A side-by-side comparison of BMO MSCI EAFE Small-Mid Cap Index ETF (ZESM) and CAS (CAS) 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 | ZESM | CAS |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +3.30% | +45.61%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | -0.94% | -0.44%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -1.40% | +2.01%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -1.12% | +10.42%✓ |
| Current Price | $31.64 | $18.23 |
| AUM | $454M | — |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | — | — |
| Dividend Yield | — | — |
| Distribution Frequency | — | — |
| Inception Date | 2026-02-05 | — |
| Holdings Count | 10 | — |
| MorningStar Rating | — | — |
| Category | Global Small/Mid Cap Equity | — |
| Beta | 0.00 | — |
| 52-Week High | $32.52 | — |
| 52-Week Low | $27.54 | — |
| 50-Day MA | $32.04 | — |
| 200-Day MA | $31.04 | — |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Sector Weights
| Sector | ZESM | CAS |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 8.75% | — |
| Communication Services | 4.32% | — |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 10.16% | — |
| Consumer Defensive | 6.20% | — |
| Energy | 3.55% | — |
| Financial Services | 16.56% | — |
| Healthcare | 6.89% | — |
| Industrials | 24.39% | — |
| Real Estate | 7.13% | — |
| Technology | 7.95% | — |
| Utilities | 4.12% | — |
About ZESM
BMO MSCI EAFE Small-Mid Cap Index ETF (ZESM.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. More detailed information will be available soon.
About CAS
CAS (CAS.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the TO. More detailed information will be available soon.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both ZESM and CAS 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, CAS 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 ZESM and CAS?
ZESM (BMO MSCI EAFE Small-Mid Cap Index ETF) and CAS (CAS) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($454M vs —), dividend yield (N/A vs N/A), and year-to-date performance (+3.30% vs +45.61%).
Is ZESM better than CAS?
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 ZESM and CAS on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both ZESM and CAS should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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