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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 Information Technology, Financials, and Industrials, while XEF leans towards Financials, Industrials, and Consumer Discretionary. When evaluating costs, XEQT features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.2% for XEF. Performance-wise, XEQT has returned 5.35% year-to-date with +$4 B in net flows, whereas XEF is at 4.6% with +$3 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 | $16,424.42 M | $19,927.94 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.20% | 0.23% |
| Tracking Difference | - | 0.16% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 29, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEQT | +7.48% | +2.25% | +5.35% | +29.40% | +70.68% |
XEF | +4.59% | +0.30% | +4.60% | +22.05% | +52.73% | |
| Flows | XEQT | +$673 M | +$2,514 M | +$3,550 M | +$6,962 M | +$11,669 M |
XEF | +$566 M | +$2,069 M | +$2,707 M | +$6,130 M | +$9,690 M |
XEQT vs XEF exposure
Countries
XEQT
USA
41.95%
Canada
26.03%
Other
32.02%
XEF
Japan
24.24%
United Kingdom
13.87%
Switzerland
8.67%
France
8.44%
Germany
8.16%
Australia
7.08%
Other
29.54%
Sectors
XEQT
Information Technology
19.08%
Financials
18.45%
Industrials
10.70%
Energy
7.76%
Consumer Discretionary
7.73%
Other
7.44%
Other
28.84%
XEF
Financials
21.72%
Industrials
18.69%
Consumer Discretionary
8.48%
Information Technology
8.41%
Health Care
7.57%
Other
7.24%
Other
27.90%
As of April 29, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEQT
NVIDIA
2.89%
APPLE
2.54%
MICROSOFT-T
1.88%
ROYAL BK CANADA
1.76%
AMAZON.COM INC
1.39%
TORONTO DOMINION
1.22%
ALPHABET INC-CL
1.14%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
1.13%
BROADCOM LIMITED
1.00%
ENBRIDGE
0.92%
XEF
ASML HOLDING
2.12%
ASTRAZENECA
1.27%
NOVARTIS
1.21%
HSBC HOLDINGS
1.17%
CH1499059983
1.17%
SHELL PLC
1.14%
NESTLE SA
1.07%
COMMONWEALTH BANK OF AUSTRALIA
0.81%
TOYOTA
0.80%
TOTALENERGIES SE
0.78%
Diversification
XEQT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 8,328 total
15.88%
XEF
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 2,656 total
11.55%
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 | 1.58% | 2.33% |
| 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 April 29, 2026, XEQT has returned 5.35% year to date, while XEF has returned 4.60%. XEQT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEQT or XEF?
As of April 29, 2026, XEQT manages $16.42 B in assets, while XEF manages $19.93 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 Information Technology, Financials, and Industrials. XEF is most exposed to Financials, Industrials, and Consumer Discretionary.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEQT or XEF?
Year to date, XEQT has seen +$3,550.14 M in net flows, compared with +$2,707.45 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 and APPLE. XEF's top holdings include ASML HOLDING and ASTRAZENECA.
Which ETF is more diversified: XEQT or XEF?
XEQT holds 7453 securities, while XEF holds 2476. On holdings count, XEQT is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XEQT and XEF
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