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iShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB) and Desjardins 1-5 year Laddered Canadian Government Bond Index ETF (DCG) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XBB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Municipal, and Finance, while DCG leans towards Municipal, Finance, and Government Agencies. When evaluating costs, XBB features a management fee (MER) of 0.09%, compared to 0.12% for DCG. Performance-wise, XBB has returned 0.24% year-to-date with +$2 B in net flows, whereas DCG is at 0.94% with +$18 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
XBB
DCG
| AuM | $10,680.87 M | $138.88 M |
| Management Fees | 0.09% | 0.12% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.10% | 0.14% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.12% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 4, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XBB | -1.00% | -1.37% | +0.24% | +1.51% | +13.71% |
DCG | -0.35% | -0.04% | +0.94% | +1.80% | +13.76% | |
| Flows | XBB | +$758 M | +$885 M | +$1,788 M | +$2,599 M | +$5,261 M |
DCG | +$3 M | -$22 M | +$18 M | +$40 M | +$87 M |
XBB vs DCG exposure
Countries
XBB
Canada
97.34%
DCG
Canada
97.05%
Sectors
XBB
Sovereign
33.61%
Municipal
28.99%
Finance
14.34%
Government Agencies
7.06%
Other
16.00%
DCG
Municipal
59.43%
Finance
18.21%
Government Agencies
15.05%
Other
7.31%
As of September 4, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XBB
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD
1.52%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD
1.52%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2035, CAD
1.51%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.42%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2036, CAD
1.35%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
1.24%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.23%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.22%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.13%
Canada, Bonds 2.5% 1may2028, CAD
1.12%
DCG
CMHC, 2.35% 15jun2027, CAD (77)
8.82%
Province of Quebec, 1.5% 1sep2031, CAD (B128)
7.44%
Province of Ontario, 2.15% 2jun2031, CAD (DMTN249)
7.26%
Province of Ontario, 1.35% 2dec2030, CAD (DMTN248)
7.10%
Canada, Bond 2.25 1jun2029 10Y
6.54%
Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, 3% 15jun2028, CAD (8)
6.52%
CPPIB Capital, 3.35% 2dec2030, CAD (68)
5.49%
Province of Quebec, 2.75% 1sep2027, CAD (B122)
5.23%
CMHC, 2.65% 15dec2028, CAD (85)
5.10%
Province of New Brunswick, 3.1% 14aug2028, CAD (HZ)
4.59%
Diversification
XBB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,889 total
13.27%
DCG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 40 total
64.08%
Characteristics
Compare
XBB
DCG
| Provider | iShares | Desjardins Investments |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD | Solactive 1-5 Year Laddered Canadian Government Bond Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.50% | 2.32% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 20, 2000 | March 21, 2017 |
Frequently asked questions about XBB and DCG
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XBB or DCG?
As of September 4, 2026, XBB has returned 0.24% year to date, while DCG has returned 0.94%. DCG is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XBB or DCG?
As of September 4, 2026, XBB manages $10.68 B in assets, while DCG manages $138.88 M. XBB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XBB and DCG managed?
XBB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark. DCG is passively managed by Desjardins Investments. It tracks the Solactive 1-5 Year Laddered Canadian Government Bond Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XBB and DCG emphasize?
XBB is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Finance. DCG is most exposed to Municipal, Finance, and Government Agencies.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XBB or DCG?
Year to date, XBB has seen +$1,787.61 M in net flows, compared with +$18.21 M for DCG. XBB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XBB and DCG compare?
XBB has an expense ratio of 0.10%, while DCG has an expense ratio of 0.14%.
What are the top holdings of XBB and DCG?
XBB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD, Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD, and Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2035, CAD. DCG's top holdings include CMHC, 2.35% 15jun2027, CAD (77), Province of Quebec, 1.5% 1sep2031, CAD (B128), and Province of Ontario, 2.15% 2jun2031, CAD (DMTN249).
Which ETF is more diversified: XBB or DCG?
XBB holds 1889 securities, while DCG holds 40. On holdings count, XBB is the more diversified portfolio.
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All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.