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iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index ETF (XML) and Manulife Smart International Defensive Equity ETF (IDEF.B) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XML focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Finance, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Healthcare, while IDEF.B leans towards Finance, Industrials, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals. When evaluating costs, XML features a management fee (MER) of 0.35%, compared to 0.35% for IDEF.B. Performance-wise, XML has returned 11.26% year-to-date with +$13 M in net flows, whereas IDEF.B is at 13.72% with -$0 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
XML
IDEF.B
| AuM | $52.24 M | $3.99 M |
| Management Fees | 0.35% | 0.35% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.37% | 0.32% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 1, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XML | +1.32% | +6.50% | +11.26% | +16.04% | +51.21% |
IDEF.B | -0.55% | +4.59% | +13.72% | +16.35% | +54.73% | |
| Flows | XML | +$1 M | +$10 M | +$13 M | +$12 M | +$12 M |
IDEF.B | +$0 M | -$0 M | -$0 M | -$0 M | -$0 M |
XML vs IDEF.B exposure
Countries
XML
Japan
27.11%
Switzerland
10.32%
United Kingdom
10.10%
Other
52.47%
IDEF.B
Japan
20.02%
United Kingdom
13.57%
Switzerland
9.62%
Other
56.80%
Sectors
XML
Finance
23.12%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
13.67%
Healthcare
11.55%
Industrials
10.81%
Energy
8.91%
Telecommunications
8.34%
Other
23.60%
IDEF.B
Finance
22.38%
Industrials
14.01%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
13.43%
Technology
8.48%
Energy
8.28%
Telecommunications
7.94%
Other
25.48%
As of September 1, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XML
SECOM Co., Ltd.
1.58%
Iberdrola SA
1.50%
Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
1.46%
Shell Plc
1.46%
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.
1.45%
Eni SpA
1.43%
Equinor ASA
1.42%
Novartis AG
1.40%
BOC Hong Kong (Holdings) Ltd.
1.37%
TotalEnergies SE
1.35%
IDEF.B
DBS Group Holdings Ltd.
2.25%
Shell Plc
2.03%
ASML Holding NV
1.98%
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. Ltd.
1.78%
TotalEnergies SE
1.65%
ABB Ltd.
1.63%
Auckland International Airport Ltd.
1.55%
HKT Trust & HKT Ltd.
1.53%
HSBC Holdings Plc
1.53%
Orange SA
1.52%
Diversification
XML
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 254 total
14.42%
IDEF.B
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 153 total
17.43%
Characteristics
Compare
XML
IDEF.B
| Provider | iShares | Manulife Investments |
| Management | Passively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility 100% Hedged to CAD Net Total Return Index - CAD | - |
| Replication Method | ||
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.62% | 1.31% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 5, 2016 | November 9, 2022 |
Frequently asked questions about XML and IDEF.B
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XML or IDEF.B?
As of September 1, 2026, XML has returned 11.26% year to date, while IDEF.B has returned 13.72%. IDEF.B is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XML or IDEF.B?
As of September 1, 2026, XML manages $52.24 M in assets, while IDEF.B manages $3.99 M. XML is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XML and IDEF.B managed?
XML is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility 100% Hedged to CAD Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. IDEF.B is actively managed by Manulife Investments. It does not track an index.
What sectors do XML and IDEF.B emphasize?
XML is most exposed to Finance, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Healthcare. IDEF.B is most exposed to Finance, Industrials, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XML or IDEF.B?
Year to date, XML has seen +$13.25 M in net flows, compared with -$0.00 M for IDEF.B. XML has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XML and IDEF.B compare?
XML has an expense ratio of 0.37%, while IDEF.B has an expense ratio of 0.32%.
What are the top holdings of XML and IDEF.B?
XML's largest holdings include SECOM Co., Ltd., Iberdrola SA, and Takeda Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.. IDEF.B's top holdings include DBS Group Holdings Ltd., Shell Plc, and ASML Holding NV.
Which ETF is more diversified: XML or IDEF.B?
XML holds 251 securities, while IDEF.B holds 153. On holdings count, XML is the more diversified portfolio.
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