A side-by-side comparison of iShares China (XCH) and BMO MSCI China Selection Equity Index ETF (ZCH) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
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1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | XCH | ZCH |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -8.02%✓ | -10.68% |
| 1-Day Change | +2.89% | +4.23%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | +1.92% | +3.72%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | +0.55% | +1.28%✓ |
| Current Price | $23.87 | $18.98 |
| AUM | $183M✓ | $119M |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 2.21%✓ | 1.40% |
| Distribution Frequency | Half-yearly | Annually |
| Inception Date | 2010-01-21 | 2010-01-19 |
| Holdings Count | 1 | 6 |
| MorningStar Rating | ★★ | ★ |
| Category | Greater China Equity | Greater China Equity |
| Beta | 0.88 | 1.01 |
| 52-Week High | $27.52 | $23.51 |
| 52-Week Low | $22.48 | $17.55 |
| 50-Day MA | $23.67 | $18.76 |
| 200-Day MA | $25.28 | $20.63 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | XCH | ZCH |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -8.02%✓ | -10.68% |
| 1 Year | +2.77% | +3.92%✓ |
| 3 Year | +13.41%✓ | +11.69% |
| 5 Year | -1.00%✓ | -7.29% |
| 10 Year | +2.98%✓ | +1.21% |
| 1Y Volatility | 13.66% | 20.90% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 0.52 | 0.42 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Top 10 Holdings
| 1 | FXI | iShares China Large-Cap ETF | 99.95% |
| 1 | 0700 | Tencent Holdings Ltd | 23.52% |
| 2 | 9988 | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd | 17.11% |
| 3 | 9999 | NetEase Inc | 2.39% |
| 4 | 9618 | Jd Com Inc | 2.16% |
| 5 | 9888 | Baidu Inc | 2.05% |
| 6 | 9961 | Trip.com Group Ltd | 1.99% |
Sector Weights
| Sector | XCH | ZCH |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 4.10% | 2.90% |
| Communication Services | 16.24% | 30.29% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 26.61% | 33.21% |
| Consumer Defensive | 0.85% | 1.58% |
| Energy | 5.22% | 1.22% |
| Financial Services | 34.68% | 15.47% |
| Healthcare | 2.32% | 6.85% |
| Industrials | 3.08% | 3.89% |
| Real Estate | 1.12% | 2.11% |
| Technology | 5.43% | 1.30% |
| Utilities | 0.35% | 1.16% |
About XCH
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About ZCH
The BMO China Equity Index ETF has been designed to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the BNY Mellon China Select ADR Index, net of expenses. The ETF will gain exposure to the broad Chinese equity market by holding a basket of American Depository Receipts. The ETF invests in and holds the Constituent Securities of the Index in the same proportion as they are reflected in the Index.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both XCH and ZCH 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, XCH 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 ZCH?
XCH (iShares China) and ZCH (BMO MSCI China Selection Equity Index ETF) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($183M vs $119M), dividend yield (2.21% vs 1.40%), and year-to-date performance (-8.02% vs -10.68%).
Is XCH better than ZCH?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise recent performance, XCH has outperformed year-to-date. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy XCH and ZCH on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both XCH and ZCH should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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