A side-by-side comparison of iShares US Small Cap (CAD Hedged) (XSU) and BMO S&P US Small Cap Index ETF (ZSML) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
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1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | XSU | ZSML |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +16.22% | +22.27%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | -0.62% | +0.15%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -0.33%✓ | -0.35% |
| 1-Month Change | -1.53% | +0.60%✓ |
| Current Price | $54.81 | $54.13 |
| AUM | $766M✓ | $195M |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.74% | 0.95%✓ |
| Distribution Frequency | Half-yearly | — |
| Inception Date | 2007-05-14 | 2020-01-28 |
| Holdings Count | 1 | 10 |
| MorningStar Rating | ★★ | ★★★★ |
| Category | US Small/Mid Cap Equity | US Small/Mid Cap Equity |
| Beta | 1.27 | 1.22 |
| 52-Week High | $56.67 | $56.52 |
| 52-Week Low | $40.29 | $39.80 |
| 50-Day MA | $54.59 | $52.48 |
| 200-Day MA | $49.88 | $47.54 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | XSU | ZSML |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | +16.22% | +22.27%✓ |
| 1 Year | +29.96% | +33.07%✓ |
| 3 Year | +14.14% | +16.23%✓ |
| 5 Year | +6.05% | +9.84%✓ |
| 10 Year | +8.95% | — |
| 1Y Volatility | 14.58% | 12.80% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 0.67 | 0.81 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Top 10 Holdings
| 1 | IWM | iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 99.76% |
| 1 | FORM | FormFactor Inc | 0.65% |
| 2 | ESI | Element Solutions Inc | 0.59% |
| 3 | BTSG | BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. Common Stock | 0.59% |
| 4 | AGX | Argan Inc | 0.58% |
| 5 | MOH | Molina Healthcare Inc | 0.58% |
| 6 | SNEX | Stonex Group Inc | 0.55% |
| 7 | KRYS | Krystal Biotech Inc | 0.52% |
| 8 | ESE | ESCO Technologies Inc | 0.50% |
| 9 | VSAT | ViaSat Inc | 0.49% |
| 10 | POWL | Powell Industries Inc | 0.48% |
Sector Weights
| Sector | XSU | ZSML |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 4.25% | 4.86% |
| Communication Services | 2.16% | 3.29% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 9.47% | 13.38% |
| Consumer Defensive | 2.70% | 3.65% |
| Energy | 5.71% | 4.95% |
| Financial Services | 18.25% | 16.46% |
| Healthcare | 20.31% | 11.44% |
| Industrials | 13.68% | 15.47% |
| Real Estate | 6.97% | 7.35% |
| Technology | 13.66% | 17.35% |
| Utilities | 2.84% | 1.79% |
About XSU
iShares US Small Cap (CAD Hedged) (XSU.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. More detailed information will be available soon.
About ZSML
NA
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both XSU and ZSML are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
Based on the available data, ZSML scores higher across our tracked metrics including YTD performance, dividend yield, and AUM — though both ETFs warrant individual research before investing.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between XSU and ZSML?
XSU (iShares US Small Cap (CAD Hedged)) and ZSML (BMO S&P US Small Cap Index ETF) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($766M vs $195M), dividend yield (0.74% vs 0.95%), and year-to-date performance (+16.22% vs +22.27%).
Is XSU better than ZSML?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise dividends, compare both yields and choose based on your income needs. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy XSU and ZSML on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both XSU and ZSML should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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