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Compare BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (ZLB) vs iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) to find the best fit for your portfolio. ZLB provides Financials, Utilities, and Consumer Staples exposures, while XIC is primarily weighted in Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, ZLB features a management fee (MER) of 0.35%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, ZLB has returned 2.36% year-to-date with +$178 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 7.87% with +$5 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
ZLB
XIC
| AuM | $5,964.75 M | $28,822.16 M |
| Management Fees | 0.35% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.39% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.12% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 30, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ZLB | +0.40% | +3.10% | +2.36% | +18.58% | +46.89% |
XIC | +6.57% | +6.98% | +7.87% | +39.98% | +79.31% | |
| Flows | ZLB | +$50 M | +$73 M | +$178 M | +$627 M | +$1,359 M |
XIC | +$1,151 M | +$4,154 M | +$5,138 M | +$7,659 M | +$11,101 M |
ZLB vs XIC exposure
Countries
ZLB
Canada
98.76%
XIC
Canada
98.95%
Sectors
ZLB
Financials
22.74%
Utilities
17.75%
Consumer Staples
17.26%
Communication Services
9.91%
Other
8.17%
Materials
7.09%
Other
17.08%
XIC
Financials
28.13%
Energy
18.01%
Materials
15.92%
Other
13.03%
Other
24.92%
As of April 30, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
ZLB
LOBLAW COMPANIES
4.81%
FORTIS
4.19%
QUEBECOR SUB VOTING
4.16%
HYDRO ONE
4.15%
METRO
3.78%
EMPIRE
3.74%
EMERA
3.58%
GREAT WEST LIFECO
3.30%
CANADIAN UTILITIES
3.08%
GEORGE WESTON
2.88%
XIC
ROYAL BK CANADA
6.69%
TORONTO DOMINION
4.64%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
4.31%
ENBRIDGE
3.50%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
3.01%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
3.01%
BANK OF MONTREAL
2.83%
CA11271J1075
2.65%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
2.61%
BNS
2.53%
Diversification
ZLB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 52 total
37.67%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
35.80%
Characteristics
Compare
ZLB
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 | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.90% | 2.08% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | October 27, 2011 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about ZLB and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: ZLB or XIC?
As of April 30, 2026, ZLB has returned 2.36% year to date, while XIC has returned 7.87%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: ZLB or XIC?
As of April 30, 2026, ZLB manages $5.96 B in assets, while XIC manages $28.82 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are ZLB and XIC managed?
ZLB 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 ZLB and XIC emphasize?
ZLB is most exposed to Financials, Utilities, and Consumer Staples. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: ZLB or XIC?
Year to date, ZLB has seen +$177.64 M in net flows, compared with +$5,138.12 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of ZLB and XIC compare?
ZLB has an expense ratio of 0.39%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of ZLB and XIC?
ZLB's largest holdings include LOBLAW COMPANIES and FORTIS. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: ZLB or XIC?
ZLB holds 48 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, XIC is the more diversified portfolio.
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