VS
iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF (XCNS) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XCNS focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology, while XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, XCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, XCNS has returned 2.03% year-to-date with +$60 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 6.63% 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
XCNS
XIC
| AuM | $377.88 M | $28,393.85 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.19% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.09% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 28, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XCNS | +3.13% | +0.57% | +2.03% | +12.43% | +32.60% |
XIC | +5.35% | +1.80% | +6.63% | +38.68% | +77.06% | |
| Flows | XCNS | +$13 M | +$42 M | +$60 M | +$140 M | +$239 M |
XIC | +$1,053 M | +$4,141 M | +$5,040 M | +$7,593 M | +$10,950 M |
XCNS vs XIC exposure
Countries
XCNS
Canada
56.95%
USA
28.62%
Other
14.43%
XIC
Canada
98.95%
Sectors
XCNS
Other
14.89%
Sovereign
13.64%
Municipal
10.39%
Information Technology
7.90%
Financials
7.51%
Other
45.67%
XIC
Financials
28.13%
Energy
18.01%
Materials
15.92%
Other
13.03%
Other
24.92%
As of April 28, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
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%
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
XCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 21,721 total
7.14%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
35.80%
Characteristics
Compare
XCNS
XIC
| Provider | iShares | 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 | 2.58% | 2.10% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | August 7, 2019 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about XCNS and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XCNS or XIC?
As of April 28, 2026, XCNS has returned 2.03% year to date, while XIC has returned 6.63%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XCNS or XIC?
As of April 28, 2026, XCNS manages $377.88 M in assets, while XIC manages $28.39 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XCNS and XIC managed?
XCNS is actively managed by iShares. 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 XCNS and XIC emphasize?
XCNS 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: XCNS or XIC?
Year to date, XCNS has seen +$59.78 M in net flows, compared with +$5,040.45 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XCNS and XIC compare?
XCNS has an expense ratio of 0.19%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of XCNS and XIC?
XCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: XCNS or XIC?
XCNS holds 18569 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, XCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XCNS and XIC
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