VS
First Trust NYSE Arca Biotechnology ETF (FBT) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that FBT focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Healthcare, while XIC leans towards Finance, Energy, and Non-Energy Materials. When evaluating costs, FBT features a management fee (MER) of 0.15%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, FBT has returned 35.66% year-to-date with +$4 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 16.32% with +$9 B. 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
FBT
XIC
| AuM | $7.75 M | $34,806.73 M |
| Management Fees | 0.15% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.71% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.09% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 22, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FBT | +3.37% | +18.27% | +35.66% | +54.10% | +95.86% |
XIC | -0.85% | +4.37% | +16.32% | +23.97% | +98.99% | |
| Flows | FBT | +$0 M | +$2 M | +$4 M | +$4 M | +$4 M |
XIC | +$1,236 M | +$3,052 M | +$8,964 M | +$9,341 M | +$15,170 M |
FBT vs XIC exposure
Countries
FBT
USA
82.19%
Other
17.81%
XIC
Canada
96.46%
Sectors
FBT
Healthcare
99.86%
XIC
Finance
41.74%
Energy
17.17%
Non-Energy Materials
15.75%
Industrials
8.14%
Other
17.19%
As of September 22, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
FBT
Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc.
4.31%
Corcept Therapeutics, Inc.
4.08%
Repligen Corp.
3.87%
Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
3.85%
BeOne Medicines Ltd.
3.83%
BioNTech SE
3.75%
Natera, Inc.
3.73%
Amgen, Inc.
3.70%
argenx SE
3.66%
NeoGenomics, Inc.
3.63%
XIC
Royal Bank of Canada
8.10%
The Toronto-Dominion Bank
5.52%
Shopify, Inc.
4.12%
Bank of Montreal
3.45%
Enbridge, Inc.
3.34%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce
3.00%
The Bank of Nova Scotia
2.98%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd.
2.72%
Brookfield Corp.
2.48%
Suncor Energy, Inc.
2.17%
Diversification
FBT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 30 total
38.41%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 219 total
37.87%
Characteristics
Compare
FBT
XIC
| Provider | First Trust | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | NYSE Arca Biotechnology Total Return Index - USD | S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.00% | 1.93% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | October 30, 2014 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about FBT and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: FBT or XIC?
As of September 22, 2026, FBT has returned 35.66% year to date, while XIC has returned 16.32%. FBT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: FBT or XIC?
As of September 22, 2026, FBT manages $7.75 M in assets, while XIC manages $34.81 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are FBT and XIC managed?
FBT is passively managed by First Trust. It tracks the NYSE Arca Biotechnology Total Return Index - USD benchmark. XIC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do FBT and XIC emphasize?
FBT is most exposed to Healthcare. XIC is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Non-Energy Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: FBT or XIC?
Year to date, FBT has seen +$4.36 M in net flows, compared with +$8,964.44 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of FBT and XIC compare?
FBT has an expense ratio of 0.71%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of FBT and XIC?
FBT's largest holdings include Halozyme Therapeutics, Inc., Corcept Therapeutics, Inc., and Repligen Corp.. XIC's top holdings include Royal Bank of Canada, The Toronto-Dominion Bank, and Shopify, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: FBT or XIC?
FBT holds 30 securities, while XIC holds 219. On holdings count, XIC is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about FBT and XIC
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