A side-by-side comparison of BMO S&P US Small Cap Index ETF (ZSML) and iShares US Small Cap (CAD Hedged) (XSU) 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 | ZSML | XSU |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | +21.46%✓ | +15.61% |
| 1-Day Change | +0.07%✓ | -0.60% |
| 1-Week Change | -0.67% | -0.05%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -2.41% | -2.29%✓ |
| Current Price | $53.77 | $54.52 |
| AUM | $197M | $719M✓ |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0% | 0% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.95%✓ | 0.74% |
| Distribution Frequency | — | Half-yearly |
| Inception Date | 2020-01-28 | 2007-05-14 |
| Holdings Count | 10 | 1 |
| MorningStar Rating | ★★★★ | ★★ |
| Category | US Small/Mid Cap Equity | US Small/Mid Cap Equity |
| Beta | 1.22 | 1.27 |
| 52-Week High | $56.52 | $56.67 |
| 52-Week Low | $39.80 | $41.37 |
| 50-Day MA | $53.40 | $54.97 |
| 200-Day MA | $48.04 | $50.29 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | ZSML | XSU |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | +21.46%✓ | +15.61% |
| 1 Year | +32.05%✓ | +28.23% |
| 3 Year | +15.15%✓ | +12.86% |
| 5 Year | +9.31%✓ | +4.89% |
| 10 Year | — | +8.62% |
| 1Y Volatility | 12.80% | 14.58% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | 0.81 | 0.67 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Top 10 Holdings
| 1 | FORM | FormFactor Inc | 0.67% |
| 2 | VSAT | ViaSat Inc | 0.66% |
| 3 | MOH | Molina Healthcare Inc | 0.64% |
| 4 | AGX | Argan Inc | 0.61% |
| 5 | BTSG | BrightSpring Health Services, Inc. Common Stock | 0.60% |
| 6 | ESI | Element Solutions Inc | 0.59% |
| 7 | MXL | MaxLinear Inc | 0.58% |
| 8 | KRYS | Krystal Biotech Inc | 0.53% |
| 9 | ESE | ESCO Technologies Inc | 0.49% |
| 10 | MTCH | Match Group Inc | 0.48% |
| 1 | IWM | iShares Russell 2000 ETF | 99.76% |
Sector Weights
| Sector | ZSML | XSU |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 4.93% | 4.26% |
| Communication Services | 3.21% | 2.17% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 13.35% | 9.30% |
| Consumer Defensive | 3.90% | 2.70% |
| Energy | 5.02% | 5.80% |
| Financial Services | 17.45% | 18.35% |
| Healthcare | 11.94% | 20.24% |
| Industrials | 15.69% | 13.77% |
| Real Estate | 7.54% | 6.98% |
| Technology | 15.16% | 13.59% |
| Utilities | 1.83% | 2.84% |
About ZSML
NA
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.
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both ZSML and XSU 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 ZSML and XSU?
ZSML (BMO S&P US Small Cap Index ETF) and XSU (iShares US Small Cap (CAD Hedged)) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($197M vs $719M), dividend yield (0.95% vs 0.74%), and year-to-date performance (+21.46% vs +15.61%).
Is ZSML better than XSU?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise recent performance, ZSML has outperformed year-to-date. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy ZSML and XSU on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both ZSML and XSU should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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