GQRE vs. ICF: A Matchup of Two Real Estate ETFs

Core Insights - The iShares Select U.S. REIT ETF (ICF) has lower costs and has outperformed over five years compared to the FlexShares Global Quality Real Estate Index Fund (GQRE), which offers global diversification and a higher yield at a higher fee [1][4]. Cost and Size Comparison - ICF has an expense ratio of 0.32%, while GQRE has a higher expense ratio of 0.46% [3]. - As of March 16, 2026, ICF's one-year return is 4.2%, compared to GQRE's 6.4% [3]. - ICF offers a dividend yield of 2.7%, while GQRE provides a higher yield of 4.5% [3]. - ICF has a total assets under management (AUM) of $2.0 billion, significantly larger than GQRE's $355.0 million [3]. Performance and Risk Comparison - Over five years, ICF experienced a maximum drawdown of -34.75%, while GQRE had a slightly higher drawdown of -35.08% [5]. - The growth of $1,000 invested over five years would result in $1,117 for ICF and $1,013 for GQRE [5]. Fund Composition - GQRE tracks a global real estate index with 219 securities and a strict quality overlay, maintaining a 100% real estate allocation [6]. - ICF focuses solely on the U.S. real estate sector with only 30 holdings, primarily large, established REITs such as Equinix, Welltower, and American Tower [7]. Investor Implications - Real estate ETFs like ICF and GQRE provide average investors with opportunities to add real estate exposure to their portfolios [8]. - ICF's lower expense ratio and higher AUM make it more accessible for investors, particularly those focused on the U.S. market [9].