VNQ vs XLRE: Dividend Yield, Total Return & Fees Compared

This page compares Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF Shares (VNQ) with State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLRE) using prices and distributions through November 9, 2026. The numbers update automatically after each trading session.

With dividends reinvested, XLRE has led over the last 12 months at +11.95% versus +11.93% for VNQ. VNQ currently yields 3.50% (trailing 12-month) against 3.23% for XLRE. Across five years the total-return gap is +9.29% for XLRE vs +7.35% for VNQ.

The higher-yielding fund (VNQ) has trailed on 1-year total return. Yield only measures the income a fund pays; total return also counts the change in share price, so it is the fuller basis for comparing the two.

Across 1,265 shared trading dates from October 26, 2021 to November 9, 2026, the largest observed peak-to-trough decline with dividends reinvested was -34.50% for VNQ and -34.11% for XLRE. These figures use the same available dates for both instruments, exclude intraday moves, and are not forecasts.

VNQ's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.8005 to $0.9457 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

XLRE's recorded distributions over the 12 months ending November 9, 2026 ranged from $0.2711 to $0.4361 per share across 4 distribution dates. A payment range includes special distributions and does not establish the amount of a future payment.

Fund expense ratios are annual operating costs, not a bill added to the historical returns shown here. Trading spreads, brokerage costs and personal taxes can reduce an investor's realized return.

Check whether you are comparing a property company with a diversified fund or two different real-estate portfolios. Examine concentration, expenses and distributions alongside total return.

Review Vanguard Real Estate Index Fund ETF Shares (VNQ) payment history and State Street Real Estate Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLRE) payment history before choosing assumptions for the dividend reinvestment calculator. Run each scenario separately; the calculator uses your rates rather than importing these historical returns.

For a cash target, use the income goal calculator. Read our guide to comparing dividend ETFs and data and editorial approach for context on the historical figures.