XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO
XSAB.TO (iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF) and XBB.TO (iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF) are both Canadian Government Bonds funds from iShares tracking the Morningstar Can Core Bd GR CAD. Both are passively managed. Over the past 5 years, XSAB.TO returned 0.59%/yr vs 0.72%/yr for XBB.TO. A 0.80 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. XSAB.TO charges 0.17%/yr vs 0.10%/yr for XBB.TO.
Performance
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO - Performance Comparison
Loading charts...
Returns By Period
The year-to-date returns for both investments are quite close, with XSAB.TO having a 1.55% return and XBB.TO slightly higher at 1.58%.
XSAB.TO
- 1D
- -0.17%
- 1M
- 1.68%
- YTD
- 1.55%
- 6M
- 0.71%
- 1Y
- 2.91%
- 3Y*
- 3.81%
- 5Y*
- 0.59%
- 10Y*
- —
XBB.TO
- 1D
- 0.07%
- 1M
- 1.55%
- YTD
- 1.58%
- 6M
- 1.08%
- 1Y
- 2.98%
- 3Y*
- 4.28%
- 5Y*
- 0.72%
- 10Y*
- 1.67%
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO - Yearly Performance Comparison
| 2026 (YTD) | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XSAB.TO iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF | 1.55% | 2.22% | 4.03% | 6.35% | -11.42% | -2.71% | 7.79% | 2.30% |
XBB.TO iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF | 1.58% | 2.59% | 4.00% | 6.64% | -11.66% | -2.81% | 8.58% | 2.63% |
Correlation
The correlation between XSAB.TO and XBB.TO is 0.92, indicating a strong positive relationship between their price movements. Combining them offers limited diversification - they tend to fall together during downturns.
| Correlation | |
|---|---|
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.92 |
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period | 0.90 |
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.88 |
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 29, 2019 | 0.80 |
The correlation between XSAB.TO and XBB.TO shifts across timeframes, from 0.80 (all time) to 0.92 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.
Compare stocks, funds, or ETFs
Search for stocks, ETFs, and funds for a quick comparison or use the comparison tool for more options.
Return for Risk
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO — Risk / Return Rank
XSAB.TO
XBB.TO
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison
This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (XSAB.TO) and iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB.TO). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.
| XSAB.TO | XBB.TO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sharpe ratioReturn per unit of total volatility | +0.01 | ||
| Sortino ratioReturn per unit of downside risk | +0.02 | ||
| Omega ratioGain probability vs. loss probability | 1.12 | 1.12 | 0.00 |
| Calmar ratioReturn relative to maximum drawdown | 1.07 | 1.10 | -0.03 |
| Martin ratioReturn relative to average drawdown | 2.50 | 2.56 | -0.06 |
Data is calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. The trend shows the change in the indicator over the past month. | |||
Loading charts...
Sharpe Ratios by Period
| XSAB.TO | XBB.TO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Sharpe Ratio (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 0.69 | 0.68 | +0.01 |
Sharpe Ratio (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period | 0.09 | 0.11 | -0.02 |
Sharpe Ratio (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period | — | 0.25 | — |
Sharpe Ratio (All Time)Calculated using the full available price history | 0.18 | 0.71 | -0.53 |
Drawdowns
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO - Drawdown Comparison
The maximum XSAB.TO drawdown since its inception was -17.96%, roughly equal to the maximum XBB.TO drawdown of -18.16%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for XSAB.TO and XBB.TO.
Loading charts...
Drawdown Indicators
| XSAB.TO | XBB.TO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Max DrawdownLargest peak-to-trough decline | -17.96% | -18.16% | +0.20% |
Max Drawdown (1Y)Largest decline over 1 year | -2.72% | -2.73% | +0.01% |
Max Drawdown (3Y)Largest decline over 3 years | -5.30% | -5.42% | +0.12% |
Max Drawdown (5Y)Largest decline over 5 years | -15.66% | -15.90% | +0.24% |
Max Drawdown (10Y)Largest decline over 10 years | — | -18.16% | — |
Current DrawdownCurrent decline from peak | -1.92% | -1.32% | -0.60% |
Average DrawdownAverage peak-to-trough decline | -6.48% | -2.76% | -3.72% |
Ulcer IndexDepth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks | 1.17% | 1.17% | 0.00% |
Volatility
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO - Volatility Comparison
iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (XSAB.TO) and iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB.TO) have volatilities of 1.50% and 1.54%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.
Loading charts...
Volatility by Period
| XSAB.TO | XBB.TO | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
Volatility (1M)Calculated over the trailing 1-month period | 1.50% | 1.54% | -0.04% |
Volatility (6M)Calculated over the trailing 6-month period | 3.30% | 3.40% | -0.10% |
Volatility (1Y)Calculated over the trailing 1-year period | 4.22% | 4.38% | -0.16% |
Volatility (5Y)Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized | 6.33% | 6.62% | -0.29% |
Volatility (10Y)Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized | 6.67% | 6.69% | -0.02% |
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO - Expense Ratio Comparison
XSAB.TO has a 0.17% expense ratio, which is higher than XBB.TO's 0.10% expense ratio. However, both funds are considered low-cost compared to the broader market, where average expense ratios usually range from 0.3% to 0.9%.
Dividends
XSAB.TO vs. XBB.TO - Dividend Comparison
XSAB.TO's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.26%, less than XBB.TO's 3.40% yield.
| Position | TTM | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | 2018 | 2017 | 2016 | 2015 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
XBB.TO iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF | 3.40% | 3.39% | 3.25% | 3.01% | 2.91% | 2.54% | 2.55% | 2.80% | 2.92% | 2.83% | 2.81% | 2.87% |
XSAB.TO iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF | 3.26% | 3.20% | 3.01% | 2.81% | 2.75% | 2.35% | 2.49% | 2.05% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions
With a correlation of 0.92, XSAB.TO and XBB.TO move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.
On fees, XBB.TO is cheaper at 0.10% per year. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.
XBB.TO is cheaper with a 0.10% expense ratio, compared with 0.17% for XSAB.TO.
Both ETFs track Morningstar Can Core Bd GR CAD. Their fees differ too: 0.17% for XSAB.TO and 0.10% for XBB.TO.
Find the right allocation for XSAB.TO and XBB.TO
Add both to a portfolio and optimize allocations for your target — whether that's maximizing returns, minimizing drawdowns, or balancing risk across holdings.
Open Portfolio Optimizer