VS
Compare iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XSEM) vs iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XEM) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XSEM provides Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals exposures, while XEM is primarily weighted in Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials. When evaluating costs, XSEM features a management fee (MER) of 0.3%, compared to 0.82% for XEM. Performance-wise, XSEM has returned 30.73% year-to-date with +$501 M in net flows, whereas XEM is at 29.07% with +$207 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
XEM
| AuM | $6,707.20 M | $528.48 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.82% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.80% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.40% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 21, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XSEM | +5.72% | -1.60% | +30.73% | +35.68% | +103.18% |
XEM | +4.33% | -4.30% | +29.07% | +33.15% | +99.14% | |
| Flows | XSEM | +$21 M | +$374 M | +$501 M | +$454 M | +$1,084 M |
XEM | +$3 M | +$71 M | +$207 M | +$211 M | +$141 M |
XSEM vs XEM exposure
Countries
XSEM
Taiwan
26.84%
China
20.87%
Republic of Korea
17.82%
India
11.39%
Other
23.07%
XEM
Taiwan
25.85%
China
20.37%
Republic of Korea
17.67%
India
12.29%
Other
23.82%
Sectors
XSEM
Technology
41.52%
Finance
28.96%
Other
29.52%
XEM
Technology
41.61%
Finance
22.75%
Other
35.65%
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%
XEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
14.87%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
5.99%
SK hynix, Inc.
4.52%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
3.29%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
2.12%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.28%
China Construction Bank Corp.
0.89%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
0.82%
HDFC Bank Ltd.
0.78%
Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
0.77%
Diversification
XSEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 283 total
35.99%
XEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,179 total
35.32%
Characteristics
Compare
XSEM
XEM
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD | MSCI Emerging Markets Index - USD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.47% | 1.40% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | March 18, 2019 | June 18, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about XSEM and XEM
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XSEM or XEM?
As of September 21, 2026, XSEM has returned 30.73% year to date, while XEM has returned 29.07%. XSEM is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XSEM or XEM?
As of September 21, 2026, XSEM manages $6.71 B in assets, while XEM manages $528.48 M. XSEM is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XSEM and XEM managed?
XSEM is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD benchmark. XEM is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Index - USD benchmark.
What sectors do XSEM and XEM emphasize?
XSEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals. XEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XSEM or XEM?
Year to date, XSEM has seen +$500.94 M in net flows, compared with +$207.30 M for XEM. XSEM has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XSEM and XEM compare?
XSEM has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while XEM has an expense ratio of 0.80%.
What are the top holdings of XSEM and XEM?
XSEM's largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc.. XEM's top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XSEM or XEM?
XSEM holds 269 securities, while XEM holds 1122. On holdings count, XEM is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XSEM and XEM
The ETF Market Canada is brought to you by Cboe in partnership with Trackinsight SA who is providing all the data, analysis and editorial content on this site. Unless explicitly stated as such, any information that you receive is not real-time.
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.
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.