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Compare CIBC Qx Canadian Low Volatility Dividend ETF (CQLC) vs iShares Core S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI) to find the best fit for your portfolio. CQLC and XEI provide the same top sector exposures: Finance, Energy, and Utilities. When evaluating costs, CQLC features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.2% for XEI. Performance-wise, CQLC has returned 21.33% year-to-date with -$4 M in net flows, whereas XEI is at 27.23% with +$735 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
CQLC
XEI
| AuM | $749.86 M | $4,351.28 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.34% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.50% |
Historical performance and flows
As of August 4, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | CQLC | +1.37% | +10.45% | +21.33% | +33.40% | +83.19% |
XEI | +3.30% | +7.57% | +27.23% | +44.14% | +91.86% | |
| Flows | CQLC | +$5 M | -$7 M | -$4 M | -$16 M | +$534 M |
XEI | +$64 M | +$262 M | +$735 M | +$1,183 M | +$1,604 M |
CQLC vs XEI exposure
Countries
CQLC
Canada
99.88%
XEI
Canada
92.60%
Other
7.40%
Sectors
CQLC
Finance
49.89%
Energy
16.10%
Utilities
14.20%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
10.00%
Telecommunications
7.25%
XEI
Finance
37.99%
Energy
28.67%
Utilities
9.96%
Telecommunications
7.34%
Other
16.05%
As of August 4, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
CQLC
Power Corp of Canada
5.13%
Great-West Lifeco, Inc.
4.74%
Royal Bank of Canada
4.68%
Quebecor, Inc.
4.49%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
3.62%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
3.50%
Fortis, Inc.
3.43%
Emera, Inc.
3.39%
National Bank of Canada
3.30%
Hydro One Ltd.
3.28%
XEI
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
5.41%
Royal Bank of Canada
5.33%
Enbridge, Inc.
4.88%
TC Energy Corp.
4.67%
Bank of Montreal
4.58%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
4.42%
Suncor Energy, Inc.
4.30%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
3.95%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
3.92%
Nutrien Ltd.
3.85%
Diversification
CQLC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 40 total
39.57%
XEI
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 75 total
45.31%
Characteristics
Compare
CQLC
XEI
| Provider | CIBC | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.48% | 3.39% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 16, 2021 | April 12, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about CQLC and XEI
Which ETF has performed better year to date: CQLC or XEI?
As of August 4, 2026, CQLC has returned 21.33% year to date, while XEI has returned 27.23%. XEI is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: CQLC or XEI?
As of August 4, 2026, CQLC manages $749.86 M in assets, while XEI manages $4.35 B. XEI is the larger fund by AUM.
How are CQLC and XEI managed?
CQLC is actively managed by CIBC. It does not track an index. XEI is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do CQLC and XEI emphasize?
CQLC is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities. XEI is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: CQLC or XEI?
Year to date, CQLC has seen -$4.32 M in net flows, compared with +$734.85 M for XEI. XEI has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of CQLC and XEI compare?
CQLC has an expense ratio of 0.34%, while XEI has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What are the top holdings of CQLC and XEI?
CQLC's largest holdings include Power Corp of Canada, Great-West Lifeco, Inc., and Royal Bank of Canada. XEI's top holdings include The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, and Enbridge, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: CQLC or XEI?
CQLC holds 40 securities, while XEI holds 75. On holdings count, XEI is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about CQLC and XEI
ETF Comparison: VDY vs XEI
Sector exposure, diversification, and tracking efficiency separate these two dividend ETF heavyweights.
Posted on 6/1/2026 by Kyle Anthony inDividends
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