FREL VS REET
5 min read
By Ron Koren, ETF Insider

FREL VS REET

When it comes to investing in the real estate sector through Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), two of the most debated names that arise are FREL and REET. These instruments provide investors an opportunity to gain exposure to real estate without having to directly purchase property. But how do they stack up against each other? In this article, we dive deep into FREL VS REET, comparing their strategies, sectors, top holdings, and more.

FREL VS REET: Sectors and Top Holdings

FREL, or the Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF, and REET, the iShares Global REIT ETF, both aim to track real estate, but they approach the sector differently.
FREL primarily focuses on the U.S. real estate market. Its top holdings include some of the major REITs in sectors such as residential, office, and retail properties. Companies like Simon Property Group and Equity Residential often find their place in FREL's portfolio.
On the other hand, REET has a global approach. While it does cover U.S.-based REITs, it also offers exposure to international real estate markets. This means that an investor in REET may find holdings from regions like Europe, Asia, and even emerging markets.

FREL overlap FREL VS REETFREL overlap FREL VS REET

FREL VS REET: Capitalization Strategy

Capitalization strategy is where we see a considerable difference between FREL and REET.
FREL tends to be more cap-weighted, leaning towards the larger, more established REITs. This means that its performance can be more influenced by a few large companies, providing both potential for higher rewards and higher risks.
REET, with its global approach, also includes a mix of large-cap and mid-cap REITs. This provides a broader diversification, as the fund's performance isn't as closely tied to the few major players as FREL is. The diversification might offer a bit more stability for investors, especially those looking to diversify internationally.

FREL VS REET: Tracking and Exposure

When considering any ETF, it's essential to understand how closely it tracks its underlying index and the type of exposure it offers.

FREL aims to track the MSCI USA IMI Real Estate Index. This index provides a comprehensive view of the U.S. real estate sector, offering exposure to various sub-sectors. Given its domestic focus, FREL might be more susceptible to U.S. economic factors.
REET, in contrast, tracks the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global REIT Index. This provides investors with a more global view, capturing a diverse range of real estate markets. With REET, investors can tap into growth in emerging markets or hedge against U.S. downturns with holdings in more stable, developed markets.

Conclusion

In the face-off of FREL VS REET, the choice boils down to an investor's objectives and risk tolerance. If you're seeking domestic exposure and have faith in the growth of U.S. real estate, FREL might be your pick. However, if you're keen on diversifying globally and hedging against potential domestic downturns, REET offers a compelling choice.
Ultimately, both ETFs offer unique benefits. Investors should consider their portfolio needs, time horizon, and market predictions before making a choice.

Sources

  1. Fidelity. "FREL: Fidelity MSCI Real Estate Index ETF." www.fidelity.com.
  2. iShares by BlackRock. "REET: iShares Global REIT ETF." www.ishares.com.
  3. MSCI. "MSCI USA IMI Real Estate Index." www.msci.com.
  4. FTSE Russell. "FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Global REIT Index." www.ftserussell.com.

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