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Compare iShares Canadian Growth Index ETF (XCG) vs BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (ZLB) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XCG provides Non-Energy Materials, Finance, and Industrials exposures, while ZLB is primarily weighted in Finance, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Utilities. When evaluating costs, XCG features a management fee (MER) of 0.5%, compared to 0.35% for ZLB. Performance-wise, XCG has returned 2.51% year-to-date with -$3 M in net flows, whereas ZLB is at 4.98% with +$185 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
XCG
ZLB
| AuM | $151.32 M | $6,095.31 M |
| Management Fees | 0.50% | 0.35% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.55% | 0.39% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.62% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 16, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XCG | -4.04% | +0.21% | +2.51% | +7.20% | +53.56% |
ZLB | -1.60% | -1.05% | +4.98% | +12.28% | +56.32% | |
| Flows | XCG | -$4 M | +$3 M | -$3 M | +$3 M | +$35 M |
ZLB | -$30 M | +$29 M | +$185 M | +$288 M | +$1,212 M |
XCG vs ZLB exposure
Countries
XCG
Canada
95.48%
ZLB
Canada
95.90%
Sectors
XCG
Non-Energy Materials
24.99%
Finance
21.09%
Industrials
18.01%
Technology
8.89%
Energy
8.81%
Other
18.21%
ZLB
Finance
31.83%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
18.94%
Utilities
17.56%
Telecommunications
8.67%
Other
22.99%
As of September 16, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XCG
Shopify, Inc.
11.07%
Brookfield Corp.
7.26%
Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.
6.31%
Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.
6.20%
Canadian National Railway Co.
5.55%
Barrick Mining Corp.
5.10%
Wheaton Precious Metals Corp.
4.16%
Alimentation Couche-Tard, Inc.
3.85%
Constellation Software, Inc.
3.47%
Franco-Nevada Corp.
3.45%
ZLB
Fortis, Inc.
4.37%
Great-West Lifeco, Inc.
4.37%
Quebecor, Inc.
4.02%
Hydro One Ltd.
3.98%
Loblaw Cos. Ltd.
3.98%
Emera, Inc.
3.71%
Empire Co. Ltd.
3.61%
Intact Financial Corp.
3.33%
Metro, Inc.
3.26%
Canadian Utilities Ltd.
3.21%
Diversification
XCG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 40 total
56.40%
ZLB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 51 total
37.82%
Characteristics
Compare
XCG
ZLB
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | Dow Jones Canada Select Growth Total Return Index - CAD | - |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.49% | 1.86% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 6, 2006 | October 27, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about XCG and ZLB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XCG or ZLB?
As of September 16, 2026, XCG has returned 2.51% year to date, while ZLB has returned 4.98%. ZLB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XCG or ZLB?
As of September 16, 2026, XCG manages $151.32 M in assets, while ZLB manages $6.10 B. ZLB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XCG and ZLB managed?
XCG is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Dow Jones Canada Select Growth Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZLB is actively managed by BMO. It does not track an index.
What sectors do XCG and ZLB emphasize?
XCG is most exposed to Non-Energy Materials, Finance, and Industrials. ZLB is most exposed to Finance, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XCG or ZLB?
Year to date, XCG has seen -$2.90 M in net flows, compared with +$184.64 M for ZLB. ZLB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XCG and ZLB compare?
XCG has an expense ratio of 0.55%, while ZLB has an expense ratio of 0.39%.
What are the top holdings of XCG and ZLB?
XCG's largest holdings include Shopify, Inc., Brookfield Corp., and Canadian Pacific Kansas City Ltd.. ZLB's top holdings include Fortis, Inc., Great-West Lifeco, Inc., and Quebecor, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XCG or ZLB?
XCG holds 40 securities, while ZLB holds 51. On holdings count, ZLB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XCG and ZLB
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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.




