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iShares Core Equity ETF (XEQT) and iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (XEF) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XEQT focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Technology, Finance, and Industrials, while XEF leans towards Finance, Industrials, and Technology. When evaluating costs, XEQT features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.2% for XEF. Performance-wise, XEQT has returned 11.93% year-to-date with +$7 B in net flows, whereas XEF is at 12.23% with +$4 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
XEQT
XEF
| AuM | $20,422.13 M | $22,648.62 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.20% | 0.23% |
| Tracking Difference | - | 0.03% |
Historical performance and flows
As of July 29, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEQT | -1.64% | +6.25% | +11.93% | +23.25% | +74.22% |
XEF | -0.48% | +7.29% | +12.23% | +22.36% | +62.75% | |
| Flows | XEQT | +$1,147 M | +$3,141 M | +$6,660 M | +$9,162 M | +$14,602 M |
XEF | +$430 M | +$1,668 M | +$4,299 M | +$6,706 M | +$11,138 M |
XEQT vs XEF exposure
Countries
XEQT
USA
44.97%
Canada
23.95%
Other
31.08%
XEF
Japan
25.29%
United Kingdom
13.28%
Switzerland
9.30%
France
8.11%
Germany
7.99%
Other
36.02%
Sectors
XEQT
Technology
25.85%
Finance
24.22%
Industrials
10.42%
Non-Energy Materials
7.44%
Other
32.06%
XEF
Finance
26.05%
Industrials
16.38%
Technology
13.72%
Healthcare
9.40%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
7.88%
Non-Energy Materials
7.52%
Other
19.05%
As of July 29, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEQT
NVIDIA Corp.
3.02%
Apple, Inc.
2.65%
Royal Bank of Canada
2.05%
Microsoft Corp.
1.72%
Amazon.com, Inc.
1.45%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
1.44%
Alphabet, Inc.
1.30%
Broadcom Inc.
1.11%
Alphabet, Inc.
1.04%
Shopify, Inc.
0.99%
XEF
ASML Holding NV
3.03%
HSBC Holdings Plc
1.29%
Roche Holding AG
1.15%
Novartis AG
1.14%
AstraZeneca PLC
1.12%
Nestlé SA
1.05%
Siemens AG
0.95%
Shell Plc
0.87%
Tokyo Electron Ltd.
0.84%
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
0.83%
Diversification
XEQT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 8,337 total
16.77%
XEF
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 2,657 total
12.27%
Characteristics
Compare
XEQT
XEF
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | MSCI EAFE IMI Net Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | ||
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.63% | 2.36% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | August 7, 2019 | April 10, 2013 |
Frequently asked questions about XEQT and XEF
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XEQT or XEF?
As of July 29, 2026, XEQT has returned 11.93% year to date, while XEF has returned 12.23%. XEF is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEQT or XEF?
As of July 29, 2026, XEQT manages $20.42 B in assets, while XEF manages $22.65 B. XEF is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XEQT and XEF managed?
XEQT is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. XEF is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI EAFE IMI Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XEQT and XEF emphasize?
XEQT is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Industrials. XEF is most exposed to Finance, Industrials, and Technology.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEQT or XEF?
Year to date, XEQT has seen +$6,660.45 M in net flows, compared with +$4,298.59 M for XEF. XEQT has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XEQT and XEF compare?
XEQT has an expense ratio of 0.20%, while XEF has an expense ratio of 0.23%.
What are the top holdings of XEQT and XEF?
XEQT's largest holdings include NVIDIA Corp., Apple, Inc., and Alphabet, Inc.. XEF's top holdings include ASML Holding NV, HSBC Holdings Plc, and Roche Holding AG.
Which ETF is more diversified: XEQT or XEF?
XEQT holds 8205 securities, while XEF holds 2633. On holdings count, XEQT is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XEQT and XEF
ETF Comparison: XEQT vs. VEQT
A side-by-side comparison of XEQT and VEQT, Canada's two leading all-equity portfolio ETFs.
Posted on 7/22/2026 by Kyle Anthony inEquities
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