VS
Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS) and iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF (XCNS) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VCNS focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology, while XCNS leans towards Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology. When evaluating costs, VCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.18% for XCNS. Performance-wise, VCNS has returned 2.95% year-to-date with +$98 M in net flows, whereas XCNS is at 2.95% with +$58 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
VCNS
XCNS
| AuM | $850.71 M | $379.37 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.18% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.25% | 0.19% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 24, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VCNS | +3.85% | +1.10% | +2.95% | +13.94% | +34.02% |
XCNS | +3.86% | +1.12% | +2.95% | +14.27% | +33.52% | |
| Flows | VCNS | +$17 M | +$76 M | +$98 M | +$255 M | +$253 M |
XCNS | +$13 M | +$41 M | +$58 M | +$138 M | +$238 M |
VCNS vs XCNS exposure
Countries
VCNS
Canada
47.84%
USA
29.01%
Other
23.15%
XCNS
Canada
56.95%
USA
28.62%
Other
14.43%
Sectors
VCNS
Sovereign
19.60%
Other
16.25%
Municipal
10.70%
Information Technology
7.94%
Financials
7.62%
Other
37.89%
XCNS
Other
14.89%
Sovereign
13.64%
Municipal
10.39%
Information Technology
7.90%
Financials
7.51%
Other
45.67%
As of April 24, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VCNS
NVIDIA
1.12%
APPLE
1.04%
ROYAL BK CANADA
0.86%
MICROSOFT-T
0.77%
TORONTO DOMINION
0.59%
CA135087T537
0.56%
AMAZON.COM INC
0.56%
CA135087T792
0.55%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
0.55%
CA135087T388
0.51%
XCNS
NVIDIA
1.21%
APPLE
1.06%
MICROSOFT-T
0.78%
ROYAL BK CANADA
0.69%
CA135087T537
0.60%
CA135087T388
0.60%
AMAZON.COM INC
0.58%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
0.57%
CA135087T792
0.56%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
0.49%
Diversification
VCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 34,004 total
7.12%
XCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 21,721 total
7.14%
Characteristics
Compare
VCNS
XCNS
| Provider | Vanguard | 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 | 2.49% | 2.56% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 1, 2018 | August 7, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about VCNS and XCNS
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VCNS or XCNS?
As of April 24, 2026, VCNS has returned 2.95% year to date, while XCNS has returned 2.95%. XCNS is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VCNS or XCNS?
As of April 24, 2026, VCNS manages $850.71 M in assets, while XCNS manages $379.37 M. VCNS is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VCNS and XCNS managed?
VCNS is actively managed by Vanguard. It does not track an index. XCNS is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index.
What sectors do VCNS and XCNS emphasize?
VCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology. XCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VCNS or XCNS?
Year to date, VCNS has seen +$97.66 M in net flows, compared with +$57.85 M for XCNS. VCNS has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VCNS and XCNS compare?
VCNS has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while XCNS has an expense ratio of 0.19%.
What are the top holdings of VCNS and XCNS?
VCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE. XCNS's top holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE.
Which ETF is more diversified: VCNS or XCNS?
VCNS holds 24941 securities, while XCNS holds 18569. On holdings count, VCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VCNS and XCNS
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