VS
BMO SPDR Materials Select Sector Index ETF (ZXLB) and iShares S&P/TSX Capped Materials Index ETF (XMA) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that ZXLB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Materials, while XMA leans towards Materials. When evaluating costs, ZXLB features a management fee (MER) of 0.21%, compared to 0.55% for XMA. Performance-wise, ZXLB has returned 14.43% year-to-date with +$18 M in net flows, whereas XMA is at 11.11% with +$270 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
ZXLB
XMA
| AuM | $19.79 M | $722.12 M |
| Management Fees | 0.21% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.21% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | - | 0.89% |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 24, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | ZXLB | +6.40% | +3.82% | +14.43% | +24.90% | - |
XMA | +9.53% | -9.30% | +11.11% | +79.80% | +134.57% | |
| Flows | ZXLB | -$1 M | +$18 M | +$18 M | +$18 M | - |
XMA | +$24 M | +$204 M | +$270 M | +$312 M | +$191 M |
ZXLB vs XMA exposure
Countries
ZXLB
USA
73.34%
Ireland
21.54%
XMA
Canada
99.91%
Sectors
ZXLB
Materials
80.45%
Other
19.55%
XMA
Materials
82.53%
Other
17.48%
As of April 24, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
ZXLB
IE000S9YS762
14.42%
NEWMONT CORP
7.36%
FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC
5.26%
CORTEVA INC
4.75%
AIR PRODUCTS AND CHEMICALS
4.64%
SHERWIN WILLIAMS
4.60%
CRH PLC
4.51%
VULCAN MATERIALS
4.51%
MARTIN MARIETTA
4.40%
NUCOR
4.39%
XMA
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
15.62%
CA06849F1080
10.52%
WHEATON PRECIOUS METALS CORP
9.16%
FRANCO NEVADA
7.33%
KINROSS GOLD
5.64%
NUTRIEN LTD
5.58%
TECK RESOURCES LIMITED
3.56%
PAN AMERICAN
3.55%
ALAMOS GOLD
2.87%
LUNDIN MINING
2.59%
Diversification
ZXLB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 25 total
58.85%
XMA
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 60 total
66.41%
Characteristics
Compare
ZXLB
XMA
| Provider | BMO | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | S&P Materials Select Sector Total Return Index - USD | S&P/TSX Capped Materials Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 1.36% | 0.36% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 2, 2025 | December 19, 2005 |
Frequently asked questions about ZXLB and XMA
Which ETF has performed better year to date: ZXLB or XMA?
As of April 24, 2026, ZXLB has returned 14.43% year to date, while XMA has returned 11.11%. ZXLB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: ZXLB or XMA?
As of April 24, 2026, ZXLB manages $19.79 M in assets, while XMA manages $722.12 M. XMA is the larger fund by AUM.
How are ZXLB and XMA managed?
ZXLB is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the S&P Materials Select Sector Total Return Index - USD benchmark. XMA is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Materials Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do ZXLB and XMA emphasize?
ZXLB is most exposed to Materials. XMA is most exposed to Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: ZXLB or XMA?
Year to date, ZXLB has seen +$17.66 M in net flows, compared with +$269.86 M for XMA. XMA has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of ZXLB and XMA compare?
ZXLB has an expense ratio of 0.21%, while XMA has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of ZXLB and XMA?
ZXLB's largest holdings include NEWMONT CORP and FREEPORT-MCMORAN INC. XMA's top holdings include AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD and WHEATON PRECIOUS METALS CORP.
Which ETF is more diversified: ZXLB or XMA?
ZXLB holds 24 securities, while XMA holds 48. On holdings count, XMA is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about ZXLB and XMA
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Posted on 7/3/2025 by Kyle Anthony inDefense
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