VS
iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF (XLB) and BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XLB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Municipal, Sovereign, and Power, while ZEB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, XLB features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.25% for ZEB. Performance-wise, XLB has returned 2.56% year-to-date with -$93 M in net flows, whereas ZEB is at 25.29% with -$1,134 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
ZEB
| AuM | $751.29 M | $5,581.28 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.25% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.20% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.62% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 12, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLB | +2.28% | +3.51% | +2.56% | +3.60% | +9.27% |
ZEB | +8.46% | +23.65% | +25.29% | +67.84% | +147.83% | |
| Flows | XLB | -$9 M | -$76 M | -$93 M | -$87 M | +$12 M |
ZEB | -$103 M | -$237 M | -$1,134 M | -$935 M | -$1,914 M |
XLB vs ZEB exposure
Countries
XLB
Canada
99.84%
ZEB
Canada
100.00%
Sectors
XLB
Municipal
48.32%
Sovereign
17.52%
Other
9.52%
Power
9.02%
Other
15.61%
ZEB
Financials
100.00%
As of June 12, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XLB
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
4.19%
Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y
3.31%
CA135087U287
3.29%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD
3.23%
Canada, Bond 1.75 1dec2053 30Y
2.61%
Province of Quebec, 4.4% 1dec2055, CAD (B133)
2.22%
Province of Ontario, 2.9% 2dec2046, CAD (DMTN228)
1.65%
Province of Ontario, 4.65% 2jun2041, CAD (DMTN204)
1.60%
Province of Ontario, 3.75% 2dec2053, CAD (DMTN255)
1.48%
Province of Ontario, 3.45% 2jun2045, CAD (DMTN220)
1.48%
ZEB
TORONTO DOMINION
17.02%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.89%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.73%
ROYAL BK CANADA
16.71%
BNS
16.37%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.28%
Diversification
XLB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 620 total
25.07%
ZEB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
100.00%
Characteristics
Compare
XLB
ZEB
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE Canada Long Term Overall Bond TR Index - CAD | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 4.02% | 2.41% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 6, 2006 | October 20, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about XLB and ZEB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XLB or ZEB?
As of June 12, 2026, XLB has returned 2.56% year to date, while ZEB has returned 25.29%. ZEB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XLB or ZEB?
As of June 12, 2026, XLB manages $751.29 M in assets, while ZEB manages $5.58 B. ZEB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XLB and ZEB managed?
XLB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada Long Term Overall Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark. ZEB is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XLB and ZEB emphasize?
XLB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Power. ZEB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XLB or ZEB?
Year to date, XLB has seen -$92.51 M in net flows, compared with -$1,133.77 M for ZEB. XLB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XLB and ZEB compare?
XLB has an expense ratio of 0.20%, while ZEB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of XLB and ZEB?
XLB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD and Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y. ZEB's top holdings include TORONTO DOMINION, CDN IMPERIAL BK, and NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA.
Which ETF is more diversified: XLB or ZEB?
XLB holds 566 securities, while ZEB holds 6. On holdings count, XLB is the more diversified portfolio.
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