VS
iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio (GCNS) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) 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 XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, GCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, GCNS has returned 4.41% year-to-date with +$11 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 9.36% 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
GCNS
XIC
| AuM | $71.56 M | $29,474.87 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.12% |
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% |
XIC | +1.94% | +2.46% | +9.36% | +36.30% | +85.77% | |
| Flows | GCNS | +$2 M | +$4 M | +$11 M | +$29 M | +$47 M |
XIC | +$727 M | +$2,275 M | +$5,389 M | +$7,843 M | +$11,390 M |
GCNS vs XIC exposure
Countries
GCNS
Canada
63.90%
USA
25.70%
Other
10.40%
XIC
Canada
98.95%
Sectors
GCNS
Sovereign
14.44%
Information Technology
13.45%
Financials
10.93%
Banks
10.56%
Municipal
10.40%
Other
10.05%
Other
30.16%
XIC
Financials
28.13%
Energy
18.01%
Materials
15.92%
Other
13.03%
Other
24.92%
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%
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
GCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,373 total
12.84%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
35.80%
Characteristics
Compare
GCNS
XIC
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.02% | 2.05% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | September 14, 2020 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about GCNS and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: GCNS or XIC?
As of May 21, 2026, GCNS has returned 4.41% year to date, while XIC has returned 9.36%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: GCNS or XIC?
As of May 21, 2026, GCNS manages $71.56 M in assets, while XIC manages $29.47 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are GCNS and XIC managed?
GCNS is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. XIC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do GCNS and XIC emphasize?
GCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Information Technology, and Financials. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: GCNS or XIC?
Year to date, GCNS has seen +$10.58 M in net flows, compared with +$5,388.96 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of GCNS and XIC compare?
GCNS has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of GCNS and XIC?
GCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and BROADCOM LIMITED. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: GCNS or XIC?
GCNS holds 1246 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, GCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about GCNS and XIC
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