VS
Compare iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF (CLF) vs BMO Long Federal Bond Index ETF (ZFL) to find the best fit for your portfolio. CLF provides Municipal, Sovereign, and Government Agencies exposures, while ZFL is primarily weighted in Sovereign. When evaluating costs, CLF features a management fee (MER) of 0.15%, compared to 0.2% for ZFL. Performance-wise, CLF has returned 0.74% year-to-date with +$165 M in net flows, whereas ZFL is at 4.03% with +$180 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
CLF
ZFL
| AuM | $772.68 M | $1,355.59 M |
| Management Fees | 0.15% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.16% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 16, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | CLF | +0.69% | -0.25% | +0.74% | +0.49% | +13.88% |
ZFL | -1.36% | -3.73% | -4.03% | -8.03% | +5.13% | |
| Flows | CLF | +$7 M | +$24 M | +$165 M | +$179 M | +$226 M |
ZFL | +$61 M | +$123 M | +$180 M | -$1,173 M | -$1,197 M |
CLF vs ZFL exposure
Countries
CLF
Canada
99.84%
ZFL
Canada
100.00%
Sectors
CLF
Municipal
40.12%
Sovereign
39.69%
Government Agencies
11.10%
Finance
8.93%
ZFL
Sovereign
100.00%
As of October 16, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
CLF
Canada, Bond 2 1jun2028 10Y
4.16%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2027, CAD
4.07%
Canada, Bond 2.25 1jun2029 10Y
2.80%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1sep2028, CAD
2.76%
Canada, Bond 1.25 1jun2030 10Y
2.69%
Canada, Bonds 2.25% 1dec2029, CAD
2.64%
Canada, Bond 0.5 1oct2030 10Y
2.62%
Canada, Bond 1.5 1jun2031 10Y
2.60%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
2.60%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD
2.59%
ZFL
Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y
21.12%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD
16.14%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
15.61%
Canada, Bond 3.5 1dec2045 30Y
14.76%
Canada, Bond 4 1jun2041 30Y
12.42%
Canada, Bond 2.75 1dec2048 30Y
11.36%
Canada, Bond 1.75 1dec2053 30Y
8.59%
Diversification
CLF
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 84 total
29.53%
ZFL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 7 total
100.00%
Characteristics
Compare
CLF
ZFL
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE Canada 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond TR Index - CAD | FTSE TMX Canada Long Term Federal Bond TR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.32% | 2.97% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | January 31, 2008 | May 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about CLF and ZFL
Which ETF has performed better year to date: CLF or ZFL?
As of October 16, 2026, CLF has returned 0.74% year to date, while ZFL has returned -4.03%. CLF is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: CLF or ZFL?
As of October 16, 2026, CLF manages $772.68 M in assets, while ZFL manages $1.36 B. ZFL is the larger fund by AUM.
How are CLF and ZFL managed?
CLF is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark. ZFL is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the FTSE TMX Canada Long Term Federal Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do CLF and ZFL emphasize?
CLF is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government Agencies. ZFL is most exposed to Sovereign.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: CLF or ZFL?
Year to date, CLF has seen +$164.92 M in net flows, compared with +$179.67 M for ZFL. ZFL has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of CLF and ZFL compare?
CLF has an expense ratio of 0.16%, while ZFL has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What are the top holdings of CLF and ZFL?
CLF's largest holdings include Canada, Bond 2 1jun2028 10Y, Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2027, CAD, and Canada, Bond 2.25 1jun2029 10Y. ZFL's top holdings include Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y, Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD, and Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD.
Which ETF is more diversified: CLF or ZFL?
CLF holds 84 securities, while ZFL holds 7. On holdings count, CLF is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about CLF and ZFL
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