XIC vs VCN: Deciding Which ETF to Buy

ETF Sep 26, 2024 2 min read
XIC vs VCN: Deciding Which ETF to Buy

PiggyBank is reader-supported. We may be compensated if you use, sign-up or apply for services through our links. See our Advertising Disclosure.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get the latest news, expert advice and exclusive offers!

The main difference between XIC and VCN is that XIC largely replicates the performance of the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index while VCN seeks to replicate the performance of the FTSE Canada All Cap Domestic Index.

XIC

The iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) was launched in February 2001 and replicates the performance of the largest Canadian stock index, i.e., the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX).

Advertised as a long-term core holding, XIC offers exposure to a significant portion of Canadian equity markets within a single security.

XIC is ideal for young and middle-aged investors with a longer time horizon for goals such as retirement and a bullish view of the Canadian economy.

With financial institutions comprising of nearly 30% of the overall exposure, XIC is also beneficial for investors seeking a balance of capital gains growth with strong, reliable dividend yields.

As of June 30, 2024, the ETF had $12.13 billion in assets under management.

Since its inception, the XIC ETF has delivered 7% annualized returns with a 3-year return of 5.92%.

  • Ability to purchase XIC and VCN in Canada
  • Low commissions
  • Trusted trading platform for Canadians
LEARN MORE

VCN

The Vanguard FTSE Canada All-Cap Index ETF measures and tracks returns of large-cap, mid-cap and small-cap stocks that are publicly traded in the Canadian market.

Similar to its XIC counterpart, the ETF’s sector exposure is largely weighted towards financials, energy, materials, and industrials.

However the percentages look slightly different as the VCN ETF covers a broader range of equities than the TSX-focused XIC.

As of June 30, 2024, VCN had $6.73 billion in assets under management and delivered 8.22% annualized returns since inception with a 5-year return of 9.31%.

Performance: XIC vs. VCN

XIC Annualized Performance (as of June 30, 2024):

  • 3-Year: 5.92%
  • 5-Year: 9.26 %
  • 10-Year: 6.93%
  • Since inception: 7%

VCN Annualized Performance (June 30, 2024):

  • 3-Year: 6.20%
  • 5-Year: 9.31
  • 10-Year: 6.73%
  • Since inception: 8.22%

 

Fees

XIC offers a Management Expense Ratio (MER) of 0.06% which is largely comprised of its 0.05% management fee. 

VCN offers a Management Expense Ratio (MER) and management fee of 0.05%.

Holdings

Below are the top holdings within both XIC and VCN:

XIC:

  • Royal Bank of Canada (6.47%)
  • Toronto Dominion (4.28%)
  • Shopify (3.49%)
  • Canadian Pacific (3.25%)
  • Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (3.19%)
  • Enbridge Inc. (3.17%)
  • Canadian National Railway (2.93%)
  • Brookfield (2.80%)
  • Bank of Montreal (2.63%)
  • Constellation Software Inc. (2.58%)

As of July 16, 2024


 

VCN:

  • Royal Bank of Canada (6.82%)
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank (4.41%)
  • Shopify Inc. (3.62%)
  • Enbridge Inc. (3.43%)
  • Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (3.40%)
  • Canadian Pacific. (3.34%)
  • Canadian National Railway Co. (3.02%)
  • Brookfield (2.81%)
  • Bank of Montreal (2.77%)
  • Constellation Software Inc. (2.60%)

As of June 30, 2024

Frequently Asked Questions

info
Still have questions? Ask PiggyBank!
Email Us

Does VCN pay a dividend?

Yes, VCN pays a quarterly dividend.

Is VCN a good ETF?

VCN can be a good ETF for an investor seeking broad exposure to a large spectrum of Canadian equities. Before investing in VCN, it is worth assessing the underlying equity exposures and checking the MER to ensure that it fits within your investment criteria and objectives.

Who owns XIC?

XIC is part of the iShares fund family that is owned by BlackRock Inc.

Contributors

Harshil Dhanky
AUTHOR

Harshil Dhanky

Harshil Dhanky is a financial services professional based out of Toronto, Ontario with extensive experience in the Canadian banking industry across Toronto, Calgary, and Vancouver in the capital markets, asset management, and lending sectors.

In the past, Harshil has worked with a range of consumer lending websites, personal finance advisors, investment managers, insurance companies, and other financial institutions to write and edit whitepapers, articles, blog posts, and other collateral read by consumer audiences to help them make better financial decisions.

His work spans a wide range of Canadian personal finance topics including savings and retirement programs, debt management tips, mortgages and personal loans, and other key financial issues for Canadian consumers at each stage of their life.

Read Next

More resources to help with your journey

PiggyBank Daily

Subscribe to our daily newsletter to get the latest news, expert advice and exclusive offers!

banner-image