VS
iShares ESG Balanced ETF Portfolio (GBAL) and iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio (GCNS) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that GBAL focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Finance, Sovereign, and Municipal, while GCNS leans towards Finance, Sovereign, and Municipal. When evaluating costs, GBAL features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.22% for GCNS. Performance-wise, GBAL has returned 9.63% year-to-date with +$90 M in net flows, whereas GCNS is at 6.57% with +$29 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
GCNS
| AuM | $300.08 M | $89.96 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.22% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.24% | 0.23% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 26, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | GBAL | -1.05% | +0.07% | +9.63% | +9.13% | +64.48% |
GCNS | -0.48% | -0.12% | +6.57% | +5.97% | +46.58% | |
| Flows | GBAL | +$9 M | +$30 M | +$90 M | +$106 M | +$204 M |
GCNS | +$1 M | +$7 M | +$29 M | +$34 M | +$64 M |
GBAL vs GCNS exposure
Countries
GBAL
Canada
52.48%
Other
26.83%
Other
20.70%
GCNS
Canada
63.03%
Other
18.68%
USA
7.29%
Other
10.99%
Sectors
GBAL
Finance
27.95%
Other
26.83%
Sovereign
11.65%
Municipal
9.01%
Other
24.56%
GCNS
Finance
29.55%
Other
18.68%
Sovereign
16.55%
Municipal
12.35%
Other
22.87%
As of October 26, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
GBAL
CA46437Q1081
26.31%
CA46436U1003
19.09%
CA46438D1069
15.56%
CA46432E1007
12.71%
CA46431U1057
9.71%
CA45033L1094
8.76%
CA46436Y1025
4.76%
US4642874329
2.76%
GCNS
CA46437Q1081
17.90%
CA46432E1007
17.88%
CA45033L1094
15.88%
CA46431U1057
12.86%
CA46436U1003
12.81%
CA46438D1069
10.46%
CA46436Y1025
7.33%
US4642874329
4.38%
Diversification
GBAL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,091 total
99.67%
GCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,091 total
99.50%
Characteristics
Compare
GBAL
GCNS
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | - | - |
| Replication Method | - | - |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity, Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.59% | 2.16% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | Yes |
| Inception Date | September 10, 2020 | September 14, 2020 |
Frequently asked questions about GBAL and GCNS
Which ETF has performed better year to date: GBAL or GCNS?
As of October 26, 2026, GBAL has returned 9.63% year to date, while GCNS has returned 6.57%. GBAL is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: GBAL or GCNS?
As of October 26, 2026, GBAL manages $300.08 M in assets, while GCNS manages $89.96 M. GBAL is the larger fund by AUM.
How are GBAL and GCNS managed?
GBAL is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. GCNS is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index.
Which ETF is more diversified: GBAL or GCNS?
GBAL holds 1 securities, while GCNS holds 1. On holdings count, GBAL is the more diversified portfolio.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: GBAL or GCNS?
Year to date, GBAL has seen +$90.31 M in net flows, compared with +$28.52 M for GCNS. GBAL has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of GBAL and GCNS compare?
GBAL has an expense ratio of 0.24%, while GCNS has an expense ratio of 0.23%.
What sectors do GBAL and GCNS emphasize?
GBAL is most exposed to Finance, Sovereign, and Municipal. GCNS is most exposed to Finance, Sovereign, and Municipal.
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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.