VS
BMO Canadian High Dividend Covered Call ETF (ZWC) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that ZWC focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Financials, Energy, and Materials, while XEI leans towards Energy, Financials, and Utilities. When evaluating costs, ZWC features a management fee (MER) of 0.65%, compared to 0.2% for XEI. Performance-wise, ZWC has returned 8.75% year-to-date with +$154 M in net flows, whereas XEI is at 18.52% with +$473 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
ZWC
XEI
| AuM | $2,226.52 M | $3,835.35 M |
| Management Fees | 0.65% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.72% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.52% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 1, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ZWC | +1.93% | +6.51% | +8.75% | +31.14% | +50.76% |
XEI | +4.33% | +13.75% | +18.52% | +46.55% | +71.81% | |
| Flows | ZWC | +$52 M | +$113 M | +$154 M | +$236 M | +$194 M |
XEI | +$147 M | +$377 M | +$473 M | +$1,137 M | +$1,322 M |
ZWC vs XEI exposure
Countries
ZWC
Canada
98.30%
XEI
Canada
96.46%
Sectors
ZWC
Financials
34.20%
Energy
24.08%
Materials
10.84%
Utilities
9.26%
Other
7.17%
Communication Services
7.14%
Other
7.30%
XEI
Energy
30.63%
Financials
28.55%
Utilities
13.11%
Communication Services
8.43%
Other
19.28%
As of May 1, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
ZWC
ROYAL BK CANADA
6.76%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
6.22%
TORONTO DOMINION
5.41%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
5.31%
ENBRIDGE
5.23%
SUNCOR ENERGY
5.13%
BNS
4.81%
TC ENERGY CORP
4.10%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
3.63%
NUTRIEN LTD
3.57%
XEI
SUNCOR ENERGY
5.68%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
5.16%
ENBRIDGE
5.05%
TC ENERGY CORP
4.96%
ROYAL BK CANADA
4.90%
TORONTO DOMINION
4.87%
NUTRIEN LTD
4.63%
BANK OF MONTREAL
3.95%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
3.63%
FORTIS
3.60%
Diversification
ZWC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 39 total
50.18%
XEI
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 75 total
46.43%
Characteristics
Compare
ZWC
XEI
| Provider | BMO | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 5.64% | 3.71% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 9, 2017 | April 12, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about ZWC and XEI
Which ETF has performed better year to date: ZWC or XEI?
As of May 1, 2026, ZWC has returned 8.75% year to date, while XEI has returned 18.52%. XEI is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: ZWC or XEI?
As of May 1, 2026, ZWC manages $2.23 B in assets, while XEI manages $3.84 B. XEI is the larger fund by AUM.
How are ZWC and XEI managed?
ZWC is actively managed by BMO. It does not track an index. XEI is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do ZWC and XEI emphasize?
ZWC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials. XEI is most exposed to Energy, Financials, and Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: ZWC or XEI?
Year to date, ZWC has seen +$154.46 M in net flows, compared with +$472.97 M for XEI. XEI has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of ZWC and XEI compare?
ZWC has an expense ratio of 0.72%, while XEI has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What are the top holdings of ZWC and XEI?
ZWC's largest holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and CDN NATURAL RESOURCE. XEI's top holdings include SUNCOR ENERGY, CDN NATURAL RESOURCE, and ENBRIDGE.
Which ETF is more diversified: ZWC or XEI?
ZWC holds 34 securities, while XEI holds 71. On holdings count, XEI is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about ZWC and XEI
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