VS
iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF (XTR) and iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio (GCNS) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XTR focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Finance, Energy, and Utilities, while GCNS leans towards Finance, Sovereign, and Technology. When evaluating costs, XTR features a management fee (MER) of 0.55%, compared to 0.22% for GCNS. Performance-wise, XTR has returned 10.2% year-to-date with -$18 M in net flows, whereas GCNS is at 7.32% with +$29 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
XTR
GCNS
| AuM | $371.86 M | $90.59 M |
| Management Fees | 0.55% | 0.22% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.60% | 0.23% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of November 11, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XTR | +2.01% | +1.29% | +10.20% | +10.77% | +42.21% |
GCNS | -0.30% | -0.45% | +7.32% | +7.43% | +42.75% | |
| Flows | XTR | -$1 M | -$5 M | -$18 M | -$16 M | -$114 M |
GCNS | +$1 M | +$5 M | +$29 M | +$32 M | +$63 M |
XTR vs GCNS exposure
Countries
XTR
Canada
49.82%
USA
37.92%
Other
12.26%
GCNS
Canada
62.30%
USA
24.61%
Other
13.09%
Sectors
XTR
Finance
28.89%
Energy
12.73%
Utilities
8.68%
Consumer Non-Cyclicals
7.02%
Other
42.68%
GCNS
Finance
32.92%
Sovereign
16.49%
Technology
13.96%
Municipal
12.29%
Other
24.35%
As of November 11, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XTR
CA46430D1042
19.79%
CA46430K1084
17.14%
CA46434Y1043
12.57%
CA46431L1132
8.42%
CA46431X1096
7.57%
CA46430W1023
6.98%
CA46433N1096
6.93%
CA46434T1057
6.55%
CA46430M1041
6.47%
CA46429Q1081
3.94%
GCNS
CA46437Q1081
18.52%
CA46432E1007
17.83%
CA45033L1094
15.86%
CA46431U1057
12.80%
CA46436U1003
12.46%
CA46438D1069
10.60%
CA46436Y1025
7.45%
US4642874329
4.39%
Diversification
XTR
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 11,289 total
96.35%
GCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,365 total
99.91%
Characteristics
Compare
XTR
GCNS
| Provider | iShares | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | - | - |
| Replication Method | - | - |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity, Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.85% | 2.15% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | Yes |
| Inception Date | December 19, 2005 | September 14, 2020 |
Frequently asked questions about XTR and GCNS
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XTR or GCNS?
As of November 11, 2026, XTR has returned 10.20% year to date, while GCNS has returned 7.32%. XTR is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XTR or GCNS?
As of November 11, 2026, XTR manages $371.86 M in assets, while GCNS manages $90.59 M. XTR is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XTR and GCNS managed?
XTR is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index. GCNS is actively managed by iShares. It does not track an index.
Which ETF is more diversified: XTR or GCNS?
XTR holds 1 securities, while GCNS holds 1. On holdings count, XTR is the more diversified portfolio.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XTR or GCNS?
Year to date, XTR has seen -$18.19 M in net flows, compared with +$28.51 M for GCNS. GCNS has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XTR and GCNS compare?
XTR has an expense ratio of 0.60%, while GCNS has an expense ratio of 0.23%.
What sectors do XTR and GCNS emphasize?
XTR is most exposed to Finance, Energy, and Utilities. GCNS is most exposed to Finance, Sovereign, and Technology.
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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.

