend yield.
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