VS
iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF (XCNS) and BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT) 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 ZUT leans towards Utilities. When evaluating costs, XCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.55% for ZUT. Performance-wise, XCNS has returned 2.77% year-to-date with +$60 M in net flows, whereas ZUT is at 15.32% with -$60 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
ZUT
| AuM | $380.62 M | $873.00 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.19% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.85% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 1, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XCNS | +2.28% | +1.24% | +2.77% | +13.21% | +33.56% |
ZUT | -0.63% | +12.47% | +15.32% | +28.73% | +38.60% | |
| Flows | XCNS | +$13 M | +$41 M | +$60 M | +$140 M | +$239 M |
ZUT | +$25 M | -$37 M | -$60 M | +$129 M | +$254 M |
XCNS vs ZUT exposure
Countries
XCNS
Canada
56.95%
USA
28.62%
Other
14.43%
ZUT
Canada
85.16%
Bermuda
14.84%
Sectors
XCNS
Other
14.89%
Sovereign
13.64%
Municipal
10.39%
Information Technology
7.90%
Financials
7.51%
Other
45.67%
ZUT
Utilities
100.00%
As of May 1, 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%
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
XCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 21,721 total
7.14%
ZUT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 13 total
78.61%
Characteristics
Compare
XCNS
ZUT
| Provider | iShares | 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 | 2.56% | 2.91% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | August 7, 2019 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about XCNS and ZUT
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XCNS or ZUT?
As of May 1, 2026, XCNS has returned 2.77% year to date, while ZUT has returned 15.32%. ZUT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XCNS or ZUT?
As of May 1, 2026, XCNS manages $380.62 M in assets, while ZUT manages $873.00 M. ZUT is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XCNS and ZUT managed?
XCNS is actively managed by iShares. 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 XCNS and ZUT emphasize?
XCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology. ZUT is most exposed to Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XCNS or ZUT?
Year to date, XCNS has seen +$59.78 M in net flows, compared with -$60.16 M for ZUT. XCNS has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XCNS and ZUT compare?
XCNS has an expense ratio of 0.19%, while ZUT has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of XCNS and ZUT?
XCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and APPLE. ZUT's top holdings include BORALEX, NORTHLAND POWER, and BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS.
Which ETF is more diversified: XCNS or ZUT?
XCNS holds 18569 securities, while ZUT holds 13. On holdings count, XCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XCNS and ZUT
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