VS
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 Real Estate and Industrials, while XRE leans towards Real Estate. When evaluating costs, ZXLR features a management fee (MER) of 0.21%, compared to 0.55% for XRE. Performance-wise, ZXLR has returned 8.73% year-to-date with -$1 M in net flows, whereas XRE is at 9.07% with +$32 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 | $0.74 M | $1,181.72 M |
| Management Fees | 0.21% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.21% | 0.60% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.63% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 24, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ZXLR | +8.01% | +6.55% | +8.73% | +9.42% | - |
XRE | +8.47% | +4.11% | +9.07% | +19.57% | +12.03% | |
| Flows | ZXLR | -$1 M | -$1 M | -$1 M | -$1 M | - |
XRE | +$29 M | +$33 M | +$32 M | -$419 M | +$136 M |
ZXLR vs XRE exposure
Countries
ZXLR
USA
99.50%
XRE
Canada
99.55%
Sectors
ZXLR
Real Estate
97.56%
XRE
Real Estate
86.89%
Other
13.11%
As of April 24, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
ZXLR
WELLTOWER INC
10.18%
PROLOGIS REIT
9.07%
EQUINIX INC COMMON STOCK REIT
7.11%
AMERICAN TOWER CL A REIT
5.96%
DIGITAL REALTY REIT
4.63%
SIMON PROPERTY GROUP REIT
4.57%
CBRE GROUP
4.46%
VENTAS REIT
4.40%
REALTY INCOME REIT
4.39%
PUBLIC STORAGE REIT
4.19%
XRE
RIOCAN REAL ESTATE UNT
11.42%
CANADIAN APARTMENT PROPER REIT UNT
11.31%
CA3874372053
10.26%
FIRST CAPITAL REIT UNT
9.07%
CHOICE PROPERTIES REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT UNITS
8.65%
DREAM INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE
7.36%
SMART REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT
7.10%
H&R REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST UNIT
5.35%
BOARDWALK REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT UNT
5.19%
PRIMARIS REAL ESTATE INVESTMENT TRUST UNIT
4.21%
Diversification
ZXLR
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 31 total
58.98%
XRE
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 16 total
79.92%
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 | 3.26% | 4.54% |
| 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 April 24, 2026, ZXLR has returned 8.73% year to date, while XRE has returned 9.07%. XRE is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: ZXLR or XRE?
As of April 24, 2026, ZXLR manages $0.74 M in assets, while XRE manages $1.18 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 Real Estate and Industrials. XRE is most exposed to Real Estate.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: ZXLR or XRE?
Year to date, ZXLR has seen -$0.73 M in net flows, compared with +$31.83 M for XRE. XRE 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 REIT, and EQUINIX INC COMMON STOCK REIT. XRE's top holdings include RIOCAN REAL ESTATE UNT and CANADIAN APARTMENT PROPER REIT UNT.
Which ETF is more diversified: ZXLR or XRE?
ZXLR holds 31 securities, while XRE holds 15. On holdings count, ZXLR is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about ZXLR and XRE
Build Canada Homes: A Boost for Real Estate ETFs?
The Canadian government's $26B prefab housing plan and a U.S. tariff ruling have injected optimism into real estate markets, with analysts anticipating gains for REITs and construction-focused funds.
Posted on 6/2/2025 by ETF Market Canada inReal Estate
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