VS
iShares ESG Balanced ETF Portfolio (GBAL) and CI Balanced Asset Allocation ETF (CBAL) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that GBAL focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Finance, Technology, and Sovereign, while CBAL leans towards Finance, Technology, and Sovereign. When evaluating costs, GBAL features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.22% for CBAL. Performance-wise, GBAL has returned 8.77% year-to-date with +$92 M in net flows, whereas CBAL is at 7.59% with +$100 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
GBAL
CBAL
| AuM | $299.59 M | $194.90 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.22% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.24% | 0.30% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 30, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | GBAL | -1.75% | -0.53% | +8.77% | +8.54% | +62.86% |
CBAL | -1.14% | -0.29% | +7.59% | +8.02% | +51.68% | |
| Flows | GBAL | +$9 M | +$31 M | +$92 M | +$108 M | +$206 M |
CBAL | +$15 M | +$32 M | +$100 M | +$125 M | +$181 M |
GBAL vs CBAL exposure
Countries
GBAL
Canada
51.71%
USA
30.16%
Other
18.13%
CBAL
Canada
49.13%
USA
22.92%
Other
8.32%
Other
19.64%
Sectors
GBAL
Finance
32.90%
Technology
20.12%
Sovereign
11.47%
Municipal
8.91%
Other
26.59%
CBAL
Finance
19.57%
Technology
15.33%
Sovereign
11.10%
Municipal
9.34%
Other
8.32%
Other
36.34%
As of October 30, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
GBAL
CA46437Q1081
27.07%
CA46436U1003
18.82%
CA46438D1069
15.69%
CA46432E1007
12.61%
CA46431U1057
9.61%
CA45033L1094
8.70%
CA46436Y1025
4.73%
US4642874329
2.68%
CBAL
CA17167D1042
32.89%
CA12566G1054
22.38%
CA1254661020
17.57%
US46432F8427
12.97%
CA12548U1075
7.90%
US46434G1031
5.99%
Diversification
GBAL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,365 total
99.91%
CBAL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 7,946 total
99.71%
Characteristics
Compare
GBAL
CBAL
| Provider | iShares | CI |
| Management | Actively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | - | - |
| Replication Method | - | - |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity, Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.60% | 2.00% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | September 10, 2020 | May 17, 2023 |
Frequently asked questions about GBAL and CBAL
Which ETF has performed better year to date: GBAL or CBAL?
As of October 30, 2026, GBAL has returned 8.77% year to date, while CBAL has returned 7.59%. GBAL is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: GBAL or CBAL?
As of October 30, 2026, GBAL manages $299.59 M in assets, while CBAL manages $194.90 M. GBAL is the larger fund by AUM.
How are GBAL and CBAL managed?
GBAL is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. CBAL is actively managed by CI. It does not track an index.
Which ETF is more diversified: GBAL or CBAL?
GBAL holds 1 securities, while CBAL holds 1. On holdings count, GBAL is the more diversified portfolio.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: GBAL or CBAL?
Year to date, GBAL has seen +$92.19 M in net flows, compared with +$100.29 M for CBAL. CBAL has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of GBAL and CBAL compare?
GBAL has an expense ratio of 0.24%, while CBAL has an expense ratio of 0.30%.
What sectors do GBAL and CBAL emphasize?
GBAL is most exposed to Finance, Technology, and Sovereign. CBAL is most exposed to Finance, Technology, and Sovereign.
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All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.

