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Compare iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XSEM) vs BMO MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (ZEM) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XSEM provides Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals exposures, while ZEM 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 ZEM. Performance-wise, XSEM has returned 12.73% year-to-date with +$599 M in net flows, whereas ZEM is at 12.26% with +$1 B. 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
ZEM
| AuM | $5,892.57 M | $3,590.59 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.25% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.27% |
| Tracking Difference | 0.01% | -1.09% |
Historical performance and flows
As of November 6, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XSEM | -14.85% | -7.77% | +12.73% | +10.45% | +70.46% |
ZEM | -13.64% | -7.90% | +12.26% | +10.45% | +68.75% | |
| Flows | XSEM | +$261 M | +$129 M | +$599 M | +$643 M | +$1,204 M |
ZEM | +$283 M | +$491 M | +$1,292 M | +$1,548 M | +$1,611 M |
XSEM vs ZEM exposure
Countries
XSEM
Taiwan
29.72%
Republic of Korea
21.66%
China
18.23%
India
9.46%
Other
20.94%
ZEM
Taiwan
28.84%
Republic of Korea
21.32%
China
17.71%
India
10.61%
Other
21.53%
Sectors
XSEM
Technology
46.62%
Finance
26.70%
Other
26.68%
ZEM
Technology
46.62%
Finance
21.05%
Other
32.33%
As of November 6, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XSEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
15.63%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
7.61%
SK hynix, Inc.
6.04%
Tencent Holdings Ltd.
2.44%
MediaTek, Inc.
1.84%
Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.
1.64%
China Construction Bank Corp.
1.22%
Delta Electronics, Inc.
1.09%
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
1.05%
Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd.
1.03%
ZEM
US4642872349
100.00%
Diversification
XSEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 291 total
39.60%
ZEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,169 total
100.00%
Characteristics
Compare
XSEM
ZEM
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD | MSCI Emerging Markets Net Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.71% | 1.99% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | March 18, 2019 | October 20, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about XSEM and ZEM
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XSEM or ZEM?
As of November 6, 2026, XSEM has returned 12.73% year to date, while ZEM has returned 12.26%. XSEM is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XSEM or ZEM?
As of November 6, 2026, XSEM manages $5.89 B in assets, while ZEM manages $3.59 B. XSEM is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XSEM and ZEM managed?
XSEM is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Extended ESG Focus Net Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZEM is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the MSCI Emerging Markets Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
Which ETF is more diversified: XSEM or ZEM?
XSEM holds 278 securities, while ZEM holds 1. On holdings count, XSEM is the more diversified portfolio.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XSEM or ZEM?
Year to date, XSEM has seen +$598.96 M in net flows, compared with +$1,291.79 M for ZEM. ZEM has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XSEM and ZEM compare?
XSEM has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while ZEM has an expense ratio of 0.27%.
What sectors do XSEM and ZEM emphasize?
XSEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals. ZEM is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Non-Energy Materials.
Recent articles about XSEM and ZEM
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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.




