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Compare iShares ESG Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (XSAB) vs iShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XSAB and XBB provide the same top sector exposures: Sovereign, Municipal, and Finance. When evaluating costs, XSAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.15%, compared to 0.09% for XBB. Performance-wise, XSAB has returned 0.03% year-to-date with +$39 M in net flows, whereas XBB is at 0.13% with +$2 B. 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
XSAB
XBB
| AuM | $249.42 M | $10,917.34 M |
| Management Fees | 0.15% | 0.09% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.17% | 0.10% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 28, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XSAB | +0.80% | -1.23% | +0.03% | -1.45% | +14.50% |
XBB | +0.78% | -1.23% | +0.13% | -1.30% | +15.21% | |
| Flows | XSAB | +$12 M | +$12 M | +$39 M | +$50 M | +$131 M |
XBB | +$62 M | +$1,024 M | +$2,098 M | +$2,620 M | +$4,581 M |
XSAB vs XBB exposure
Countries
XSAB
Canada
94.58%
XBB
Canada
96.80%
Sectors
XSAB
Sovereign
34.69%
Municipal
27.97%
Finance
14.40%
Government Agencies
7.35%
Other
15.59%
XBB
Sovereign
33.82%
Municipal
28.72%
Finance
14.06%
Government Agencies
7.21%
Other
16.19%
As of October 28, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XSAB
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD
1.41%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD
1.40%
Canada, Bond 1.25 1jun2030 10Y
1.36%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2035, CAD
1.34%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2036, CAD
1.34%
Canada, Bond 1.5 1jun2031 10Y
1.32%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.29%
Canada, Bond 0.5 1oct2030 10Y
1.22%
Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y
1.19%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.13%
XBB
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD
1.54%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD
1.52%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2035, CAD
1.50%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2036, CAD
1.46%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.40%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1sep2031, CAD
1.28%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.21%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.21%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
1.16%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.14%
Diversification
XSAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 743 total
12.98%
XBB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,904 total
13.40%
Characteristics
Compare
XSAB
XBB
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg MSCI Canadian Aggregate ESG Focus Index - USD | FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.40% | 3.53% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | March 18, 2019 | November 20, 2000 |
Frequently asked questions about XSAB and XBB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XSAB or XBB?
As of October 28, 2026, XSAB has returned 0.03% year to date, while XBB has returned 0.13%. XBB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XSAB or XBB?
As of October 28, 2026, XSAB manages $249.42 M in assets, while XBB manages $10.92 B. XBB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XSAB and XBB managed?
XSAB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the Bloomberg MSCI Canadian Aggregate ESG Focus Index - USD benchmark. XBB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XSAB and XBB emphasize?
XSAB is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Finance. XBB is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Finance.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XSAB or XBB?
Year to date, XSAB has seen +$39.41 M in net flows, compared with +$2,098.46 M for XBB. XBB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XSAB and XBB compare?
XSAB has an expense ratio of 0.17%, while XBB has an expense ratio of 0.10%.
What are the top holdings of XSAB and XBB?
XSAB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD, Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD, and Canada, Bond 1.25 1jun2030 10Y. XBB's top holdings include Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD, Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD, and Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2035, CAD.
Which ETF is more diversified: XSAB or XBB?
XSAB holds 742 securities, while XBB holds 1878. On holdings count, XBB is the more diversified portfolio.
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