VS
Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) 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 XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, VCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, VCNS has returned 2.82% year-to-date with +$98 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 7.87% 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
VCNS
XIC
| AuM | $850.00 M | $28,822.16 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.25% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.12% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 30, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VCNS | +2.37% | +1.46% | +2.82% | +13.04% | +33.89% |
XIC | +6.57% | +6.98% | +7.87% | +39.98% | +79.31% | |
| Flows | VCNS | +$15 M | +$70 M | +$98 M | +$254 M | +$253 M |
XIC | +$1,151 M | +$4,154 M | +$5,138 M | +$7,659 M | +$11,101 M |
VCNS vs XIC exposure
Countries
VCNS
Canada
47.84%
USA
29.01%
Other
23.15%
XIC
Canada
98.95%
Sectors
VCNS
Sovereign
19.60%
Other
16.25%
Municipal
10.70%
Information Technology
7.94%
Financials
7.62%
Other
37.89%
XIC
Financials
28.13%
Energy
18.01%
Materials
15.92%
Other
13.03%
Other
24.92%
As of April 30, 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%
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
VCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 34,004 total
7.12%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
35.80%
Characteristics
Compare
VCNS
XIC
| Provider | Vanguard | 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 | 2.49% | 2.08% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 1, 2018 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about VCNS and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VCNS or XIC?
As of April 30, 2026, VCNS has returned 2.82% year to date, while XIC has returned 7.87%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VCNS or XIC?
As of April 30, 2026, VCNS manages $850.00 M in assets, while XIC manages $28.82 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VCNS and XIC managed?
VCNS is actively managed by Vanguard. 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 VCNS and XIC emphasize?
VCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VCNS or XIC?
Year to date, VCNS has seen +$97.98 M in net flows, compared with +$5,138.12 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VCNS and XIC compare?
VCNS has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of VCNS and XIC?
VCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: VCNS or XIC?
VCNS holds 24941 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, VCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VCNS and XIC
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