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Compare BMO MSCI EAFE Index ETF (ZEA) vs iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (XEF.U) to find the best fit for your portfolio. ZEA and XEF.U provide the same top sector exposures: Finance, Industrials, and Technology. When evaluating costs, ZEA features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.2% for XEF.U. Performance-wise, ZEA has returned 14.7% year-to-date with +$1 B in net flows, whereas XEF.U is at 10.09% with +$54 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
ZEA
XEF.U
| AuM | $13,939.72 M | $187.19 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.22% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.36% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of November 11, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ZEA | +1.31% | -0.97% | +14.70% | +14.50% | +69.97% |
XEF.U | +0.72% | -3.56% | +10.09% | +12.61% | +65.94% | |
| Flows | ZEA | +$7 M | +$440 M | +$1,182 M | +$1,358 M | +$3,154 M |
XEF.U | +$5 M | +$12 M | +$54 M | +$60 M | +$135 M |
ZEA vs XEF.U exposure
Countries
ZEA
Japan
26.51%
United Kingdom
13.43%
Switzerland
8.79%
Germany
7.81%
France
7.67%
Other
35.78%
XEF.U
Japan
26.50%
United Kingdom
13.44%
Switzerland
8.78%
Germany
7.81%
France
7.66%
Other
35.80%
Sectors
ZEA
Finance
27.00%
Industrials
16.12%
Technology
13.28%
Healthcare
9.07%
Non-Energy Materials
7.63%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
7.61%
Other
19.29%
XEF.U
Finance
26.99%
Industrials
16.10%
Technology
13.23%
Healthcare
9.09%
Non-Energy Materials
7.67%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
7.59%
Other
19.33%
As of November 11, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
ZEA
US46432F8427
100.00%
XEF.U
ASML Holding NV
2.73%
US46432F8427
2.27%
HSBC Holdings Plc
1.32%
Roche Holding AG
1.14%
Shell Plc
1.06%
Novartis AG
1.02%
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
0.97%
AstraZeneca PLC
0.96%
Nestlé SA
0.91%
Siemens AG
0.88%
Diversification
ZEA
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 2,621 total
100.00%
XEF.U
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 2,639 total
13.25%
Characteristics
Compare
ZEA
XEF.U
| Provider | BMO | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | MSCI EAFE Net Total Return Index - CAD | MSCI EAFE IMI Net Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Other |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.92% | 2.38% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 10, 2014 | October 9, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about ZEA and XEF.U
Which ETF has performed better year to date: ZEA or XEF.U?
As of November 11, 2026, ZEA has returned 14.70% year to date, while XEF.U has returned 10.09%. ZEA is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: ZEA or XEF.U?
As of November 11, 2026, ZEA manages $13.94 B in assets, while XEF.U manages $187.19 M. ZEA is the larger fund by AUM.
How are ZEA and XEF.U managed?
ZEA is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the MSCI EAFE Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. XEF.U is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the MSCI EAFE IMI Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
Which ETF is more diversified: ZEA or XEF.U?
ZEA holds 1 securities, while XEF.U holds 2446. On holdings count, XEF.U is the more diversified portfolio.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: ZEA or XEF.U?
Year to date, ZEA has seen +$1,181.54 M in net flows, compared with +$54.43 M for XEF.U. ZEA has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of ZEA and XEF.U compare?
ZEA has an expense ratio of 0.22%, while XEF.U has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What sectors do ZEA and XEF.U emphasize?
ZEA is most exposed to Finance, Industrials, and Technology. XEF.U is most exposed to Finance, Industrials, and Technology.
Recent articles about ZEA and XEF.U
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