A side-by-side comparison of iShares China (XCH) and Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF (PGJ) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | XCH | PGJ |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -86.67% | -11.53%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | -84.02% | +0.14%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -84.03% | -2.11%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -85.00% | -4.92%✓ |
| Current Price | $3.46 | $20.86 |
| AUM | $169M✓ | $78M |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | — | 0.7% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.81% | 1.91%✓ |
| Distribution Frequency | Half-yearly | NA |
| Inception Date | 2010-01-21 | 2004-12-09 |
| Holdings Count | 1 | 64 |
| MorningStar Rating | — | — |
| Category | Greater China Equity | Greater China Equity |
| Beta | 0.89 | 0.66 |
| 52-Week High | $26.90 | $31.49 |
| 52-Week Low | $21.02 | $20.73 |
| 50-Day MA | $22.82 | $22.44 |
| 200-Day MA | $23.54 | $25.34 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | XCH | PGJ |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -86.67% | -11.53%✓ |
| 1 Year | -18.38%✓ | -31.57% |
| 3 Year | +10.84%✓ | -2.35% |
| 5 Year | -0.23%✓ | -11.71% |
| 10 Year | +1.22%✓ | -2.87% |
| 1Y Volatility | 17.80% | 21.43% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 0.50 | -0.16 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Top 10 Holdings
| 1 | FXI | iShares China Large-Cap ETF | 94.98% |
| 1 | YUMC | Yum China Holdings Inc | 9.11% |
| 2 | JD | JD.com Inc Adr | 8.19% |
| 3 | BABA | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd | 7.96% |
| 4 | NTES | NetEase Inc | 6.90% |
| 5 | BIDU | Baidu Inc | 5.39% |
| 6 | EDU | New Oriental Education & Technology | 4.32% |
| 7 | HTHT | Huazhu Group Ltd | 4.49% |
| 8 | YMM | Full Truck Alliance Co Ltd ADR | 4.39% |
| 9 | BZ | Kanzhun Ltd ADR | 4.06% |
| 10 | VIPS | Vipshop Holdings Limited | 4.17% |
Sector Weights
| Sector | XCH | PGJ |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 3.26% | 0.00% |
| Communication Services | 14.40% | 24.25% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 25.16% | 45.00% |
| Consumer Defensive | 0.86% | 9.41% |
| Energy | 5.70% | 0.00% |
| Financial Services | 37.35% | 2.44% |
| Healthcare | 3.38% | 1.12% |
| Industrials | 2.07% | 2.49% |
| Real Estate | 1.03% | 3.01% |
| Technology | 6.32% | 12.21% |
| Utilities | 0.42% | 0.00% |
About XCH
NA
About PGJ
The fund generally will invest at least 90% of its total assets in the securities that comprise the underlying index. The underlying index is composed of securities of U.S. exchange-listed companies that are headquartered or incorporated in the People's Republic of China. The fund is non-diversified.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both XCH and PGJ are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
Based on the available data, PGJ scores higher across our tracked metrics including YTD performance, dividend yield, and AUM — though both ETFs warrant individual research before investing.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between XCH and PGJ?
XCH (iShares China) and PGJ (Invesco Golden Dragon China ETF) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($169M vs $78M), dividend yield (1.81% vs 1.91%), and year-to-date performance (-86.67% vs -11.53%).
Is XCH better than PGJ?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise dividends, compare both yields and choose based on your income needs. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy XCH and PGJ on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both XCH and PGJ should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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