VS
iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (XHU) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XHU focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Energy, while XEI leans towards Finance, Energy, and Utilities. When evaluating costs, XHU features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.2% for XEI. Performance-wise, XHU has returned 25.33% year-to-date with +$27 M in net flows, whereas XEI is at 26.39% with +$803 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
XHU
XEI
| AuM | $213.90 M | $4,378.27 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.34% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | 0.16% | -0.44% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 1, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XHU | +2.32% | +11.82% | +25.33% | +24.75% | +59.48% |
XEI | -0.66% | +4.82% | +26.39% | +38.19% | +88.70% | |
| Flows | XHU | -$0 M | +$12 M | +$27 M | +$9 M | -$43 M |
XEI | +$68 M | +$214 M | +$803 M | +$1,183 M | +$1,657 M |
XHU vs XEI exposure
Countries
XHU
USA
89.96%
Other
8.31%
XEI
Canada
92.89%
Other
7.11%
Sectors
XHU
Healthcare
24.00%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
23.63%
Energy
12.74%
Other
8.31%
Utilities
7.65%
Other
23.67%
XEI
Finance
36.75%
Energy
30.32%
Utilities
9.44%
Telecommunications
7.05%
Other
16.44%
As of September 1, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XHU
US30233Q1085
7.96%
AbbVie, Inc.
6.33%
Chevron Corp.
5.99%
Verizon Communications, Inc.
5.43%
Procter & Gamble Co.
4.50%
Philip Morris International, Inc.
4.47%
The Home Depot, Inc.
4.47%
Pfizer Inc.
4.25%
The Coca-Cola Co.
4.13%
Merck & Co., Inc.
3.98%
XEI
Royal Bank of Canada
5.12%
Suncor Energy, Inc.
5.05%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
5.04%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
4.99%
Enbridge, Inc.
4.72%
TC Energy Corp.
4.54%
Bank of Montreal
4.37%
Nutrien Ltd.
4.09%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
3.80%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
3.77%
Diversification
XHU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 75 total
51.52%
XEI
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 75 total
45.49%
Characteristics
Compare
XHU
XEI
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Net Total Return Index - CAD | S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.20% | 3.43% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 10, 2015 | April 12, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about XHU and XEI
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XHU or XEI?
As of September 1, 2026, XHU has returned 25.33% year to date, while XEI has returned 26.39%. XEI is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XHU or XEI?
As of September 1, 2026, XHU manages $213.90 M in assets, while XEI manages $4.38 B. XEI is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XHU and XEI managed?
XHU is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Morningstar Dividend Yield Focus Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. XEI is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XHU and XEI emphasize?
XHU is most exposed to Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Energy. XEI is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XHU or XEI?
Year to date, XHU has seen +$26.64 M in net flows, compared with +$802.64 M for XEI. XEI has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XHU and XEI compare?
XHU has an expense ratio of 0.34%, while XEI has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What are the top holdings of XHU and XEI?
XHU's largest holdings include AbbVie, Inc. and Chevron Corp.. XEI's top holdings include Royal Bank of Canada, Suncor Energy, Inc., and The Toronto-Dominion Bank.
Which ETF is more diversified: XHU or XEI?
XHU holds 75 securities, while XEI holds 75. On holdings count, XHU is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XHU and XEI
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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.