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Vanguard is known for offering low-cost, passively managed ETFs that emphasize broad market exposure and long-term investing. The company operates 175 ETFs across diverse fund families including Index, Bond, Equity, Dividend, Income, International, Factor, and ESG strategies, serving investors with various goals from core portfolio building to specialized income generation. Notable for its scale and popular tickers like VB (total U.S. small-cap), BND (total bond market), and VBIAX (international bonds), Vanguard focuses on providing comprehensive, index-based investment solutions with an emphasis on cost efficiency and accessibility.
See our curated list of related YouTube videos on VNQ.
A real estate investment trust that invests in freestanding, single-tenant commercial properties subject to long-term net lease agreements. Known as "The Monthly Dividend Company," Realty Income has a long track record of monthly dividend payments and consistent dividend growth.
Track the MSCI US Investable Market Real Estate 25/50 Index.
Asset class
Real Estate
Equity
Inception date
N/A
09/23/2004
Beta
0.729
1.0
Last dividend
$0.2710
$0.8554
Ex-dividend date
07/31/2026
06/24/2026
Bottom lineChoose O if you want higher current income (5.07% vs 3.51% for VNQ). Choose VNQ if you want real-estate income and inflation sensitivity.
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Projections assume the current yield and share price remain constant. Actual results will vary.
Quick verdict
O (Realty Income Corporation) is a real estate investment trust, while VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) is an ETF — they take fundamentally different approaches.
O offers the higher yield at 5.07% vs 3.51% for VNQ. A higher yield means more current income per dollar invested, though it may come with different risk characteristics.
Deep dive
Yield & income
On a $10,000 investment, O would generate roughly $42.25/month, while VNQ would produce $29.25/month, at current distribution rates.
O yield5.07%
VNQ yield3.51%
Monthly diff on $10K$13.00
Cost & efficiency
VNQ charges a 0.12% expense ratio — roughly $120 over 10 years on $10,000 (simplified, not compounded). O is a real estate investment trust, not a fund, so it charges no expense ratio.
VNQ ER0.12%
Strategy & risk
O is a real estate investment trust, while VNQ tracks MSCI US IMI Real Estate 25/50 Index with a dividend approach. Beta is 0.729 for O and 1.0 for VNQ, indicating O is less volatile relative to the market.
O beta0.729
VNQ beta1.0
Security details
O (Realty Income Corporation) is a real estate investment trust. VNQ is managed by Vanguard (launched 09/23/2004) with $37.7B in assets.
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Frequently asked questions
Is O or VNQ better for dividend income?
It depends on your goals. O currently offers the higher distribution yield, which means more income per dollar invested. However, a lower-yield fund may offer better total return or lower volatility. Consider your time horizon and risk tolerance.
What is the difference between O and VNQ?
O (Realty Income Corporation) is a real estate investment trust, while VNQ (Vanguard Real Estate ETF) tracks MSCI US IMI Real Estate 25/50 Index with a dividend approach. They are issued by Realty Income and Vanguard respectively.
Can I hold both O and VNQ?
Yes — nothing prevents holding both. Whether the combination actually diversifies depends on how much the underlying exposures overlap, which isn't fully measurable from the data on this page; review each security's holdings, sector, and strategy before treating them as complementary.
Which has lower fees, O or VNQ?
VNQ charges a 0.12% expense ratio. O is a real estate investment trust, not a fund, so it has no expense ratio — owning it directly costs nothing in ongoing fund fees.
How much income does $10,000 in O vs VNQ generate?
At current rates, $10,000 in O would generate roughly $42.25 per month ($507.00 annually). The same in VNQ would produce about $29.25 per month ($351.00 annually).
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