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 provides Financials, Energy, and Materials exposures, while ESGA is primarily weighted in Financials, Materials, and Energy. When evaluating costs, XEN features a management fee (MER) of 0.5%, compared to 0.15% for ESGA. Performance-wise, XEN has returned 8.58% year-to-date with -$5 M in net flows, whereas ESGA is at 4.06% with -$29 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 | $171.46 M | $164.41 M |
| Management Fees | 0.50% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.55% | 0.16% |
| Tracking Difference | 2.66% | -0.27% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 21, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEN | +1.22% | +1.74% | +8.58% | +35.84% | +81.36% |
ESGA | -0.57% | +0.26% | +4.06% | +29.12% | +81.46% | |
| Flows | XEN | +$0 M | -$5 M | -$5 M | -$5 M | -$5 M |
ESGA | -$21 M | -$18 M | -$29 M | -$0 M | +$12 M |
XEN vs ESGA exposure
Countries
XEN
Canada
99.69%
ESGA
Canada
100.00%
Sectors
XEN
Financials
29.39%
Energy
18.96%
Materials
16.36%
Other
14.39%
Other
20.90%
ESGA
Financials
31.79%
Materials
17.15%
Energy
15.40%
Information Technology
10.92%
Other
7.82%
Other
16.92%
As of May 21, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEN
ROYAL BK CANADA
10.17%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
5.75%
ENBRIDGE
5.11%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
4.99%
BANK OF MONTREAL
4.26%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
4.15%
BNS
4.02%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
3.98%
CA11271J1075
3.48%
SUNCOR ENERGY
3.43%
ESGA
TORONTO DOMINION
10.81%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
9.56%
ENBRIDGE
8.28%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
6.72%
BANK OF MONTREAL
6.51%
BNS
5.82%
CA11271J1075
5.58%
WHEATON PRECIOUS METALS CORP
3.92%
CDN NATL RAILWAY
3.71%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
3.42%
Diversification
XEN
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 50 total
49.35%
ESGA
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 37 total
64.34%
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 | 1.71% | 1.89% |
| 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 May 21, 2026, XEN has returned 8.58% year to date, while ESGA has returned 4.06%. XEN is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEN or ESGA?
As of May 21, 2026, XEN manages $171.46 M in assets, while ESGA manages $164.41 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 Financials, Energy, and Materials. ESGA is most exposed to Financials, Materials, and Energy.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEN or ESGA?
Year to date, XEN has seen -$5.04 M in net flows, compared with -$28.65 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 BK CANADA and SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING. ESGA's top holdings include TORONTO DOMINION, SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING, and ENBRIDGE.
Which ETF is more diversified: XEN or ESGA?
XEN holds 44 securities, while ESGA holds 35. On holdings count, XEN is the more diversified portfolio.
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All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.

