VS
iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF (XCNS) and BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB) 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 ZEB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, XCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.25% for ZEB. Performance-wise, XCNS has returned 2.29% year-to-date with +$60 M in net flows, whereas ZEB is at 12.97% with -$1,137 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
XCNS
ZEB
| AuM | $378.86 M | $5,039.82 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.25% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.19% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.67% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 4, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XCNS | +1.44% | +0.92% | +2.29% | +12.37% | +32.99% |
ZEB | +8.42% | +10.67% | +12.97% | +62.72% | +121.74% | |
| Flows | XCNS | +$12 M | +$41 M | +$60 M | +$140 M | +$240 M |
ZEB | -$425 M | -$1,111 M | -$1,137 M | -$1,792 M | -$1,674 M |
XCNS vs ZEB exposure
Countries
XCNS
Canada
56.95%
USA
28.62%
Other
14.43%
ZEB
Canada
100.00%
Sectors
XCNS
Other
14.89%
Sovereign
13.64%
Municipal
10.39%
Information Technology
7.90%
Financials
7.51%
Other
45.67%
ZEB
Financials
100.00%
As of May 4, 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%
ZEB
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.14%
TORONTO DOMINION
17.02%
BNS
16.62%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.48%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.40%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.33%
Diversification
XCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 21,721 total
7.14%
ZEB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
100.00%
Characteristics
Compare
XCNS
ZEB
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.57% | 2.67% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | August 7, 2019 | October 20, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about XCNS and ZEB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XCNS or ZEB?
As of May 4, 2026, XCNS has returned 2.29% year to date, while ZEB has returned 12.97%. ZEB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XCNS or ZEB?
As of May 4, 2026, XCNS manages $378.86 M in assets, while ZEB manages $5.04 B. ZEB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XCNS and ZEB managed?
XCNS is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. ZEB is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XCNS and ZEB emphasize?
XCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology. ZEB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XCNS or ZEB?
Year to date, XCNS has seen +$59.78 M in net flows, compared with -$1,136.86 M for ZEB. XCNS has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XCNS and ZEB compare?
XCNS has an expense ratio of 0.19%, while ZEB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of XCNS and ZEB?
XCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE. ZEB's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: XCNS or ZEB?
XCNS holds 18569 securities, while ZEB holds 6. On holdings count, XCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
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