A side-by-side comparison of iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (XSEM) and Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF (VEE) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
CIBC Investor's Edge
Get 200 free trades when you open an eligible CIBC Investor's Edge account with promo code EDGE2026.
- ✓200 free stock & ETF trades
- ✓Unlimited commission-free trades on 180+ select ETFs
- ✓Offer ends September 30, 2026
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | XSEM | VEE |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +17.97%✓ | +10.28% |
| 1-Day Change | -3.42% | -1.83%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -4.52% | -2.46%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -2.99% | +0.95%✓ |
| Current Price | $32.50 | $50.01 |
| AUM | $6.06B✓ | $4.32B |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 1.51% | 1.81%✓ |
| Distribution Frequency | Half-yearly | Quarterly |
| Inception Date | 2019-03-18 | 2011-11-30 |
| Holdings Count | 8 | 1 |
| MorningStar Rating | ★★★ | ★★★ |
| Category | Emerging Markets Equity | Emerging Markets Equity |
| Beta | 1.03 | 0.64 |
| 52-Week High | $35.87 | $52.34 |
| 52-Week Low | $23.65 | $40.07 |
| 50-Day MA | $33.17 | $49.88 |
| 200-Day MA | $29.46 | $47.03 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | XSEM | VEE |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | +17.97%✓ | +10.28% |
| 1 Year | +49.10%✓ | +27.36% |
| 3 Year | +23.97%✓ | +17.90% |
| 5 Year | +9.22%✓ | +7.31% |
| 10 Year | — | +9.20% |
| 1Y Volatility | 21.39% | 12.00% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 1.28 | 1.33 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Top 10 Holdings
| 1 | 2330 | Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. Ltd. | 15.05% |
| 2 | 005930 | Samsung Electronics Co Ltd | 8.20% |
| 3 | 000660 | SK Hynix Inc | 7.80% |
| 4 | 0700 | Tencent Holdings Ltd | 2.42% |
| 5 | 2454 | MediaTek Inc | 1.51% |
| 6 | 9988 | Alibaba Group Holding Ltd | 1.40% |
| 7 | 2308 | Delta Electronics Inc | 1.14% |
| 8 | 2412 | Chunghwa Telecom Co | 1.07% |
| 1 | VWO | Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets Index Fund ETF Shares | 100.00% |
Sector Weights
| Sector | XSEM | VEE |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 4.53% | 8.38% |
| Communication Services | 7.87% | 7.77% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 7.73% | 11.23% |
| Consumer Defensive | 2.08% | 3.88% |
| Energy | 1.92% | 4.74% |
| Financial Services | 23.20% | 20.51% |
| Healthcare | 2.45% | 4.11% |
| Industrials | 5.01% | 7.88% |
| Real Estate | 0.96% | 2.27% |
| Technology | 42.92% | 26.25% |
| Utilities | 1.31% | 2.96% |
About XSEM
NA
About VEE
Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF (VEE.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. More detailed information will be available soon.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both XSEM and VEE 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, XSEM 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 XSEM and VEE?
XSEM (iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF) and VEE (Vanguard FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($6.06B vs $4.32B), dividend yield (1.51% vs 1.81%), and year-to-date performance (+17.97% vs +10.28%).
Is XSEM better than VEE?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise recent performance, XSEM has outperformed year-to-date. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy XSEM and VEE on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both XSEM and VEE should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
7 stocks to buy and hold forever
Complement your ETF portfolio with these proven long-term individual stocks.
Get the FREE Report