VS
iShares Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF (XSI) and BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XSI focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Banks, and Other sectors, while ZUT leans towards Utilities, Energy, and Industrials. When evaluating costs, XSI features a management fee (MER) of 0.5%, compared to 0.55% for ZUT. Performance-wise, XSI has returned 0.55% year-to-date with +$3 M in net flows, whereas ZUT is at 22.01% with -$126 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
XSI
ZUT
| AuM | $45.10 M | $852.91 M |
| Management Fees | 0.50% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.53% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.85% |
Historical performance and flows
As of July 17, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XSI | -0.13% | -0.03% | +0.55% | +2.96% | +15.02% |
ZUT | +1.71% | +5.71% | +22.01% | +27.22% | +54.59% | |
| Flows | XSI | +$0 M | -$2 M | +$3 M | +$3 M | -$6 M |
ZUT | -$60 M | -$66 M | -$126 M | -$42 M | +$188 M |
XSI vs ZUT exposure
Countries
XSI
USA
43.79%
Canada
27.61%
Other
24.21%
ZUT
Canada
83.77%
Bermuda
16.23%
Sectors
XSI
Other
24.21%
Sovereign
21.67%
Other
54.12%
ZUT
Utilities
84.34%
Energy
8.20%
Industrials
7.46%
As of July 17, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XSI
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
2.36%
Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y
1.93%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD
1.91%
Canada, Bond 1.75 1dec2053 30Y
1.52%
BlackRock Cash Funds - Institutional
0.81%
Canada, Bond 2.75 1dec2048 30Y
0.59%
Canada, Bond 4 1jun2041 30Y
0.59%
Canada, Bond 3.5 1dec2045 30Y
0.57%
Canada, Bond 2.75 1dec2064 50Y
0.48%
Province of Ontario, FRN 27nov2028, CAD (DMTN261)
0.48%
ZUT
Boralex, Inc.
9.57%
Brookfield Renewable Partners LP
8.77%
AltaGas Ltd.
8.20%
Capital Power Corp.
8.05%
TransAlta Corp.
7.83%
Northland Power, Inc.
7.73%
Brookfield Infrastructure Partners LP
7.46%
Canadian Utilities Ltd.
7.33%
ATCO Ltd.
7.25%
Emera, Inc.
7.16%
Diversification
XSI
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 11,374 total
11.25%
ZUT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 13 total
79.35%
Characteristics
Compare
XSI
ZUT
| Provider | iShares | BMO |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 4.38% | 2.72% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | January 20, 2015 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about XSI and ZUT
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XSI or ZUT?
As of July 17, 2026, XSI has returned 0.55% year to date, while ZUT has returned 22.01%. ZUT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XSI or ZUT?
As of July 17, 2026, XSI manages $45.10 M in assets, while ZUT manages $852.91 M. ZUT is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XSI and ZUT managed?
XSI is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. ZUT is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XSI and ZUT emphasize?
XSI is most exposed to Sovereign, Banks, and Other sectors. ZUT is most exposed to Utilities, Energy, and Industrials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XSI or ZUT?
Year to date, XSI has seen +$3.39 M in net flows, compared with -$125.69 M for ZUT. XSI has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XSI and ZUT compare?
XSI has an expense ratio of 0.53%, while ZUT has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of XSI and ZUT?
XSI's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD and Canada, Bond 2 1jan2051 30Y. ZUT's top holdings include Boralex, Inc., Brookfield Renewable Partners LP, and AltaGas Ltd..
Which ETF is more diversified: XSI or ZUT?
XSI holds 2777 securities, while ZUT holds 13. On holdings count, XSI is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XSI and ZUT
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All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.




