A side-by-side comparison of iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged) (CGL) and BMO Gold Bullion ETF (CAD Units) (ZGLD) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | CGL | ZGLD |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -0.60% | +1.86%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | +0.58%✓ | +0.35% |
| 1-Week Change | +0.62%✓ | +0.25% |
| 1-Month Change | +7.69%✓ | +6.58% |
| Current Price | $33.20 | $65.14 |
| AUM | $2.13B✓ | $1.67B |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0% | — |
| Dividend Yield | — | — |
| Distribution Frequency | None | — |
| Inception Date | 2009-05-28 | 2024-03-08 |
| Holdings Count | 1 | 1 |
| MorningStar Rating | — | — |
| Category | Commodity | Commodity |
| Beta | 0.17 | 0.00 |
| 52-Week High | $42.58 | $80.54 |
| 52-Week Low | $25.77 | $49.37 |
| 50-Day MA | $31.65 | $62.75 |
| 200-Day MA | $34.45 | $66.73 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | CGL | ZGLD |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -0.60% | +1.86%✓ |
| 1 Year | +26.48% | +31.44%✓ |
| 3 Year | +29.02% | — |
| 5 Year | +17.74% | — |
| 10 Year | +10.86% | — |
| 1Y Volatility | 27.63% | 24.91% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 1.09 | — |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Sector Weights
| Sector | CGL | ZGLD |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Communication Services | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Consumer Defensive | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Energy | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Financial Services | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Healthcare | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Industrials | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Real Estate | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Technology | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Utilities | 0.00% | 0.00% |
About CGL
iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged) (CGL.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. More detailed information will be available soon.
About ZGLD
BMO Gold Bullion ETF (CAD Units) (ZGLD.TO) is a Canadian-listed ETF traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange. More detailed information will be available soon.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both CGL and ZGLD are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
CGL and ZGLD are closely matched on the metrics we track. The right choice depends on your individual investment goals, tax situation, and time horizon.
- 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 CGL and ZGLD?
CGL (iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CAD-Hedged)) and ZGLD (BMO Gold Bullion ETF (CAD Units)) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($2.13B vs $1.67B), dividend yield (N/A vs N/A), and year-to-date performance (-0.60% vs +1.86%).
Is CGL better than ZGLD?
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 CGL and ZGLD on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both CGL and ZGLD should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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