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Compare iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XSEM) vs Desjardins RI Emerging Markets Multifactor - Net-Zero Emissions Pathway ETF (DRFE) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XSEM provides Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals exposures, while DRFE is primarily weighted in Technology, Finance, and Industrials. When evaluating costs, XSEM features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.65% for DRFE. Performance-wise, XSEM has returned 29.31% year-to-date with +$494 M in net flows, whereas DRFE is at 27.81% with +$241 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
XSEM
DRFE
| AuM | $6,627.17 M | $560.77 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.65% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.75% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.40% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 21, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XSEM | +3.41% | -2.68% | +29.31% | +34.20% | +102.16% |
DRFE | +3.92% | -2.56% | +27.81% | +31.30% | +95.31% | |
| Flows | XSEM | +$14 M | +$367 M | +$494 M | +$447 M | +$1,078 M |
DRFE | +$207 M | +$205 M | +$241 M | +$279 M | +$346 M |
XSEM vs DRFE exposure
Countries
XSEM
Taiwan
26.84%
China
20.87%
Republic of Korea
17.82%
India
11.39%
Other
23.07%
DRFE
China
23.71%
Republic of Korea
21.93%
Taiwan
19.66%
India
8.10%
Other
26.60%
Sectors
XSEM
Technology
41.52%
Finance
28.96%
Other
29.52%
DRFE
Technology
38.39%
Finance
24.88%
Other
36.73%
As of September 21, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XSEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
14.93%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
6.06%
SK hynix, Inc.
4.62%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.93%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
1.87%
China Construction Bank Corp.
1.28%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.24%
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.
1.16%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.97%
HDFC Bank Ltd.
0.93%
DRFE
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
9.24%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
6.57%
SK hynix, Inc.
5.27%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.36%
ASE Technology Holding Co., Ltd.
2.06%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.80%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
1.68%
Grupo México S.A.B. de C.V.
1.45%
ASPEED Technology, Inc.
1.33%
Shinhan Financial Group Co., Ltd.
1.29%
Diversification
XSEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 283 total
35.99%
DRFE
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 175 total
33.05%
Characteristics
Compare
XSEM
DRFE
| Provider | iShares | Desjardins Investments |
| Management | Passively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD | - |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.49% | 2.42% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | Yes |
| Inception Date | March 18, 2019 | March 7, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about XSEM and DRFE
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XSEM or DRFE?
As of September 21, 2026, XSEM has returned 29.31% year to date, while DRFE has returned 27.81%. XSEM is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XSEM or DRFE?
As of September 21, 2026, XSEM manages $6.63 B in assets, while DRFE manages $560.77 M. XSEM is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XSEM and DRFE managed?
XSEM is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD benchmark. DRFE is actively managed by Desjardins Investments. It does not track an index.
What sectors do XSEM and DRFE emphasize?
XSEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals. DRFE is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Industrials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XSEM or DRFE?
Year to date, XSEM has seen +$494.01 M in net flows, compared with +$241.36 M for DRFE. XSEM has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XSEM and DRFE compare?
XSEM has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while DRFE has an expense ratio of 0.75%.
What are the top holdings of XSEM and DRFE?
XSEM's largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc.. DRFE's top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XSEM or DRFE?
XSEM holds 269 securities, while DRFE holds 169. On holdings count, XSEM is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XSEM and DRFE
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