Jon Vialoux iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF XRE-T COMMENT Apr 24, 2015

The run up from $24 was impressive for D.UN-T. He does not own individual real estate -- he holds XRE-T instead. He would like to see it consolidate at these levels for a while before buying.

And REITs outside Canada? Always a good choice if you want broad exposure to Canadian real estate. CAP REIT is the biggest holding, which he really likes, as well as H&R and Riocan REIT (also likes it). However, XRE is concentrated in these names, so you may be better off picking specific names that offer better growth. To answer: Outside Canada, you can look at VNQ and IRR in the U.S. that covers the U.S. REIT market. The US REIT market has more specialized sectors, like towers and data centres.

He'd move on. There's a 48% spread between the top and bottom quartile performers. Can't capture the upside with an ETF. Better to focus on the winners, and avoid the losers. CAR, HOM-U, WIR-U, and Granite are great choices. Look for growth, and at a discount is even better.

Challenging to own REITs in Canada. The 5-year return is slightly negative, even including dividends. Some names in it make sense, some don't. Cumulative inflation has hurt REI.UN, the second-largest holding. Softness in Canadian economy. 

5- and 10-year yields are moving higher, and REITs are very sensitive to higher rates because of their debt. REITs might make sense in a stronger economy, with rates moving down.