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BMO SPDR Real Estate Select Sector Index ETF (ZXLR) and iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF (XRE) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that ZXLR focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Finance and Technology, while XRE leans towards Finance. When evaluating costs, ZXLR features a management fee (MER) of 0.21%, compared to 0.55% for XRE. Performance-wise, ZXLR has returned 9.6% year-to-date with +$6 M in net flows, whereas XRE is at 5.85% with -$45 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
ZXLR
XRE
| AuM | $6.75 M | $1,051.26 M |
| Management Fees | 0.21% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.21% | 0.60% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.65% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 8, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ZXLR | -3.15% | -3.74% | +9.60% | +6.19% | - |
XRE | -3.53% | -4.38% | +5.85% | +1.74% | +15.20% | |
| Flows | ZXLR | +$2 M | +$7 M | +$6 M | +$6 M | - |
XRE | -$31 M | -$34 M | -$45 M | -$213 M | +$92 M |
ZXLR vs XRE exposure
Countries
ZXLR
USA
99.91%
XRE
Canada
99.98%
Sectors
ZXLR
Finance
98.73%
XRE
Finance
99.98%
As of September 8, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
ZXLR
Welltower, Inc.
11.11%
Prologis, Inc.
9.05%
Equinix, Inc.
6.75%
American Tower Corp.
5.42%
Simon Property Group, Inc.
4.99%
Digital Realty Trust, Inc.
4.89%
Public Storage
4.74%
Ventas, Inc.
4.60%
Realty Income Corp.
4.58%
CBRE Group, Inc.
4.35%
XRE
RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust
12.89%
Granite Real Estate Investment Trust
11.61%
Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
10.64%
First Capital Real Estate Investment Trust
9.65%
Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust
8.58%
Dream Industrial Real Estate Investment Trust
8.07%
SmartCentres Real Estate Investment Trust
7.60%
H&R Real Estate Investment Trust
5.82%
Primaris Real Estate Investment Trust
5.35%
Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust
5.20%
Diversification
ZXLR
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 31 total
60.51%
XRE
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 14 total
85.42%
Characteristics
Compare
ZXLR
XRE
| Provider | BMO | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | S&P Real Estate Select Sector Total Return Index - USD | S&P/TSX Capped REIT Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.23% | 4.60% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 2, 2025 | October 17, 2002 |
Frequently asked questions about ZXLR and XRE
Which ETF has performed better year to date: ZXLR or XRE?
As of September 8, 2026, ZXLR has returned 9.60% year to date, while XRE has returned 5.85%. ZXLR is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: ZXLR or XRE?
As of September 8, 2026, ZXLR manages $6.75 M in assets, while XRE manages $1.05 B. XRE is the larger fund by AUM.
How are ZXLR and XRE managed?
ZXLR is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the S&P Real Estate Select Sector Total Return Index - USD benchmark. XRE is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped REIT Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do ZXLR and XRE emphasize?
ZXLR is most exposed to Finance and Technology. XRE is most exposed to Finance.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: ZXLR or XRE?
Year to date, ZXLR has seen +$5.80 M in net flows, compared with -$45.19 M for XRE. ZXLR has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of ZXLR and XRE compare?
ZXLR has an expense ratio of 0.21%, while XRE has an expense ratio of 0.60%.
What are the top holdings of ZXLR and XRE?
ZXLR's largest holdings include Welltower, Inc., Prologis, Inc., and Equinix, Inc.. XRE's top holdings include RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust, Granite Real Estate Investment Trust, and Canadian Apartment Properties Real Estate Investment Trust.
Which ETF is more diversified: ZXLR or XRE?
ZXLR holds 31 securities, while XRE holds 14. On holdings count, ZXLR is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about ZXLR and XRE
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