Real estate investment trusts (REITs) can serve as a valuable diversifier for income-seeking investors.
The Northern Trust Global Quality Real Estate ETF (GQRE +0.48%) and the Xtrackers International Real Estate ETF (HAUZ +0.65%) offer different geographic scopes: one provides a broad global footprint that includes the American market, while the other specifically targets developed and emerging markets outside the United States.
Here’s how the two stack up on the most important factors.
Snapshot (cost & size)
| Metric | HAUZ | GQRE |
|---|---|---|
| Issuer | Xtrackers | FlexShares |
| Share price (as of Sept. 17, 2026) | $21.89 | $61.67 |
| Expense ratio | 0.10% | 0.45% |
| 1-yr return (as of Sept. 17, 2026) | -6.10% | 4.69% |
| Dividend yield | 3.62% | 4.34% |
| Beta (5Y monthly) | 0.98 | 0.92 |
| Assets under management (AUM) | $1.06 billion | $412.6 million |
Beta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from monthly returns over the available fund history (up to five years). The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months. Dividend yield is the trailing-12-month distribution yield.
Cost is a major differentiator here, as HAUZ offers a considerably more affordable expense ratio. For every $10,000 invested, investors can expect to pay $10 per year in fees for HAUZ compared to $45 per year with GQRE. For those with large account balances, that can add up quickly.
That said, GQRE has the advantage on income with a meaningfully higher dividend yield than HAUZ, which can help claw back some of those fees.
Performance & risk comparison
| Metric | HAUZ | GQRE |
|---|---|---|
| Max drawdown (5 yr) | -34.6% | -35.1% |
| Growth of $1,000 over 5 years (total return) | $900 | $1,050 |
What’s inside
GQRE holds 175 stocks, and its largest positions include Prologis, Welltower, and Equinix. The fund was launched in 2013 and has paid $2.73 per share in dividends over the trailing 12 months.
HAUZ offers a broader reach with 448 holdings, and its top holdings include Goodman Group, Mitsubishi Estate, and Mitsui Fudosan. It was also launched in 2013 and has paid $0.82 per share in dividends over the trailing 12 months.
For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.
Which looks like the better buy
HAUZ and GQRE both offer diversified exposure to the real estate industry, but their differences in scope and focus can impact your bottom line.
HAUZ covers international markets outside of the U.S., with exposure primarily to Japan (22% of assets), Australia (12%), and Hong Kong (9%). While GQRE also includes international stocks, 64% of its portfolio is devoted to American companies.
Performance is another factor to consider. GQRE has outperformed HAUZ in both one- and five-year total returns, but with similar betas and max drawdowns, the two funds offer similar risk profiles.
GQRE & HAUZ: Performance Comparison
Key Financial Metrics
GQRE – Northern Trust Global Quality Real Estate ETF
$61.63
+0.48% (+$0.30)
HAUZ – Dbx ETF Trust – Xtrackers International Real Estate ETF
$21.85
+0.65% (+$0.14)
52wk Range
$58.11 – $67.49
Dividend & Yield
$2.73 (4.46%)
52wk Range
$21.62 – $25.73
Dividend & Yield
$0.82 (3.76%)
GQRE – Northern Trust Global Quality Real Estate ETF
$61.63
+0.48% (+$0.30)
52wk Range
$58.11 – $67.49
Dividend & Yield
$2.73 (4.46%)
HAUZ – Dbx ETF Trust – Xtrackers International Real Estate ETF
$21.85
+0.65% (+$0.14)
52wk Range
$21.62 – $25.73
Dividend & Yield
$0.82 (3.76%)
GQRE also offers a higher dividend yield, which can appeal to investors seeking passive dividend income from their real estate investment. That additional growth and income come at a cost, however, as GQRE also charges more than four times as much in fees as HAUZ.
The right choice for you will depend on your goals. GQRE has been the stronger performer in recent years, and it also primarily focuses on U.S. stocks with some additional international exposure. HAUZ offers greater exposure to international stocks with a lower fee, but its performance has been sluggish.
