VS
Compare iShares Core S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI) vs Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VDY) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XEI and VDY provide the same top sector exposures: Finance, Energy, and Utilities. When evaluating costs, XEI features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.2% for VDY. Performance-wise, XEI has returned 27.79% year-to-date with +$815 M in net flows, whereas VDY is at 28.64% with +$2 B. 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
XEI
VDY
| AuM | $4,425.77 M | $9,287.87 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.22% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.39% | -0.03% |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 20, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEI | +1.86% | +0.84% | +27.79% | +34.60% | +105.83% |
VDY | +0.53% | +0.68% | +28.64% | +39.49% | +134.56% | |
| Flows | XEI | -$8 M | +$112 M | +$815 M | +$1,061 M | +$1,634 M |
VDY | +$107 M | +$331 M | +$2,091 M | +$2,458 M | +$3,973 M |
XEI vs VDY exposure
Countries
XEI
Canada
92.81%
Other
7.19%
VDY
Canada
96.94%
Sectors
XEI
Finance
36.41%
Energy
30.52%
Utilities
9.08%
Telecommunications
7.23%
Other
16.77%
VDY
Finance
59.44%
Energy
28.52%
Other
12.04%
As of October 20, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEI
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
5.37%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
5.16%
Suncor Energy, Inc.
5.13%
Royal Bank of Canada
5.05%
Nutrien Ltd.
4.42%
Enbridge, Inc.
4.37%
TC Energy Corp.
4.23%
Bank of Montreal
4.23%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
3.98%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
3.70%
VDY
Royal Bank of Canada
15.65%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
11.07%
Bank of Montreal
6.59%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
6.17%
Enbridge, Inc.
6.05%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
5.71%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
5.60%
Suncor Energy, Inc.
4.35%
Manulife Financial Corp.
3.88%
TC Energy Corp.
3.57%
Diversification
XEI
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 75 total
45.64%
VDY
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 60 total
68.65%
Characteristics
Compare
XEI
VDY
| Provider | iShares | Vanguard |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD | FTSE Canada High Dividend Yield Net Tax Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.41% | 3.25% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 12, 2011 | November 2, 2012 |
Frequently asked questions about XEI and VDY
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XEI or VDY?
As of October 20, 2026, XEI has returned 27.79% year to date, while VDY has returned 28.64%. VDY is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEI or VDY?
As of October 20, 2026, XEI manages $4.43 B in assets, while VDY manages $9.29 B. VDY is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XEI and VDY managed?
XEI is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. VDY is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the FTSE Canada High Dividend Yield Net Tax Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XEI and VDY emphasize?
XEI is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities. VDY is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEI or VDY?
Year to date, XEI has seen +$814.80 M in net flows, compared with +$2,091.40 M for VDY. VDY has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XEI and VDY compare?
XEI has an expense ratio of 0.22%, while VDY has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What are the top holdings of XEI and VDY?
XEI's largest holdings include Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., The Toronto-Dominion Bank, and Suncor Energy, Inc.. VDY's top holdings include Royal Bank of Canada, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, and Bank of Montreal.
Which ETF is more diversified: XEI or VDY?
XEI holds 75 securities, while VDY holds 60. On holdings count, XEI is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XEI and VDY
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