A side-by-side comparison of BMO MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (ZEM) and iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XSEM) 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 | ZEM | XSEM |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +26.27%✓ | +25.92% |
| 1-Day Change | +0.72% | +1.11%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | +3.19% | +4.30%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | +11.72%✓ | +13.40% |
| Current Price | $34.90 | $34.69 |
| AUM | $3.50B | $6.38B✓ |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.95%✓ | 1.61% |
| Distribution Frequency | Annually | Half-yearly |
| Inception Date | 2009-10-20 | 2019-03-18 |
| Holdings Count | 9 | 9 |
| MorningStar Rating | ★★★ | ★★ |
| Category | Emerging Markets Equity | Emerging Markets Equity |
| Beta | 0.97 | 1.01 |
| 52-Week High | $34.91 | $34.69 |
| 52-Week Low | $22.02 | $22.06 |
| 50-Day MA | $31.01 | $30.45 |
| 200-Day MA | $28.48 | $28.29 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | ZEM | XSEM |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | +26.27%✓ | +25.92% |
| 1 Year | +54.75%✓ | +54.36% |
| 3 Year | +24.81% | +25.11%✓ |
| 5 Year | +9.79%✓ | +9.50% |
| 10 Year | +10.84% | — |
| 1Y Volatility | 19.52% | 21.39% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 1.35 | — |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Top 10 Holdings
| 1 | 2330 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | 13.20% |
| 2 | EEM | iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ETF | 6.72% |
| 3 | 005930 | Samsung Electronics Co Ltd | 5.68% |
| 4 | 000660 | SK Hynix Inc | 3.76% |
| 5 | 0700 | Tencent Holdings Ltd | 3.10% |
| 6 | 9988 | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd | 2.22% |
| 7 | 2308 | Delta Electronics Inc | 0.97% |
| 8 | 2454 | MediaTek Inc | 0.91% |
| 9 | HDFCBANK | HDFC Bank Limited | 0.87% |
| 1 | 2330 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | 14.43% |
| 2 | 005930 | Samsung Electronics Co Ltd | 6.13% |
| 3 | 000660 | SK Hynix Inc | 4.25% |
| 4 | 0700 | Tencent Holdings Ltd | 3.11% |
| 5 | 9988 | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd | 2.18% |
| 6 | ESGE | iShares ESG Aware MSCI EM ETF | 2.05% |
| 7 | 2308 | Delta Electronics Inc | 1.37% |
| 8 | 2412 | Chunghwa Telecom Co | 1.11% |
| 9 | 2454 | MediaTek Inc | 0.95% |
Sector Weights
| Sector | ZEM | XSEM |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 6.20% | 4.07% |
| Communication Services | 6.87% | 7.59% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 9.73% | 8.70% |
| Consumer Defensive | 3.05% | 2.12% |
| Energy | 4.12% | 2.26% |
| Financial Services | 20.04% | 21.62% |
| Healthcare | 2.76% | 2.46% |
| Industrials | 7.64% | 5.40% |
| Real Estate | 0.80% | 1.16% |
| Technology | 36.82% | 43.20% |
| Utilities | 1.98% | 1.41% |
About ZEM
The BMO MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF has been designed to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of the MSCI Emerging Markets Index, net of expenses. The Fund invests in emerging markets equity. The Manager may use a sampling methodology in selecting investments for the Fund. The Fund may also invest in or hold securities intended to replicate the performance of the Index. In addition, as ZEM may hold other underlying ETFs, the management fees charged are reduced by the management…
About XSEM
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Which ETF is Right for You?
Both ZEM and XSEM 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, ZEM 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 ZEM and XSEM?
ZEM (BMO MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF) and XSEM (iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($3.50B vs $6.38B), dividend yield (1.95% vs 1.61%), and year-to-date performance (+26.27% vs +25.92%).
Is ZEM better than XSEM?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise recent performance, ZEM has outperformed year-to-date. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy ZEM and XSEM on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both ZEM and XSEM should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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