XIC vs VCN: Deciding Which ETF to Buy

Price ticker of ETF
PiggyBank is reader-supported. We may be compensated if you use, sign-up or apply for services through our links. Learn more.

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 October 31, 2023, the ETF had $8.3 billion in assets under management.

Since its inception, the XIC ETF has delivered 6.42% annualized returns with a 3-year return of 9.82%.

  • Ability to purchase XIC and VCN in Canada
  • Low commissions
  • Aims to get you the best possible price
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 October 31, 2023, the ETF had delivered 7.00% annualized returns since inception with a 5-year return of 7.84%.

Performance: XIC vs. VCN

XIC Annualized Performance (as of October 31, 2023):

  • 3-Year: 9.82%
  • 5-Year: 7.96%
  • 10-Year: 6.67%
  • Since inception: 6.42%

VCN Annualized Performance (as of October 31, 2023):

  • 3-Year: 10.33%
  • 5-Year: 7.84
  • 10-Year: 6.49%
  • Since inception: 7.00%

 

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 (5.80%)
  • Toronto Dominion (5.37%)
  • Shopify (3.87%)
  • Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (3.44%)
  • Enbridge Inc. (3.37%)
  • Canadian National Railway (3.22%)
  • Canadian Pacific (3.16%)
  • Bank of Montreal (2.76%)
  • Bank of Nova Scotia (2.53%)
  • Brookfield (2.29%)

As of November 17, 2023


 

VCN:

  • Royal Bank of Canada (5.93%)
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank (5.44%)
  • Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (3.64%)
  • Enbridge Inc. (3.63%)
  • Canadian Pacific (3.53%)
  • Canadian National Railway Co. (3.30%)
  • Shopify (2.88%)
  • Bank of Montreal (2.87%)
  • Bank of Nova Scotia (2.59%)
  • Brookfield (2.34%)

As of October 31, 2023

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does VCN pay a dividend?
  • Is VCN a good ETF?
  • Who owns XIC?
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.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Invest Better with Motley Fool's Stock Picks for Canadian Investors
Includes 30-day Membership Refund Period
Stock Advisor Canada has nearly DOUBLED the S&P/TSX Index over the last 9 years
Invest Better with Motley Fool's Stock Picks for Canadian Investors
Includes 30-day Membership Refund Period