VS
iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio (GCNS) and Global X Equal Weight Canadian Banks Index Corporate Class ETF (HEWB) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that GCNS focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Information Technology, and Financials, while HEWB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, GCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.28% for HEWB. Performance-wise, GCNS has returned 4.41% year-to-date with +$11 M in net flows, whereas HEWB is at 19.76% with +$12 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
GCNS
HEWB
| AuM | $71.56 M | $302.18 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.28% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.80% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 21, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | GCNS | +1.69% | +2.57% | +4.41% | +13.36% | +40.56% |
HEWB | +6.34% | +14.31% | +19.76% | +65.23% | +131.89% | |
| Flows | GCNS | +$2 M | +$4 M | +$11 M | +$29 M | +$47 M |
HEWB | +$5 M | +$9 M | +$12 M | +$7 M | +$14 M |
GCNS vs HEWB exposure
Countries
GCNS
Canada
63.90%
USA
25.70%
Other
10.40%
HEWB
Canada
99.99%
Sectors
GCNS
Sovereign
14.44%
Information Technology
13.45%
Financials
10.93%
Banks
10.56%
Municipal
10.40%
Other
10.05%
Other
30.16%
HEWB
Financials
99.99%
As of May 21, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
GCNS
NVIDIA
3.87%
BROADCOM LIMITED
1.27%
ROYAL BK CANADA
1.27%
TORONTO DOMINION
1.17%
Canada, Bond 2 1jun2028 10Y
1.10%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
1.07%
Canada, Bond 1 1jun2027 10Y
0.87%
Canada, Bond 1.25 1jun2030 10Y
0.81%
BANK OF MONTREAL
0.71%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2027, CAD
0.71%
HEWB
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.10%
TORONTO DOMINION
16.90%
BNS
16.65%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.51%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.48%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.35%
Diversification
GCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,373 total
12.84%
HEWB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
99.99%
Characteristics
Compare
GCNS
HEWB
| Provider | iShares | Global X |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Capitalization |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.02% | 0.00% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | September 14, 2020 | January 23, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about GCNS and HEWB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: GCNS or HEWB?
As of May 21, 2026, GCNS has returned 4.41% year to date, while HEWB has returned 19.76%. HEWB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: GCNS or HEWB?
As of May 21, 2026, GCNS manages $71.56 M in assets, while HEWB manages $302.18 M. HEWB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are GCNS and HEWB managed?
GCNS is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. HEWB is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do GCNS and HEWB emphasize?
GCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Information Technology, and Financials. HEWB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: GCNS or HEWB?
Year to date, GCNS has seen +$10.58 M in net flows, compared with +$12.19 M for HEWB. HEWB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of GCNS and HEWB compare?
GCNS has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while HEWB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of GCNS and HEWB?
GCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and BROADCOM LIMITED. HEWB's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: GCNS or HEWB?
GCNS holds 1246 securities, while HEWB holds 6. On holdings count, GCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
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