XCS
iShares S&P/TSX Small Cap Index ETF

Full XCS fund page
VS
ZSP
BMO S&P 500 Index ETF

Full ZSP fund page

iShares S&P/TSX Small Cap Index ETF (XCS) and BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XCS focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Materials, Energy, and Real Estate, while ZSP leans towards Information Technology, Financials, and Communication Services. When evaluating costs, XCS features a management fee (MER) of 0.55%, compared to 0.08% for ZSP. Performance-wise, XCS has returned 20.76% year-to-date with -$6 M in net flows, whereas ZSP is at 6.9% with +$466 M. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.

NAV Performance and Flows

0246810%Apr 7Apr 14Apr 21Apr 28May 5

Key Data

Historical performance and flows

As of May 7, 2026
1M3MYTD1Y3Y
Perf.
XCS
+7.23%+6.21%+20.76%+79.13%+114.36%
ZSP
+8.99%+6.30%+6.90%+29.86%+86.90%
Flows
XCS
+$7 M+$5 M-$6 M-$2 M+$0 M
ZSP
+$312 M+$195 M+$466 M+$1,450 M+$4,683 M

XCS vs ZSP exposure

Countries

XCS
Canada
99.22%
ZSP
USA
96.98%

Sectors

XCS
Materials
23.32%
Energy
22.51%
Other
14.43%
Real Estate
9.22%
Industrials
8.90%
Other
21.62%
ZSP
Information Technology
33.63%
Financials
10.49%
Communication Services
10.10%
Consumer Discretionary
9.94%
Health Care
9.40%
Industrials
8.34%
Other
18.10%
As of May 7, 2026

Top 10 Holdings

XCS
TAMARACK VALLEY ENERGY
1.89%
METHANEX
1.87%
ATHABASCA OIL
1.83%
SPROTT
1.44%
CA3499421020
1.43%
DENISON MINES
1.40%
CA01921D2041
1.40%
BAYTEX ENERGY
1.38%
KINAXIS
1.32%
CA8139211038
1.32%
ZSP
NVIDIA
7.39%
APPLE
6.67%
MICROSOFT-T
4.90%
AMAZON.COM INC
3.61%
ALPHABET INC-CL
2.93%
BROADCOM LIMITED
2.56%
ALPHABET INC-CL
2.35%
META PLATFORMS
2.16%
TESLA
1.84%
BERKSHIRE HATHWAY
1.60%

Diversification

XCS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 233 total
15.28%
ZSP
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 502 total
36.04%

Characteristics

Compare
XCS
ZSP
ProvideriSharesBMO
ManagementPassively managedPassively managed
BenchmarkS&P/TSX Smallcap Total Return Index - CADS&P 500 CAD Total Return Index - CAD
Replication MethodDirect (Physical)Direct (Physical)
Asset ClassEquityEquity
Dividend PolicyDistributingDistributing
Trailing 12m distribution yield1.05%0.79%
Meets ESG criteriaNoNo
Inception DateMay 14, 2007November 14, 2012

Frequently asked questions about XCS and ZSP

Which ETF has performed better year to date: XCS or ZSP?
As of May 7, 2026, XCS has returned 20.76% year to date, while ZSP has returned 6.90%. XCS is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XCS or ZSP?
As of May 7, 2026, XCS manages $258.63 M in assets, while ZSP manages $22.96 B. ZSP is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XCS and ZSP managed?
XCS is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Smallcap Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZSP is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the S&P 500 CAD Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XCS and ZSP emphasize?
XCS is most exposed to Materials, Energy, and Real Estate. ZSP is most exposed to Information Technology, Financials, and Communication Services.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XCS or ZSP?
Year to date, XCS has seen -$5.80 M in net flows, compared with +$465.64 M for ZSP. ZSP has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XCS and ZSP compare?
XCS has an expense ratio of 0.60%, while ZSP has an expense ratio of 0.09%.
What are the top holdings of XCS and ZSP?
XCS's largest holdings include TAMARACK VALLEY ENERGY and METHANEX. ZSP's top holdings include NVIDIA, APPLE, and ALPHABET INC-CL.
Which ETF is more diversified: XCS or ZSP?
XCS holds 198 securities, while ZSP holds 477. On holdings count, ZSP is the more diversified portfolio.

Recent articles about XCS and ZSP

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