# Real Estate ETF Comparison: XLRE vs GQRE

> State Street's XLRE offers lower costs for U.S. real estate; Northern Trust's GQRE provides higher yield with global diversification.
- Title: Real Estate ETF Comparison: XLRE vs GQRE · The Motley Fool
- Summary: State Street's XLRE offers lower costs for U.S. real estate; Northern Trust's GQRE provides higher yield with global diversification. XLRE is better for…
- Keywords: xlre, gqre, state street, northern trust, real estate etf, dividend yield, s&p 500, reit, finance, money, Real, Estate
- Source: The Motley Fool — https://fool.com/coverage/etfs/2026/10/27/which-real-estate-etf-is-the-better-buy-state-street-s-xlre-or-northern-trust-s-global-gqre
- Author: Sara Appino
- Published: 2026-10-27T15:36:25+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: xlre, gqre, state street, northern trust, real estate etf, dividend yield, s&p 500, reit, finance, money
## ETF Comparison Overview
State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLRE) offers lower costs and concentrated S&P 500 exposure, while Northern Trust Global Quality Real Estate ETF (GQRE) provides broader global diversification and higher yield.
## Key Metrics Snapshot
GQRE has a 0.46% expense ratio and 4.4% dividend yield; XLRE has a 0.08% expense ratio and 3.4% dividend yield.
## Investment Focus
XLRE holds 30 positions in S&P 500 REITs; GQRE allocates 99% to real estate and 1% to consumer cyclicals across 201 holdings.
## Performance Metrics
XLRE shows a 3.7% 1-year return and 34.1% max drawdown; GQRE shows a 3.2% 1-year return and 35.1% max drawdown.
## Yield and Dividend Details
XLRE pays $1.44 per share for a 3.4% yield; GQRE pays $2.65 per share for a 4.4% yield.
## Which ETF is Better?
XLRE is better for low-cost U.S. real estate exposure; GQRE suits income-focused investors seeking global diversification.
## Key takeaway

XLRE is better for low-cost U.S. real estate exposure; GQRE suits income-focused global investors.