What are the Best REIT ETFs in 2024?

What is a REIT ETF?

A REIT ETF (Real Estate Investment Trust Exchange-Traded Fund) is a type of investment fund that trades on stock exchanges and holds a diversified portfolio of real estate investment trusts. These ETFs provide investors with exposure to the real estate market by investing in companies that own, operate, or finance income-generating properties. REIT ETFs offer the benefits of liquidity, diversification, and typically high dividend yields, making them an attractive option for income-focused and long-term investors​.

What are the Best REIT ETFs?

Here are some of the best performing REIT ETFs in 2024:

1. Vanguard Real Estate ETF (VNQ): This is one of the most popular REIT ETFs, offering broad exposure to the U.S. real estate market. VNQ tracks the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index and has an expense ratio of 0.12%​ (Optimized Portfolio)​​ (Retirement Investments)​.
2. iShares Core U.S. REIT ETF (USRT): USRT tracks the FTSE NAREIT Equity REITs Index and is known for its low expense ratio of 0.08%. This ETF provides diversified exposure to U.S. REITs​ (Retirement Investments)​.
3. Schwab U.S. REIT ETF (SCHH): This ETF is another low-cost option, with an expense ratio of 0.07%. It tracks the Dow Jones Equity All REIT Capped Index, excluding mortgage REITs​ (Optimized Portfolio)​.
4. Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF (FREL): FREL offers exposure to U.S. real estate equities, tracking the MSCI USA IMI Real Estate 25/25 Index. It has a low expense ratio of 0.08% and is ideal for long-term investors looking for stability​ (Retirement Investments)​.
5. iShares Global REIT ETF (REET): This ETF combines U.S. and international REITs, tracking the FTSE EPRA Nareit Global REITs Index. It offers a balanced approach to global real estate investing with an expense ratio of 0.14%​ (Optimized Portfolio)​.
6. Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI): VNQI provides exposure to international REITs outside the U.S., tracking the S&P Global ex-U.S. Property Index. It has an expense ratio of 0.12% and includes holdings from over 30 countries​ (Optimized Portfolio)​.
7. iShares Residential Real Estate ETF (REZ): This ETF targets residential, healthcare, and public storage REITs, offering a more focused approach within the real estate sector. It tracks the FTSE NAREIT All Residential Capped Index and has an expense ratio of 0.48%​ (Optimized Portfolio)​.

These REIT ETFs provide various options depending on your investment strategy, whether you're looking for low expenses, high dividends, or global diversification.