VS
Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS) and BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT) 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 ZUT leans towards Utilities. When evaluating costs, VCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.55% for ZUT. Performance-wise, VCNS has returned 2.54% year-to-date with +$98 M in net flows, whereas ZUT is at 13.73% with -$59 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
ZUT
| AuM | $847.68 M | $862.35 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.25% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.74% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 28, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VCNS | +3.67% | +0.97% | +2.54% | +13.18% | +32.73% |
ZUT | -0.80% | +11.40% | +13.73% | +27.52% | +36.69% | |
| Flows | VCNS | +$16 M | +$74 M | +$98 M | +$254 M | +$254 M |
ZUT | +$18 M | -$34 M | -$59 M | +$132 M | +$256 M |
VCNS vs ZUT exposure
Countries
VCNS
Canada
47.84%
USA
29.01%
Other
23.15%
ZUT
Canada
85.16%
Bermuda
14.84%
Sectors
VCNS
Sovereign
19.60%
Other
16.25%
Municipal
10.70%
Information Technology
7.94%
Financials
7.62%
Other
37.89%
ZUT
Utilities
100.00%
As of April 28, 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%
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
VCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 34,004 total
7.12%
ZUT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 13 total
78.61%
Characteristics
Compare
VCNS
ZUT
| Provider | Vanguard | 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 | 2.50% | 2.95% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 1, 2018 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about VCNS and ZUT
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VCNS or ZUT?
As of April 28, 2026, VCNS has returned 2.54% year to date, while ZUT has returned 13.73%. ZUT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VCNS or ZUT?
As of April 28, 2026, VCNS manages $847.68 M in assets, while ZUT manages $862.35 M. ZUT is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VCNS and ZUT managed?
VCNS is actively managed by Vanguard. 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 VCNS and ZUT emphasize?
VCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology. ZUT is most exposed to Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VCNS or ZUT?
Year to date, VCNS has seen +$97.98 M in net flows, compared with -$58.72 M for ZUT. VCNS has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VCNS and ZUT compare?
VCNS has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while ZUT has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of VCNS and ZUT?
VCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE. ZUT's top holdings include BORALEX, NORTHLAND POWER, and BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VCNS or ZUT?
VCNS holds 24941 securities, while ZUT holds 13. On holdings count, VCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VCNS and ZUT
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