VS
iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF (XMS) and Vanguard U.S. Dividend Appreciation Index ETF (VGG) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XMS focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Technology, Finance, and Healthcare, while VGG leans towards Technology, Finance, and Healthcare. When evaluating costs, XMS features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.28% for VGG. Performance-wise, XMS has returned 6.17% year-to-date with +$4 M in net flows, whereas VGG is at 11.71% with +$48 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
XMS
VGG
| AuM | $64.67 M | $2,558.94 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.28% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.31% |
| Tracking Difference | 0.32% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 2, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XMS | +1.11% | +3.88% | +6.17% | +6.99% | +33.76% |
VGG | -2.32% | +2.74% | +11.71% | +16.84% | +58.45% | |
| Flows | XMS | +$2 M | +$12 M | +$4 M | +$12 M | +$4 M |
VGG | -$31 M | +$12 M | +$48 M | +$76 M | +$662 M |
XMS vs VGG exposure
Countries
XMS
USA
91.06%
Other
8.94%
VGG
USA
91.90%
Other
8.10%
Sectors
XMS
Technology
29.21%
Finance
14.32%
Healthcare
13.32%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
10.90%
Other
32.25%
VGG
Technology
25.92%
Finance
20.60%
Healthcare
17.68%
Industrials
9.13%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
9.08%
Other
17.58%
As of September 2, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XMS
Microsoft Corp.
1.56%
Welltower, Inc.
1.56%
Amphenol Corp.
1.55%
Chubb Ltd.
1.52%
Johnson & Johnson
1.52%
Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
1.46%
Berkshire Hathaway, Inc.
1.45%
Duke Energy Corp.
1.44%
The Southern Co.
1.42%
Cisco Systems, Inc.
1.42%
VGG
Broadcom Inc.
4.61%
Apple, Inc.
4.44%
Microsoft Corp.
4.32%
JPMorgan Chase & Co.
4.06%
Eli Lilly & Co.
3.91%
US30233Q1085
2.78%
Johnson & Johnson
2.66%
Visa, Inc.
2.44%
Walmart, Inc.
2.10%
Mastercard, Inc.
1.99%
Diversification
XMS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 165 total
14.89%
VGG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 333 total
33.31%
Characteristics
Compare
XMS
VGG
| Provider | iShares | Vanguard |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI USA Minimum Volatility 100% Hedged to CAD Net Total Return Index - CAD | S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index - USD |
| Replication Method | ||
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.15% | 1.03% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 5, 2016 | August 2, 2013 |
Frequently asked questions about XMS and VGG
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XMS or VGG?
As of September 2, 2026, XMS has returned 6.17% year to date, while VGG has returned 11.71%. VGG is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XMS or VGG?
As of September 2, 2026, XMS manages $64.67 M in assets, while VGG manages $2.56 B. VGG is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XMS and VGG managed?
XMS is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility 100% Hedged to CAD Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. VGG is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the S&P U.S. Dividend Growers Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XMS and VGG emphasize?
XMS is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Healthcare. VGG is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Healthcare.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XMS or VGG?
Year to date, XMS has seen +$4.10 M in net flows, compared with +$48.10 M for VGG. VGG has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XMS and VGG compare?
XMS has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while VGG has an expense ratio of 0.31%.
What are the top holdings of XMS and VGG?
XMS's largest holdings include Microsoft Corp., Welltower, Inc., and Amphenol Corp.. VGG's top holdings include Broadcom Inc., Apple, Inc., and Microsoft Corp..
Which ETF is more diversified: XMS or VGG?
XMS holds 165 securities, while VGG holds 328. On holdings count, VGG is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XMS and VGG
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