The FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund (GQRE) and Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Real Estate ETF (VNQI) have different cost, geographic exposure, and performance. VNQI has a lower fee and wider international diversification. GQRE focuses on quality global REITs, while VNQI provides more geographic diversification.

GQRE has an expense ratio of 0.45% compared to VNQI’s 0.12%. As of Dec. 18, 2025, GQRE had a one-year return of 3.6% and a dividend yield of 4.06%, while VNQI had a one-year return of 15.9% and a dividend yield of 4.27%.

VNQI invests in over 700 real estate stocks outside the U.S., spanning 30 countries. Top holdings include Goodman Group, Mitsui Fudosan, and Mitsubishi Estate. GQRE focuses on 170 securities with a quality tilt, including American Tower, Digital Realty Trust, and Public Storage.

According to Cohen & Steers, global REITs are expected to outperform U.S. REITs, with Asia Pacific and Europe showing strong growth. While the U.S. real estate market remains strong, GQRE has outperformed VNQI over the past five years with a focus on quality REITs.

ETF investing in the real estate sector provides diversification and risk mitigation. Both GQRE and VNQI offer exposure to real estate equities, with different approaches. Investors may consider owning both ETFs to balance U.S. and international real estate exposure.

Read more at Yahoo Finance: Investing in Real Estate? VNQI Goes Global While GQRE Focuses on Quality.