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Compare iShares ESG Balanced ETF Portfolio (GBAL) vs iShares Balanced Income CorePortfolio Index ETF (XBAL) to find the best fit for your portfolio. GBAL and XBAL provide the same top sector exposures: Finance, Technology, and Sovereign. When evaluating costs, GBAL features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.18% for XBAL. Performance-wise, GBAL has returned 10.43% year-to-date with +$92 M in net flows, whereas XBAL is at 9.1% with +$742 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
XBAL
| AuM | $304.16 M | $3,552.89 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.18% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.24% | 0.18% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 29, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | GBAL | -0.36% | +2.14% | +10.43% | +10.24% | +65.35% |
XBAL | +0.10% | +1.63% | +9.10% | +9.27% | +56.91% | |
| Flows | GBAL | +$10 M | +$31 M | +$92 M | +$108 M | +$206 M |
XBAL | +$71 M | +$188 M | +$742 M | +$912 M | +$1,870 M |
GBAL vs XBAL exposure
Countries
GBAL
Canada
51.71%
USA
30.16%
Other
18.13%
XBAL
Canada
44.02%
USA
34.94%
Other
21.04%
Sectors
GBAL
Finance
32.90%
Technology
20.12%
Sovereign
11.47%
Municipal
8.91%
Other
26.59%
XBAL
Finance
23.11%
Technology
16.51%
Sovereign
12.52%
Municipal
7.30%
Industrials
7.14%
Other
33.42%
As of October 29, 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%
XBAL
US4642871507
27.30%
CA46430T1093
25.75%
CA46434T1057
15.08%
CA46430J1012
14.89%
CA46431X1096
5.69%
US46429B2676
4.03%
US4642886208
4.01%
CA46434U1021
3.06%
Diversification
GBAL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,365 total
99.91%
XBAL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 21,951 total
99.81%
Characteristics
Compare
GBAL
XBAL
| 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 | 1.58% | 2.25% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | September 10, 2020 | June 21, 2007 |
Frequently asked questions about GBAL and XBAL
Which ETF has performed better year to date: GBAL or XBAL?
As of October 29, 2026, GBAL has returned 10.43% year to date, while XBAL has returned 9.10%. GBAL is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: GBAL or XBAL?
As of October 29, 2026, GBAL manages $304.16 M in assets, while XBAL manages $3.55 B. XBAL is the larger fund by AUM.
How are GBAL and XBAL managed?
GBAL is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. XBAL is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index.
Which ETF is more diversified: GBAL or XBAL?
GBAL holds 1 securities, while XBAL holds 1. On holdings count, GBAL is the more diversified portfolio.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: GBAL or XBAL?
Year to date, GBAL has seen +$92.19 M in net flows, compared with +$741.72 M for XBAL. XBAL has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of GBAL and XBAL compare?
GBAL has an expense ratio of 0.24%, while XBAL has an expense ratio of 0.18%.
What sectors do GBAL and XBAL emphasize?
GBAL is most exposed to Finance, Technology, and Sovereign. XBAL is most exposed to Finance, Technology, and Sovereign.
Recent articles about GBAL and XBAL
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