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iShares Exponential Technologies Index ETF (XEXP) and iShares MSCI World Index ETF (XWD) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XEXP focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Technology, Healthcare, and Industrials, while XWD leans towards Technology, Finance, and Industrials. When evaluating costs, XEXP features a management fee (MER) of 0.39%, compared to 0.44% for XWD. Performance-wise, XEXP has returned 18.55% year-to-date with +$3 M in net flows, whereas XWD is at 13.62% with +$88 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
XEXP
XWD
| AuM | $41.66 M | $1,763.14 M |
| Management Fees | 0.39% | 0.44% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.44% | 0.48% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.65% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 1, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XEXP | -1.84% | -2.55% | +18.55% | +30.77% | +62.84% |
XWD | -2.13% | +1.77% | +13.62% | +21.03% | +73.37% | |
| Flows | XEXP | +$0 M | +$2 M | +$3 M | +$8 M | +$22 M |
XWD | +$24 M | +$61 M | +$88 M | +$154 M | +$308 M |
XEXP vs XWD exposure
Countries
XEXP
USA
68.54%
Other
31.46%
XWD
USA
69.04%
Other
30.96%
Sectors
XEXP
Technology
46.39%
Healthcare
28.64%
Industrials
9.29%
Other
15.68%
XWD
Technology
35.11%
Finance
18.70%
Industrials
9.59%
Healthcare
8.91%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
8.58%
Other
19.12%
As of September 1, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XEXP
Eli Lilly & Co.
4.13%
Microsoft Corp.
3.96%
Texas Instruments Incorporated
3.93%
NVIDIA Corp.
3.84%
Johnson & Johnson
3.43%
Tesla, Inc.
3.10%
Analog Devices, Inc.
3.01%
Amazon.com, Inc.
2.76%
Palo Alto Networks, Inc.
2.71%
AbbVie, Inc.
2.55%
XWD
Apple, Inc.
5.46%
NVIDIA Corp.
5.27%
Microsoft Corp.
3.74%
Amazon.com, Inc.
2.57%
Alphabet, Inc.
2.18%
Broadcom Inc.
2.05%
Alphabet, Inc.
1.76%
Meta Platforms, Inc.
1.32%
Micron Technology, Inc.
1.10%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
1.05%
Diversification
XEXP
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 194 total
33.42%
XWD
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,238 total
26.51%
Characteristics
Compare
XEXP
XWD
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index NR - CAD | MSCI World Daily Total Return Net Index - USD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.76% | 1.19% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 26, 2022 | June 18, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about XEXP and XWD
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XEXP or XWD?
As of September 1, 2026, XEXP has returned 18.55% year to date, while XWD has returned 13.62%. XEXP is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XEXP or XWD?
As of September 1, 2026, XEXP manages $41.66 M in assets, while XWD manages $1.76 B. XWD is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XEXP and XWD managed?
XEXP is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index NR - CAD benchmark. XWD is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI World Daily Total Return Net Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XEXP and XWD emphasize?
XEXP is most exposed to Technology, Healthcare, and Industrials. XWD is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Industrials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XEXP or XWD?
Year to date, XEXP has seen +$3.38 M in net flows, compared with +$88.28 M for XWD. XWD has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XEXP and XWD compare?
XEXP has an expense ratio of 0.44%, while XWD has an expense ratio of 0.48%.
What are the top holdings of XEXP and XWD?
XEXP's largest holdings include Eli Lilly & Co., Microsoft Corp., and Texas Instruments Incorporated. XWD's top holdings include Apple, Inc., NVIDIA Corp., and Alphabet, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XEXP or XWD?
XEXP holds 194 securities, while XWD holds 1217. On holdings count, XWD is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XEXP and XWD
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