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Compare iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF (XLB) vs RBC Canadian Discount Bond ETF (RCDB) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XLB provides Municipal, Sovereign, and Utilities exposures, while RCDB is primarily weighted in Finance, Municipal, and Sovereign. When evaluating costs, XLB features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.15% for RCDB. Performance-wise, XLB has returned 3.26% year-to-date with -$65 M in net flows, whereas RCDB is at 0.63% with +$148 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
XLB
RCDB
| AuM | $726.89 M | $1,400.32 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.20% | 0.17% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 29, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLB | -1.90% | -6.35% | -3.26% | -4.62% | +11.25% |
RCDB | -0.59% | -0.78% | +0.63% | +0.94% | +14.89% | |
| Flows | XLB | +$14 M | +$35 M | -$65 M | -$82 M | -$12 M |
RCDB | -$22 M | +$33 M | +$148 M | +$177 M | +$368 M |
XLB vs RCDB exposure
Countries
XLB
Canada
98.26%
RCDB
Canada
99.08%
Sectors
XLB
Municipal
51.71%
Sovereign
19.48%
Utilities
10.74%
Other
18.07%
RCDB
Finance
32.14%
Municipal
16.92%
Sovereign
16.13%
Utilities
7.90%
Government Agencies
7.17%
Other
19.73%
As of September 29, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XLB
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
4.72%
Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y
3.14%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD
3.05%
Canada, Bond 1.75 1dec2053 30Y
2.40%
Province of Quebec, 4.4% 1dec2055, CAD (B133)
2.04%
Province of Ontario, 3.45% 2jun2045, CAD (DMTN220)
1.75%
Province of Ontario, 4.45% 2dec2056, CAD
1.69%
Province of Quebec, 3.1% 1dec2051, CAD (B125-01)
1.58%
Province of Quebec, 4.2% 1dec2057, CAD (B137)
1.57%
Province of Ontario, 4.7% 2jun2037, CAD (DMTN164)
1.41%
RCDB
Canada, Bond 2 1jun2028 10Y
4.51%
Canada, Bond 0.5 1oct2030 10Y
3.70%
CMHC, 2.35% 15mar2028, CAD (80)
3.42%
Province of Ontario, 1.55% 1nov2029, CAD (DMTN251)
3.40%
Bell Canada, 1.65% 16aug2027, CAD (M-53)
2.24%
Province of Quebec, 1.9% 1sep2030, CAD (B127)
2.05%
CMHC, 1.75% 15jun2030, CAD (92)
2.02%
Royal Bank of Canada, 3.572% 9dec2031, CAD
1.92%
Hydro-Quebec, 2% 1sep2028, CAD (0082)
1.88%
Canada, Bonds 1.5% 1dec2031 10Y
1.78%
Diversification
XLB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 626 total
23.35%
RCDB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 111 total
26.91%
Characteristics
Compare
XLB
RCDB
| Provider | iShares | RBC Global Asset Management |
| Management | Passively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE Canada Long Term Overall Bond TR Index - CAD | - |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 4.32% | 2.27% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 6, 2006 | June 12, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about XLB and RCDB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XLB or RCDB?
As of September 29, 2026, XLB has returned -3.26% year to date, while RCDB has returned 0.63%. RCDB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XLB or RCDB?
As of September 29, 2026, XLB manages $726.89 M in assets, while RCDB manages $1.40 B. RCDB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XLB and RCDB managed?
XLB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada Long Term Overall Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark. RCDB is actively managed by RBC Global Asset Management. It does not track an index.
What sectors do XLB and RCDB emphasize?
XLB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Utilities. RCDB is most exposed to Finance, Municipal, and Sovereign.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XLB or RCDB?
Year to date, XLB has seen -$65.23 M in net flows, compared with +$147.59 M for RCDB. RCDB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XLB and RCDB compare?
XLB has an expense ratio of 0.20%, while RCDB has an expense ratio of 0.17%.
What are the top holdings of XLB and RCDB?
XLB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD, Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y, and Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD. RCDB's top holdings include Canada, Bond 2 1jun2028 10Y, Canada, Bond 0.5 1oct2030 10Y, and CMHC, 2.35% 15mar2028, CAD (80).
Which ETF is more diversified: XLB or RCDB?
XLB holds 624 securities, while RCDB holds 111. On holdings count, XLB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XLB and RCDB
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