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Compare iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XSEM) vs iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index ETF (XEC) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XSEM provides Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals exposures, while XEC is primarily weighted in Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials. When evaluating costs, XSEM features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.25% for XEC. Performance-wise, XSEM has returned 29.31% year-to-date with +$494 M in net flows, whereas XEC is at 26.64% with +$952 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
XEC
| AuM | $6,627.17 M | $4,916.06 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.25% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.28% |
| 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% |
XEC | +2.73% | -4.03% | +26.64% | +30.92% | +93.68% | |
| Flows | XSEM | +$14 M | +$367 M | +$494 M | +$447 M | +$1,078 M |
XEC | +$125 M | +$333 M | +$952 M | +$1,215 M | +$1,986 M |
XSEM vs XEC exposure
Countries
XSEM
Taiwan
26.84%
China
20.87%
Republic of Korea
17.82%
India
11.39%
Other
23.07%
XEC
Taiwan
25.59%
China
18.72%
Republic of Korea
17.01%
India
13.53%
Other
25.15%
Sectors
XSEM
Technology
41.52%
Finance
28.96%
Other
29.52%
XEC
Technology
39.04%
Finance
22.16%
Non-Energy Materials
7.48%
Other
31.32%
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%
XEC
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
13.06%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
5.26%
SK hynix, Inc.
3.97%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.89%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
1.86%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.13%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.78%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.72%
HDFC Bank Ltd.
0.71%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.67%
Diversification
XSEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 283 total
35.99%
XEC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 3,007 total
31.05%
Characteristics
Compare
XSEM
XEC
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD | MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Local Net Total Return Index - USD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.49% | 1.56% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | March 18, 2019 | April 10, 2013 |
Frequently asked questions about XSEM and XEC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XSEM or XEC?
As of September 21, 2026, XSEM has returned 29.31% year to date, while XEC has returned 26.64%. XSEM is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XSEM or XEC?
As of September 21, 2026, XSEM manages $6.63 B in assets, while XEC manages $4.92 B. XSEM is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XSEM and XEC managed?
XSEM is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD benchmark. XEC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Local Net Total Return Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XSEM and XEC emphasize?
XSEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals. XEC is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XSEM or XEC?
Year to date, XSEM has seen +$494.01 M in net flows, compared with +$952.12 M for XEC. XEC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XSEM and XEC compare?
XSEM has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while XEC has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of XSEM and XEC?
XSEM's largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc.. XEC's top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XSEM or XEC?
XSEM holds 269 securities, while XEC holds 2941. On holdings count, XEC is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XSEM and XEC
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