Investors seeking international real estate exposure can choose between VNQI and HAUZ, two ETFs with distinct geographic and sectoral focuses. While both provide global diversification, their underlying holdings and yield profiles differ significantly.
- VNQI manages $18.2 billion in assets, focusing on developed market REITs with a 3.8% dividend yield.
- HAUZ manages $4.8 billion, with broader exposure including emerging markets and a 4.2% yield.
- VNQI’s expense ratio is 0.09%, compared to HAUZ’s 0.59%.
- Top holdings in VNQI include Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) and Mitsubishi Estate (8803.T).
- HAUZ’s significant positions include China Properties Holdings (2001.HK) and Tata Realty (TATA.NS).
- VNQI delivered a 12-month return of 8.3%, HAUZ 6.9% as of January 2026.
The Vanguard Real Estate International ETF (VNQI) and the iShares Global REITs ETF (HAUZ) offer investors pathways into global real estate markets, though with divergent strategies. VNQI, with approximately $18.2 billion in assets under management, emphasizes large-cap real estate investment trusts (REITs) across developed markets, including Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Canada, with significant exposure to residential and office sectors. HAUZ, managing around $4.8 billion, tracks a broader index of global REITs, including both developed and emerging markets, with notable allocations to Asia and Latin America. VNQI's top holdings include companies like Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield (URW) in France and Mitsubishi Estate Co. (8803.T) in Japan, representing 2.7% and 2.3% of the fund respectively. HAUZ's largest positions include China Properties Holdings (2001.HK) and Tata Realty & Infrastructure (TATA.NS), each comprising about 2.1% of the portfolio. The funds differ in yield: VNQI currently offers a 3.8% dividend yield, while HAUZ yields 4.2%, reflecting its higher exposure to international markets with historically stronger income generation. Expense ratios further distinguish the two: VNQI charges 0.09%, among the lowest in the sector, while HAUZ's fee is 0.59%, reflecting broader market coverage and active management components. Both ETFs have demonstrated volatility consistent with global real estate cycles, with 12-month price returns of 8.3% for VNQI and 6.9% for HAUZ as of early January 2026. Investors considering these ETFs should assess their risk tolerance, geographic preferences, and income objectives. VNQI may suit those seeking stable, low-cost exposure to developed market REITs, while HAUZ appeals to those aiming for higher yield and broader international diversification, including emerging economies.