VS
iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (XEF) and Hamilton International Equity YIELD MAXIMIZER ETF (IMAX) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XEF focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Finance, Industrials, and Technology, while IMAX leans towards Finance, Industrials, and Technology. When evaluating costs, XEF features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.65% for IMAX. 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
XEF
IMAX
| AuM | $23,963.20 M | $24.97 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.65% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.22% | 0.65% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.14% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 4, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEF | -0.15% | +4.29% | +15.44% | +22.57% | +69.66% |
IMAX | -0.57% | +3.80% | - | - | - | |
| Flows | XEF | +$641 M | +$1,820 M | +$4,965 M | +$6,911 M | +$11,751 M |
IMAX | +$7 M | +$20 M | - | - | - |
XEF vs IMAX exposure
Countries
XEF
Japan
24.79%
United Kingdom
13.81%
Switzerland
9.26%
France
8.14%
Germany
8.12%
Australia
7.05%
Other
28.83%
IMAX
Japan
23.97%
United Kingdom
13.97%
Switzerland
9.73%
France
8.57%
Germany
8.50%
Other
35.27%
Sectors
XEF
Finance
27.43%
Industrials
16.38%
Technology
11.80%
Healthcare
9.36%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
8.07%
Non-Energy Materials
7.48%
Other
19.48%
IMAX
Finance
27.90%
Industrials
16.26%
Technology
12.00%
Healthcare
9.74%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
8.25%
Non-Energy Materials
7.12%
Other
18.73%
As of September 4, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEF
ASML Holding NV
2.51%
HSBC Holdings Plc
1.43%
Roche Holding AG
1.20%
Novartis AG
1.12%
Nestlé SA
1.02%
AstraZeneca PLC
1.01%
Shell Plc
0.98%
Siemens AG
0.94%
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
0.92%
BHP Group Ltd.
0.82%
IMAX
ASML Holding NV
2.73%
HSBC Holdings Plc
1.55%
Roche Holding AG
1.30%
Novartis AG
1.22%
Nestlé SA
1.12%
AstraZeneca PLC
1.10%
Shell Plc
1.06%
Siemens AG
1.02%
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
1.00%
BHP Group Ltd.
0.89%
Diversification
XEF
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 2,648 total
11.94%
IMAX
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 2,608 total
13.00%
Characteristics
Compare
XEF
IMAX
| Provider | iShares | Hamilton ETFs |
| Management | Passively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI EAFE IMI Net Total Return Index - CAD | - |
| Replication Method | ||
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.30% | - |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 10, 2013 | May 8, 2026 |
Frequently asked questions about XEF and IMAX
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEF or IMAX?
As of September 4, 2026, XEF manages $23.96 B in assets, while IMAX manages $24.97 M. XEF is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XEF and IMAX managed?
XEF is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI EAFE IMI Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. IMAX is actively managed by Hamilton ETFs. It does not track an index.
What sectors do XEF and IMAX emphasize?
XEF is most exposed to Finance, Industrials, and Technology. IMAX is most exposed to Finance, Industrials, and Technology.
How do the fees of XEF and IMAX compare?
XEF has an expense ratio of 0.22%, while IMAX has an expense ratio of 0.65%.
What are the top holdings of XEF and IMAX?
XEF's largest holdings include ASML Holding NV, HSBC Holdings Plc, and Roche Holding AG. IMAX's top holdings include ASML Holding NV, HSBC Holdings Plc, and Roche Holding AG.
Which ETF is more diversified: XEF or IMAX?
XEF holds 2636 securities, while IMAX holds 2596. On holdings count, XEF is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XEF and IMAX
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