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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 6.07% year-to-date with -$47 M in net flows, whereas LIFE is at 0.28% with +$27 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 | $541.04 M | $271.30 M |
| Management Fees | 0.63% | 0.45% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.66% | 0.65% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.81% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of July 29, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XHC | +2.96% | +14.36% | +6.07% | +20.22% | +20.11% |
LIFE | +3.05% | +10.62% | +0.28% | +8.91% | +3.04% | |
| Flows | XHC | +$11 M | -$6 M | -$47 M | -$10 M | -$91 M |
LIFE | +$1 M | +$7 M | +$27 M | +$64 M | +$102 M |
XHC vs LIFE exposure
Countries
XHC
USA
69.39%
Switzerland
10.35%
Other
20.26%
LIFE
USA
66.45%
Switzerland
10.21%
United Kingdom
9.14%
Other
14.20%
Sectors
XHC
Healthcare
96.86%
LIFE
Healthcare
101.40%
As of July 29, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XHC
Eli Lilly & Co.
10.91%
Johnson & Johnson
7.03%
AbbVie, Inc.
5.11%
UnitedHealth Group, Inc.
4.39%
Merck & Co., Inc.
4.11%
AstraZeneca PLC
3.76%
Roche Holding AG
3.75%
Novartis AG
3.72%
Amgen, Inc.
2.53%
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
2.41%
LIFE
Novo Nordisk A/S
6.45%
Eli Lilly & Co.
6.41%
AbbVie, Inc.
6.18%
Johnson & Johnson
5.44%
Merck & Co., Inc.
5.29%
Amgen, Inc.
5.19%
Novartis AG
5.11%
Roche Holding AG
5.11%
Danaher Corp.
5.10%
Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc.
5.07%
Diversification
XHC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 111 total
47.72%
LIFE
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 20 total
55.34%
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 | 1.82% | 11.52% |
| 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 July 29, 2026, XHC has returned 6.07% year to date, while LIFE has returned 0.28%. XHC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XHC or LIFE?
As of July 29, 2026, XHC manages $541.04 M in assets, while LIFE manages $271.30 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 -$47.21 M in net flows, compared with +$26.76 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 Novo Nordisk A/S, Eli Lilly & Co., and AbbVie, Inc..
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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