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 Health Care, while XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, FBT features a management fee (MER) of 0.15%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, FBT has returned 1.7% year-to-date with +$2 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 7.53% with +$5 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 | $3.99 M | $28,819.35 M |
| Management Fees | 0.15% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.71% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.12% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 7, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | FBT | +3.31% | +0.33% | +1.70% | +33.28% | +40.19% |
XIC | +1.99% | +3.10% | +7.53% | +37.76% | +79.01% | |
| Flows | FBT | +$0 M | +$2 M | +$2 M | +$2 M | +$1 M |
XIC | +$1,153 M | +$3,786 M | +$5,224 M | +$7,776 M | +$11,193 M |
FBT vs XIC exposure
Countries
FBT
USA
95.76%
XIC
Canada
98.95%
Sectors
FBT
Health Care
90.59%
Other
9.41%
XIC
Financials
28.13%
Energy
18.01%
Materials
15.92%
Other
13.03%
Other
24.92%
As of May 7, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
FBT
MODERNA INC
5.14%
ALKERMES
4.16%
UTD THERAPEUT
4.15%
GILEAD SCIENCES
4.08%
CORCEPT THERAPEUTICS
3.94%
AXSOME THERA CMN STK
3.91%
AMGEN-T
3.81%
EXELIXIS
3.52%
KRYSTAL BIOTECH INC
3.49%
BIOGEN INC
3.45%
XIC
ROYAL BK CANADA
6.69%
TORONTO DOMINION
4.64%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
4.31%
ENBRIDGE
3.50%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
3.01%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
3.01%
BANK OF MONTREAL
2.83%
CA11271J1075
2.65%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
2.61%
BNS
2.53%
Diversification
FBT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 30 total
39.65%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
35.80%
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% | 2.08% |
| 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 May 7, 2026, FBT has returned 1.70% year to date, while XIC has returned 7.53%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: FBT or XIC?
As of May 7, 2026, FBT manages $3.99 M in assets, while XIC manages $28.82 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 Health Care. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: FBT or XIC?
Year to date, FBT has seen +$2.12 M in net flows, compared with +$5,224.13 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 MODERNA INC and ALKERMES. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: FBT or XIC?
FBT holds 28 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, XIC is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about FBT and XIC
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