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Compare CI Emerging Markets Alpha ETF (CIEM) vs iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XEM) to find the best fit for your portfolio. CIEM provides Technology, Finance, and Industrials exposures, while XEM is primarily weighted in Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials. When evaluating costs, CIEM features a management fee (MER) of 0.85%, compared to 0.82% for XEM. Performance-wise, CIEM has returned 19.57% year-to-date with -$50 M in net flows, whereas XEM is at 18.9% with +$236 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
CIEM
XEM
| AuM | $139.15 M | $516.21 M |
| Management Fees | 0.85% | 0.82% |
| Exp. ratio | 1.07% | 0.80% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 16, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | CIEM | -7.54% | +0.27% | +19.57% | +19.90% | +84.02% |
XEM | -2.98% | -1.37% | +18.90% | +18.62% | +81.05% | |
| Flows | CIEM | -$3 M | +$3 M | -$50 M | -$37 M | -$22 M |
XEM | +$26 M | +$66 M | +$236 M | +$245 M | +$168 M |
CIEM vs XEM exposure
Countries
CIEM
Taiwan
27.95%
Republic of Korea
18.51%
China
15.46%
India
10.06%
Other
28.03%
XEM
Taiwan
27.51%
Republic of Korea
20.67%
China
18.50%
India
11.35%
Other
21.95%
Sectors
CIEM
Technology
45.22%
Finance
21.39%
Industrials
8.91%
Non-Energy Materials
7.04%
Other
17.44%
XEM
Technology
44.91%
Finance
21.12%
Non-Energy Materials
7.17%
Other
26.81%
As of October 16, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
CIEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
13.46%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
8.83%
SK hynix, Inc.
5.89%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
3.38%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
2.50%
MediaTek, Inc.
2.45%
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.
2.29%
Kinross Gold Corp.
2.16%
Standard Chartered Plc
1.99%
Anglo American Plc
1.90%
XEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
15.06%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
7.16%
SK hynix, Inc.
5.44%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.86%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
1.97%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.44%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.91%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
0.88%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.82%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.78%
Diversification
CIEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 70 total
44.83%
XEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,173 total
37.33%
Characteristics
Compare
CIEM
XEM
| Provider | CI | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | MSCI Emerging Markets Index - USD |
| Replication Method | - | Other |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.72% | 1.52% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | August 31, 2021 | June 18, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about CIEM and XEM
Which ETF has performed better year to date: CIEM or XEM?
As of October 16, 2026, CIEM has returned 19.57% year to date, while XEM has returned 18.90%. CIEM is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: CIEM or XEM?
As of October 16, 2026, CIEM manages $139.15 M in assets, while XEM manages $516.21 M. XEM is the larger fund by AUM.
How are CIEM and XEM managed?
CIEM is actively managed by CI. It does not track an index. XEM is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do CIEM and XEM emphasize?
CIEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Industrials. XEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: CIEM or XEM?
Year to date, CIEM has seen -$50.38 M in net flows, compared with +$236.23 M for XEM. XEM has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of CIEM and XEM compare?
CIEM has an expense ratio of 1.07%, while XEM has an expense ratio of 0.80%.
What are the top holdings of CIEM and XEM?
CIEM's largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc.. XEM's top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: CIEM or XEM?
CIEM holds 70 securities, while XEM holds 1116. On holdings count, XEM is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about CIEM and XEM
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