REET vs. VXUS

Last updated Jun 7, 2026

REET (iShares Global REIT ETF) and VXUS (Vanguard Total International Stock ETF) are both exchange-traded funds - REET is a REIT fund tracking the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global REIT Index, while VXUS is a Global Equities fund tracking the FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 10 years, REET returned 4.10%/yr vs 9.19%/yr for VXUS. A 0.61 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. REET charges 0.14%/yr vs 0.05%/yr for VXUS.

Performance

REET vs. VXUS - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, REET achieves a 9.43% return, which is significantly lower than VXUS's 10.17% return. Over the past 10 years, REET has underperformed VXUS with an annualized return of 4.10%, while VXUS has yielded a comparatively higher 9.19% annualized return.

REET

• 1D: 0.22%
• 1M: -0.51%
• YTD: 9.43%
• 6M: 9.74%
• 1Y: 12.75%
• 3Y*: 9.54%
• 5Y*: 2.48%
• 10Y*: 4.10%

VXUS

• 1D: -3.73%
• 1M: -1.45%
• YTD: 10.17%
• 6M: 12.29%
• 1Y: 25.97%
• 3Y*: 17.71%
• 5Y*: 7.67%
• 10Y*: 9.19%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

REET vs. VXUS - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
REET iShares Global REIT ETF	9.43%	7.97%	2.65%	10.28%	-24.10%	32.43%	-10.48%	24.42%	-5.27%	7.48%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	10.17%	32.35%	5.08%	15.86%	-16.08%	8.98%	10.66%	21.75%	-14.43%	27.46%

Correlation

The correlation between REET and VXUS is 0.55, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.55
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.61
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.65
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.60
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jul 11, 2014	0.61

The correlation between REET and VXUS has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.55 to 0.65 - a consistent structural relationship.

REET vs. VXUS - Sectors Allocation Comparison

Sectors	REET	VXUS
Real Estate	99.8%	2.6%
Financial Services	0.2%	22.3%
Basic Materials	-	7.6%
Communication Services	-	4.4%
Consumer Cyclical	-	8.4%
Consumer Defensive	-	5.0%
Energy	-	5.2%
Healthcare	-	7.1%
Industrials	-	16.1%
Technology	-	18.1%
Utilities	-	3.2%

Return for Risk

REET vs. VXUS — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

REET

REET Risk / Return Rank: 32
REET Sharpe Ratio Rank: 32
REET Sortino Ratio Rank: 30
REET Omega Ratio Rank: 31
REET Calmar Ratio Rank: 31
REET Martin Ratio Rank: 36

VXUS

VXUS Risk / Return Rank: 50
VXUS Sharpe Ratio Rank: 50
VXUS Sortino Ratio Rank: 47
VXUS Omega Ratio Rank: 51
VXUS Calmar Ratio Rank: 48
VXUS Martin Ratio Rank: 54

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

REET vs. VXUS - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) and Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

	REET	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.12	1.69	-0.57
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.58	2.31	-0.73
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	1.31	-0.11
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.50	2.34	-0.84
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.40	9.11	-3.71
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month.

REET vs. VXUS - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current REET Sharpe Ratio is 1.12, which is lower than the VXUS Sharpe Ratio of 1.69. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of REET and VXUS, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Sharpe Ratios by Period

	REET	VXUS	Difference
Sharpe Ratio (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.12	1.69	-0.57
Sharpe Ratio (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.15	0.48	-0.33
Sharpe Ratio (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.22	0.54	-0.32
Sharpe Ratio (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history	0.25	0.37	-0.12

Drawdowns

REET vs. VXUS - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum REET drawdown since its inception was -44.59%, which is greater than VXUS's maximum drawdown of -35.97%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for REET and VXUS.

Drawdown Indicators

	REET	VXUS	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-44.59%	-35.97%	-8.62%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.04%	-11.27%	+2.23%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-18.02%	-13.58%	-4.44%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-32.11%	-29.44%	-2.67%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-44.59%	-35.97%	-8.62%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.59%	-4.52%	+2.93%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-9.78%	-8.21%	-1.57%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.51%	2.89%	-0.38%

Volatility

REET vs. VXUS - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for iShares Global REIT ETF (REET) is 3.59%, while Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (VXUS) has a volatility of 6.16%. This indicates that REET experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than VXUS based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	REET	VXUS	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	3.59%	6.16%	-2.57%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	8.86%	13.58%	-4.72%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	12.12%	15.67%	-3.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	16.95%	16.12%	+0.83%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.84%	17.19%	+1.65%

REET vs. VXUS - Expense Ratio Comparison

REET has a 0.14% expense ratio, which is higher than VXUS's 0.05% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.

Dividends

REET vs. VXUS - Dividend Comparison

REET's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.38%, more than VXUS's 2.75% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
REET iShares Global REIT ETF	3.38%	3.67%	3.64%	3.27%	2.43%	3.18%	2.65%	5.25%	5.73%	3.84%	5.37%	3.56%
VXUS Vanguard Total International Stock ETF	2.75%	3.18%	3.37%	3.24%	3.09%	3.10%	2.14%	3.06%	3.18%	2.73%	2.93%	2.83%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both REET and VXUS in my portfolio?

REET and VXUS have a correlation of 0.55, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, REET or VXUS?

VXUS has higher volatility (6.16%) compared to REET (3.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, REET dropped -44.59% vs VXUS's -35.97%.

Which ETF is better, REET or VXUS?

On 10-year performance, VXUS leads with 9.19% vs 4.10% for REET. On fees, VXUS is cheaper at 0.05% per year. On volatility, REET has been the lower-risk option at 3.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, REET or VXUS?

Over the 10-year period, VXUS has performed better with a 9.19% return vs 4.10%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, REET or VXUS?

VXUS is cheaper with a 0.05% expense ratio, compared with 0.14% for REET.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, REET or VXUS?

REET has the higher dividend yield at 3.38%, compared with 2.75% for VXUS.

What is the main difference between REET and VXUS?

REET is categorized as REIT, while VXUS is Global Equities. REET tracks FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global REIT Index, while VXUS tracks FTSE Global All Cap ex US Index. They also come from different issuers: iShares and Vanguard. Their fees differ too: 0.14% for REET and 0.05% for VXUS.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

VXUS currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.69 vs 1.12), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.