VS
Compare Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VDY) vs iShares Core S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI) to find the best fit for your portfolio. VDY and XEI provide the same top sector exposures: Finance, Energy, and Utilities. When evaluating costs, VDY features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.2% for XEI. Performance-wise, VDY has returned 25.87% year-to-date with +$2 B in net flows, whereas XEI is at 26.21% with +$775 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
VDY
XEI
| AuM | $8,939.54 M | $4,356.49 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.22% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.06% | -0.50% |
Historical performance and flows
As of August 21, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VDY | -2.15% | +4.08% | +25.87% | +46.09% | +120.34% |
XEI | -0.91% | +2.97% | +26.21% | +39.64% | +94.09% | |
| Flows | VDY | +$94 M | +$695 M | +$1,902 M | +$2,544 M | +$3,829 M |
XEI | +$68 M | +$218 M | +$775 M | +$1,182 M | +$1,632 M |
VDY vs XEI exposure
Countries
VDY
Canada
96.84%
XEI
Canada
92.60%
Other
7.40%
Sectors
VDY
Finance
60.97%
Energy
26.69%
Other
12.34%
XEI
Finance
37.99%
Energy
28.67%
Utilities
9.96%
Telecommunications
7.34%
Other
16.05%
As of August 21, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VDY
Royal Bank of Canada
16.31%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
11.45%
Bank of Montreal
7.03%
Enbridge, Inc.
6.66%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
6.03%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
5.96%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
4.55%
TC Energy Corp.
3.88%
Manulife Financial Corp.
3.82%
Suncor Energy, Inc.
3.60%
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
VDY
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 60 total
69.29%
XEI
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 75 total
45.31%
Characteristics
Compare
VDY
XEI
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE Canada High Dividend Yield Net Tax Index - CAD | S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.35% | 3.42% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 2, 2012 | April 12, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about VDY and XEI
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VDY or XEI?
As of August 21, 2026, VDY has returned 25.87% year to date, while XEI has returned 26.21%. XEI is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VDY or XEI?
As of August 21, 2026, VDY manages $8.94 B in assets, while XEI manages $4.36 B. VDY is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VDY and XEI managed?
VDY is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the FTSE Canada High Dividend Yield Net Tax Index - CAD benchmark. XEI is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VDY and XEI emphasize?
VDY is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities. XEI is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VDY or XEI?
Year to date, VDY has seen +$1,901.72 M in net flows, compared with +$774.81 M for XEI. VDY has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VDY and XEI compare?
VDY has an expense ratio of 0.22%, while XEI has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What are the top holdings of VDY and XEI?
VDY's largest holdings include Royal Bank of Canada, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, and Bank of Montreal. XEI's top holdings include The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Royal Bank of Canada, and Enbridge, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: VDY or XEI?
VDY holds 60 securities, while XEI holds 75. On holdings count, XEI is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VDY and XEI
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