VS
BMO Balanced ESG ETF (ZESG) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that ZESG focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Information Technology, Sovereign, and Municipal, while XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, ZESG features a management fee (MER) of 0.18%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, ZESG has returned 7.06% year-to-date with +$4 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 11.84% with +$6 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
ZESG
XIC
| AuM | $104.81 M | $30,591.63 M |
| Management Fees | 0.18% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.20% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.11% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 17, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ZESG | +3.63% | +7.60% | +7.06% | +18.72% | +51.15% |
XIC | +4.29% | +7.25% | +11.84% | +35.39% | +91.44% | |
| Flows | ZESG | +$0 M | +$1 M | +$4 M | +$14 M | +$27 M |
XIC | +$414 M | +$2,859 M | +$5,834 M | +$7,724 M | +$11,873 M |
ZESG vs XIC exposure
Countries
ZESG
Canada
49.13%
USA
37.52%
Other
13.35%
XIC
Canada
99.06%
Sectors
ZESG
Information Technology
16.90%
Sovereign
10.83%
Municipal
10.54%
Financials
10.07%
Other
51.66%
XIC
Financials
29.96%
Energy
17.73%
Materials
14.57%
Other
13.30%
Other
24.44%
As of June 17, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
ZESG
NVIDIA
5.48%
MICROSOFT-T
3.23%
Canada, Bond 1.25 1jun2030 10Y
2.52%
ALPHABET INC-CL
2.19%
ALPHABET INC-CL
1.82%
TORONTO DOMINION
1.69%
Canada, Bonds 2% 1jun2032, CAD
1.51%
Canada, Bonds 1.5% 1dec2031 10Y
1.48%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
1.42%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1mar2028, CAD
1.37%
XIC
ROYAL BK CANADA
7.02%
TORONTO DOMINION
5.05%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
4.16%
ENBRIDGE
3.38%
BANK OF MONTREAL
3.00%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
2.89%
CA11271J1075
2.78%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
2.78%
BNS
2.68%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
2.63%
Diversification
ZESG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,477 total
22.71%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
36.37%
Characteristics
Compare
ZESG
XIC
| Provider | BMO | iShares |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.64% | 2.00% |
| Meets ESG criteria | Yes | No |
| Inception Date | January 16, 2020 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about ZESG and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: ZESG or XIC?
As of June 17, 2026, ZESG has returned 7.06% year to date, while XIC has returned 11.84%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: ZESG or XIC?
As of June 17, 2026, ZESG manages $104.81 M in assets, while XIC manages $30.59 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are ZESG and XIC managed?
ZESG is actively managed by BMO. It does not track an index. XIC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do ZESG and XIC emphasize?
ZESG is most exposed to Information Technology, Sovereign, and Municipal. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: ZESG or XIC?
Year to date, ZESG has seen +$4.31 M in net flows, compared with +$5,834.48 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of ZESG and XIC compare?
ZESG has an expense ratio of 0.20%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of ZESG and XIC?
ZESG's largest holdings include NVIDIA and ALPHABET INC-CL. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: ZESG or XIC?
ZESG holds 1349 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, ZESG is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about ZESG and XIC
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