VS
Compare iShares Jantzi Social Index ETF (XEN) vs BMO MSCI Canada Selection Equity Index ETF (ESGA) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XEN and ESGA provide the same top sector exposures: Finance, Energy, and Non-Energy Materials. When evaluating costs, XEN features a management fee (MER) of 0.5%, compared to 0.15% for ESGA. Performance-wise, XEN has returned 15.37% year-to-date with -$5 M in net flows, whereas ESGA is at 12.88% with -$63 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
XEN
ESGA
| AuM | $181.43 M | $142.72 M |
| Management Fees | 0.50% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.55% | 0.16% |
| Tracking Difference | 2.20% | -0.24% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 2, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEN | +1.80% | +4.30% | +15.37% | +27.78% | +87.81% |
ESGA | +2.93% | +6.99% | +12.88% | +23.83% | +93.24% | |
| Flows | XEN | +$0 M | +$0 M | -$5 M | -$5 M | -$5 M |
ESGA | -$37 M | -$35 M | -$63 M | -$19 M | -$25 M |
XEN vs ESGA exposure
Countries
XEN
Canada
98.50%
ESGA
Canada
98.48%
Sectors
XEN
Finance
43.31%
Energy
17.92%
Non-Energy Materials
17.46%
Industrials
7.16%
Other
14.16%
ESGA
Finance
52.23%
Energy
13.38%
Non-Energy Materials
12.66%
Other
21.73%
As of September 2, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEN
Royal Bank of Canada
10.41%
Shopify, Inc.
6.72%
Bank of Montreal
5.20%
Enbridge, Inc.
5.00%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
4.56%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
4.48%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
3.96%
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.
3.65%
Brookfield Corp.
3.32%
Suncor Energy, Inc.
3.26%
ESGA
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
12.08%
Shopify, Inc.
9.15%
Bank of Montreal
7.49%
Enbridge, Inc.
7.37%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
6.61%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
6.60%
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.
4.68%
Canadian National Railway Co.
4.01%
National Bank of Canada
3.83%
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
3.13%
Diversification
XEN
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 50 total
50.56%
ESGA
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 41 total
64.95%
Characteristics
Compare
XEN
ESGA
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Jantzi Social Index - CAD | MSCI Canada Selection Index GTR - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.58% | 1.79% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | Yes |
| Inception Date | May 14, 2007 | January 21, 2020 |
Frequently asked questions about XEN and ESGA
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XEN or ESGA?
As of September 2, 2026, XEN has returned 15.37% year to date, while ESGA has returned 12.88%. XEN is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEN or ESGA?
As of September 2, 2026, XEN manages $181.43 M in assets, while ESGA manages $142.72 M. XEN is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XEN and ESGA managed?
XEN is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Jantzi Social Index - CAD benchmark. ESGA is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the MSCI Canada Selection Index GTR - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XEN and ESGA emphasize?
XEN is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Non-Energy Materials. ESGA is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Non-Energy Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEN or ESGA?
Year to date, XEN has seen -$5.04 M in net flows, compared with -$63.31 M for ESGA. XEN has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XEN and ESGA compare?
XEN has an expense ratio of 0.55%, while ESGA has an expense ratio of 0.16%.
What are the top holdings of XEN and ESGA?
XEN's largest holdings include Royal Bank of Canada, Shopify, Inc., and Bank of Montreal. ESGA's top holdings include The Toronto-Dominion Bank, Shopify, Inc., and Bank of Montreal.
Which ETF is more diversified: XEN or ESGA?
XEN holds 50 securities, while ESGA holds 41. On holdings count, XEN is the more diversified portfolio.
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