VS
iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio (GCNS) and BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT) 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 ZUT leans towards Utilities. When evaluating costs, GCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.55% for ZUT. Performance-wise, GCNS has returned 4.41% year-to-date with +$11 M in net flows, whereas ZUT is at 18.35% with -$73 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
ZUT
| AuM | $71.56 M | $882.61 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.85% |
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% |
ZUT | +4.75% | +7.99% | +18.35% | +30.21% | +43.27% | |
| Flows | GCNS | +$2 M | +$4 M | +$11 M | +$29 M | +$47 M |
ZUT | -$13 M | -$11 M | -$73 M | +$121 M | +$235 M |
GCNS vs ZUT exposure
Countries
GCNS
Canada
63.90%
USA
25.70%
Other
10.40%
ZUT
Canada
85.16%
Bermuda
14.84%
Sectors
GCNS
Sovereign
14.44%
Information Technology
13.45%
Financials
10.93%
Banks
10.56%
Municipal
10.40%
Other
10.05%
Other
30.16%
ZUT
Utilities
100.00%
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%
ZUT
BORALEX
9.91%
NORTHLAND POWER
7.97%
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS
7.84%
CAPITAL POWER
7.84%
ALTAGAS
7.70%
ATCO
7.53%
ALGONQUIN POWER
7.52%
TRANSALTA
7.49%
EMERA
7.42%
CANADIAN UTILITIES
7.38%
Diversification
GCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,373 total
12.84%
ZUT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 13 total
78.61%
Characteristics
Compare
GCNS
ZUT
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.02% | 2.84% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | September 14, 2020 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about GCNS and ZUT
Which ETF has performed better year to date: GCNS or ZUT?
As of May 21, 2026, GCNS has returned 4.41% year to date, while ZUT has returned 18.35%. ZUT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: GCNS or ZUT?
As of May 21, 2026, GCNS manages $71.56 M in assets, while ZUT manages $882.61 M. ZUT is the larger fund by AUM.
How are GCNS and ZUT managed?
GCNS is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. ZUT is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do GCNS and ZUT emphasize?
GCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Information Technology, and Financials. ZUT is most exposed to Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: GCNS or ZUT?
Year to date, GCNS has seen +$10.58 M in net flows, compared with -$73.36 M for ZUT. GCNS has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of GCNS and ZUT compare?
GCNS has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while ZUT has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of GCNS and ZUT?
GCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and BROADCOM LIMITED. ZUT's top holdings include BORALEX, NORTHLAND POWER, and BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS.
Which ETF is more diversified: GCNS or ZUT?
GCNS holds 1246 securities, while ZUT holds 13. On holdings count, GCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about GCNS and ZUT
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