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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 30.73% year-to-date with +$501 M in net flows, whereas ZEM is at 28.43% with +$968 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
ZEM
| AuM | $6,707.20 M | $3,749.62 M |
| Management Fees | 0.30% | 0.25% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.27% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.40% | -1.19% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 22, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XSEM | +5.72% | -1.60% | +30.73% | +35.68% | +103.18% |
ZEM | +4.71% | +0.91% | +28.43% | +33.14% | +98.62% | |
| Flows | XSEM | +$21 M | +$374 M | +$501 M | +$454 M | +$1,084 M |
ZEM | +$95 M | +$280 M | +$968 M | +$1,211 M | +$1,298 M |
XSEM vs ZEM exposure
Countries
XSEM
Taiwan
26.84%
China
20.87%
Republic of Korea
17.82%
India
11.39%
Other
23.07%
ZEM
Taiwan
25.86%
China
20.39%
Republic of Korea
17.68%
India
12.30%
Other
23.77%
Sectors
XSEM
Technology
41.52%
Finance
28.96%
Other
29.52%
ZEM
Technology
41.63%
Finance
22.76%
Other
35.60%
As of September 22, 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%
ZEM
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
14.88%
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%
ZEM
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,179 total
35.34%
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 | 1.47% | 1.74% |
| 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 September 22, 2026, XSEM has returned 30.73% year to date, while ZEM has returned 28.43%. XSEM is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XSEM or ZEM?
As of September 22, 2026, XSEM manages $6.71 B in assets, while ZEM manages $3.75 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.
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.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XSEM or ZEM?
Year to date, XSEM has seen +$500.94 M in net flows, compared with +$967.76 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 are the top holdings of XSEM and ZEM?
XSEM's largest holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc.. ZEM's top holdings include Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd., Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., and SK hynix, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XSEM or ZEM?
XSEM holds 269 securities, while ZEM holds 1122. On holdings count, ZEM is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XSEM and ZEM
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