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iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF (XLB) and BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XLB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Municipal, Sovereign, and Utilities, while ZSP leans towards Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals. When evaluating costs, XLB features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.08% for ZSP. Performance-wise, XLB has returned 1.07% year-to-date with -$119 M in net flows, whereas ZSP is at 13.93% with +$377 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
ZSP
| AuM | $694.75 M | $24,330.63 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.08% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.20% | 0.09% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.66% |
Historical performance and flows
As of August 19, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XLB | -1.54% | -0.00% | -1.07% | +1.78% | +10.40% |
ZSP | +1.75% | +5.51% | +13.93% | +20.86% | +84.22% | |
| Flows | XLB | +$5 M | -$36 M | -$119 M | -$108 M | -$71 M |
ZSP | +$92 M | -$29 M | +$377 M | +$859 M | +$4,941 M |
XLB vs ZSP exposure
Countries
XLB
Canada
98.67%
ZSP
USA
97.59%
Sectors
XLB
Municipal
52.55%
Sovereign
18.35%
Utilities
10.97%
Other
18.13%
ZSP
Technology
45.24%
Finance
13.35%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
8.96%
Healthcare
8.87%
Industrials
7.90%
Other
15.69%
As of August 19, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XLB
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
4.72%
Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y
3.39%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD
3.31%
Canada, Bond 1.75 1dec2053 30Y
2.51%
Province of Quebec, 4.4% 1dec2055, CAD (B133)
2.24%
Province of Ontario, 3.45% 2jun2045, CAD (DMTN220)
1.78%
Province of Ontario, 4.45% 2dec2056, CAD
1.75%
Province of Quebec, 3.1% 1dec2051, CAD (B125-01)
1.61%
Province of Quebec, 4.2% 1dec2057, CAD (B137)
1.60%
Province of Ontario, 2.9% 2dec2046, CAD (DMTN228)
1.47%
ZSP
NVIDIA Corp.
7.39%
Apple, Inc.
6.48%
Microsoft Corp.
4.29%
Amazon.com, Inc.
3.68%
Alphabet, Inc.
3.24%
Broadcom Inc.
2.76%
Alphabet, Inc.
2.60%
Micron Technology, Inc.
2.03%
Meta Platforms, Inc.
1.94%
Tesla, Inc.
1.81%
Diversification
XLB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 625 total
24.35%
ZSP
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 502 total
36.20%
Characteristics
Compare
XLB
ZSP
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE Canada Long Term Overall Bond TR Index - CAD | S&P 500 CAD Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 4.19% | 0.76% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 6, 2006 | November 14, 2012 |
Frequently asked questions about XLB and ZSP
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XLB or ZSP?
As of August 19, 2026, XLB has returned -1.07% year to date, while ZSP has returned 13.93%. ZSP is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XLB or ZSP?
As of August 19, 2026, XLB manages $694.75 M in assets, while ZSP manages $24.33 B. ZSP is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XLB and ZSP managed?
XLB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada Long Term Overall Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark. ZSP is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the S&P 500 CAD Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XLB and ZSP emphasize?
XLB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Utilities. ZSP is most exposed to Technology, Finance, and Consumer Non-Cyclicals.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XLB or ZSP?
Year to date, XLB has seen -$118.92 M in net flows, compared with +$376.79 M for ZSP. ZSP has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XLB and ZSP compare?
XLB has an expense ratio of 0.20%, while ZSP has an expense ratio of 0.09%.
What are the top holdings of XLB and ZSP?
XLB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD, Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y, and Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD. ZSP's top holdings include NVIDIA Corp., Apple, Inc., and Alphabet, Inc..
Which ETF is more diversified: XLB or ZSP?
XLB holds 625 securities, while ZSP holds 495. On holdings count, XLB is the more diversified portfolio.
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