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Compare iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index ETF (XEC) vs iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XEM) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XEC and XEM provide the same top sector exposures: Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials. When evaluating costs, XEC features a management fee (MER) of 0.25%, compared to 0.82% for XEM. Performance-wise, XEC has returned 22.64% year-to-date with +$952 M in net flows, whereas XEM is at 22.43% with +$210 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
XEM
| AuM | $4,760.74 M | $503.81 M |
| Management Fees | 0.25% | 0.82% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.28% | 0.80% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 15, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEC | -1.21% | -4.62% | +22.64% | +27.70% | +83.85% |
XEM | -1.99% | -6.15% | +22.43% | +27.81% | +83.13% | |
| Flows | XEC | +$143 M | +$340 M | +$952 M | +$1,217 M | +$1,986 M |
XEM | +$15 M | +$68 M | +$210 M | +$214 M | +$151 M |
XEC vs XEM exposure
Countries
XEC
Taiwan
25.59%
China
18.72%
Republic of Korea
17.01%
India
13.53%
Other
25.15%
XEM
Taiwan
25.85%
China
20.37%
Republic of Korea
17.67%
India
12.29%
Other
23.82%
Sectors
XEC
Technology
39.04%
Finance
22.16%
Non-Energy Materials
7.48%
Other
31.32%
XEM
Technology
41.61%
Finance
22.75%
Other
35.65%
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%
XEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
14.87%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
5.99%
SK hynix, Inc.
4.52%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
3.29%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
2.12%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.28%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.89%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.82%
HDFC Bank Ltd.
0.78%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.77%
Diversification
XEC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 3,007 total
31.05%
XEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,179 total
35.32%
Characteristics
Compare
XEC
XEM
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Local Net Total Return Index - USD | MSCI Emerging Markets Index - USD |
| Replication Method | ||
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.61% | 1.48% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 10, 2013 | June 18, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about XEC and XEM
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XEC or XEM?
As of September 15, 2026, XEC has returned 22.64% year to date, while XEM has returned 22.43%. XEC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEC or XEM?
As of September 15, 2026, XEC manages $4.76 B in assets, while XEM manages $503.81 M. XEC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XEC and XEM managed?
XEC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Local Net Total Return Index - USD benchmark. XEM is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XEC and XEM emphasize?
XEC is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials. XEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEC or XEM?
Year to date, XEC has seen +$952.12 M in net flows, compared with +$209.90 M for XEM. XEC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XEC and XEM compare?
XEC has an expense ratio of 0.28%, while XEM has an expense ratio of 0.80%.
What are the top holdings of XEC and XEM?
XEC'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: XEC or XEM?
XEC holds 2941 securities, while XEM holds 1122. On holdings count, XEC is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XEC and XEM
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