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iShares Global Healthcare Index ETF (XHC) and Evolve Global Healthcare Enhanced Yield ETF (LIFE) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XHC focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Consumer Cyclicals, while LIFE leans towards Healthcare. When evaluating costs, XHC features a management fee (MER) of 0.63%, compared to 0.45% for LIFE. Performance-wise, XHC has returned 3.53% year-to-date with -$45 M in net flows, whereas LIFE is at 2.08% with +$32 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
XHC
LIFE
| AuM | $529.87 M | $264.14 M |
| Management Fees | 0.63% | 0.45% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.66% | 0.65% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.47% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 10, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XHC | -2.59% | +4.72% | +3.53% | +13.56% | +17.44% |
LIFE | -3.70% | +5.57% | -2.08% | +7.01% | -0.79% | |
| Flows | XHC | +$0 M | +$18 M | -$45 M | -$15 M | -$89 M |
LIFE | +$5 M | +$7 M | +$32 M | +$65 M | +$104 M |
XHC vs LIFE exposure
Countries
XHC
USA
68.97%
Switzerland
10.28%
Other
20.75%
LIFE
USA
71.44%
Switzerland
10.09%
United Kingdom
9.46%
Other
9.02%
Sectors
XHC
Healthcare
96.07%
LIFE
Healthcare
101.04%
As of September 10, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XHC
Eli Lilly & Co.
10.16%
Johnson & Johnson
6.85%
AbbVie, Inc.
5.06%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
4.30%
Merck & Co., Inc.
4.02%
Roche Holding AG
3.85%
Novartis AG
3.60%
AstraZeneca PLC
3.32%
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
2.68%
Amgen, Inc.
2.62%
LIFE
Bristol Myers Squibb Co.
5.65%
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
5.63%
Abbott Laboratories
5.53%
Amgen, Inc.
5.29%
Stryker Corp.
5.22%
Medtronic Plc
5.21%
Pfizer Inc.
5.19%
Roche Holding AG
5.18%
Merck & Co., Inc.
5.08%
Gilead Sciences, Inc.
5.07%
Diversification
XHC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 111 total
46.47%
LIFE
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 20 total
53.06%
Characteristics
Compare
XHC
LIFE
| Provider | iShares | Evolve ETFs |
| Management | Passively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | S&P Global 1200 Health Care CAD Hedged Net Total Return Index - CAD | - |
| Replication Method | ||
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.87% | 12.05% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | April 12, 2011 | October 25, 2017 |
Frequently asked questions about XHC and LIFE
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XHC or LIFE?
As of September 10, 2026, XHC has returned 3.53% year to date, while LIFE has returned -2.08%. XHC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XHC or LIFE?
As of September 10, 2026, XHC manages $529.87 M in assets, while LIFE manages $264.14 M. XHC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XHC and LIFE managed?
XHC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P Global 1200 Health Care CAD Hedged Net Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. LIFE is actively managed by Evolve ETFs. It does not track an index.
What sectors do XHC and LIFE emphasize?
XHC is most exposed to Healthcare, Consumer Non-Cyclicals, and Consumer Cyclicals. LIFE is most exposed to Healthcare.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XHC or LIFE?
Year to date, XHC has seen -$45.39 M in net flows, compared with +$31.67 M for LIFE. LIFE has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XHC and LIFE compare?
XHC has an expense ratio of 0.66%, while LIFE has an expense ratio of 0.65%.
What are the top holdings of XHC and LIFE?
XHC's largest holdings include Eli Lilly & Co., Johnson & Johnson, and AbbVie, Inc.. LIFE's top holdings include Bristol Myers Squibb Co., Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., and Abbott Laboratories.
Which ETF is more diversified: XHC or LIFE?
XHC holds 110 securities, while LIFE holds 20. On holdings count, XHC is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XHC and LIFE
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