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Compare iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index ETF (XEC) vs Franklin Emerging Markets Equity Index ETF (FLEM) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XEC provides Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials exposures, while FLEM is primarily weighted in Technology, Finance, and Industrials. When evaluating costs, XEC features a management fee (MER) of 0.25%, compared to 0.15% for FLEM. Performance-wise, XEC has returned 21.93% year-to-date with +$926 M in net flows, whereas FLEM is at 21.93% with +$18 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
XEC
FLEM
| AuM | $4,707.28 M | $65.03 M |
| Management Fees | 0.25% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.28% | 0.17% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.45% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 15, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEC | -1.78% | -4.59% | +21.93% | +27.47% | +80.81% |
FLEM | -1.32% | -4.82% | +21.93% | +27.84% | +83.90% | |
| Flows | XEC | +$117 M | +$314 M | +$926 M | +$1,193 M | +$1,960 M |
FLEM | +$0 M | +$9 M | +$18 M | +$29 M | +$47 M |
XEC vs FLEM exposure
Countries
XEC
Taiwan
25.59%
China
18.72%
Republic of Korea
17.01%
India
13.53%
Other
25.15%
FLEM
Taiwan
25.39%
Republic of Korea
20.92%
China
17.95%
India
12.77%
Other
22.96%
Sectors
XEC
Technology
39.04%
Finance
22.16%
Non-Energy Materials
7.48%
Other
31.32%
FLEM
Technology
42.70%
Finance
22.00%
Other
35.30%
As of September 15, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEC
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
13.06%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
5.26%
SK hynix, Inc.
3.97%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.89%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
1.86%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.13%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.78%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.72%
HDFC Bank Ltd.
0.71%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.67%
FLEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
14.60%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
6.74%
SK hynix, Inc.
5.86%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.95%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
2.16%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.38%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.90%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.89%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
0.83%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.79%
Diversification
XEC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 3,007 total
31.05%
FLEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,159 total
37.10%
Characteristics
Compare
XEC
FLEM
| Provider | iShares | Franklin Templeton |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Local Net Total Return Index - USD | Solactive GBS Emerging Markets Large & Mid Cap CAD Index NTR - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.62% | 1.36% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 10, 2013 | January 29, 2018 |
Frequently asked questions about XEC and FLEM
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XEC or FLEM?
As of September 15, 2026, XEC has returned 21.93% year to date, while FLEM has returned 21.93%. FLEM is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEC or FLEM?
As of September 15, 2026, XEC manages $4.71 B in assets, while FLEM manages $65.03 M. XEC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XEC and FLEM managed?
XEC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Local Net Total Return Index - USD benchmark. FLEM is passively managed by Franklin Templeton. It tracks the Solactive GBS Emerging Markets Large & Mid Cap CAD Index NTR - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XEC and FLEM emphasize?
XEC is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials. FLEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Industrials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEC or FLEM?
Year to date, XEC has seen +$925.94 M in net flows, compared with +$17.76 M for FLEM. XEC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XEC and FLEM compare?
XEC has an expense ratio of 0.28%, while FLEM has an expense ratio of 0.17%.
What are the top holdings of XEC and FLEM?
XEC's largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc.. FLEM's top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XEC or FLEM?
XEC holds 2941 securities, while FLEM holds 1103. On holdings count, XEC is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XEC and FLEM
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