Industry Distribution:

• Information Technology: approx. 27%
• Healthcare: approx. 14%
• Finance: approx. 13%

TOP 3 Markets:

• USA: approx. 85%
• Canada: approx. 5%
• Europe: approx. 4%

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) tracks the S&P 500 Index, which includes the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the USA. The ETF's revenues are therefore heavily influenced by the US economy, with the technology sector accounting for the largest share. This reflects the dominant role of technology companies in the S&P 500.

Canada and Europe are the next significant markets, but with significantly smaller shares. The CAD-Hedged version of the ETF protects Canadian investors from currency fluctuations between the US dollar and the Canadian dollar.

iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (TSX:XSP) is an exchange-traded fund (ETF) and not a company that produces physical products.

This ETF is managed by iShares, a brand of BlackRock. It invests in a diversified portfolio of stocks included in the S&P 500 Index and is CAD-hedged to minimize currency risks. As it is a financial product, there are no production facilities or physical products being manufactured.

Current Strategy: Passive Management
Focus: Replication of the S&P 500 Index

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) follows a passive investment strategy. The main goal of the ETF is to replicate the performance of the S&P 500 Index while simultaneously hedging the currency risk between the US Dollar and the Canadian Dollar.

Being a passively managed fund, the focus is not on active growth or strategic corporate decisions, but on efficiently replicating the index. The future growth of the ETF therefore depends directly on the performance of the companies included in the S&P 500.

The ETF provides Canadian investors with the opportunity to invest in the US stock market while minimizing currency risk. This makes it particularly attractive for investors who want to participate in the development of the US market without exposing themselves to exchange rate fluctuations.

Current data on commodity imports: Not specifically available for ETFs

An ETF like the iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) invests in a diversified portfolio of stocks included in the S&P 500 Index. ETFs do not directly import commodities or materials as they are financial products that invest in securities.

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) reflects the performance of the S&P 500 Index, which includes the 500 largest publicly traded companies in the USA. These companies may import commodities or materials themselves, but the ETF itself does not do so.

For information on specific commodity imports, the underlying companies in the S&P 500 Index would need to be individually examined. These companies import commodities from a variety of countries depending on their industry and specific business requirements.

Market share of the iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged): Approximately 20% in the Canadian market for S&P 500 ETFs (estimated 2025)

Expense ratio: 0.10% (2023)

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) has a significant competitive advantage in the Canadian market for S&P 500 ETFs. With an estimated market share of around 20%, it is one of the leading providers in this segment.

A key advantage is the low expense ratio of 0.10%, making it attractive to cost-conscious investors. The currency hedging (CAD-Hedged) provides additional protection against exchange rate risks, which is important for Canadian investors.

Additionally, the ETF benefits from the strong brand and distribution network of iShares, one of the largest ETF providers globally. This enhances investor confidence and contributes to its market leadership.

Institutional Investor Share: Estimated around 70-80% (2025)

Insider Buys/Sells: No significant insider transactions known (2025)

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) is a popular ETF that tracks the S&P 500 Index and is hedged in Canadian Dollars. ETFs like this are typically heavily held by institutional investors as they provide a cost-effective way to invest in a broad market index. The institutional investor share therefore often ranges between 70 and 80 percent.

Insider buys or sells are less relevant for ETFs as they are a fund that tracks an index and not a single company. Therefore, there are usually no significant insider transactions.

Market share iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (TSX:XSP): Estimate around 10% (2025)

Main competitors and their market shares:

1. Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (CAD-Hedged): Estimate around 12%
2. BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged): Estimate around 9%
3. Horizons S&P 500 ETF (CAD-Hedged): Estimate around 8%
4. Fidelity S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged): Estimate around 7%
5. RBC S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged): Estimate around 6%

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) holds a significant market share, but does not have a dominant lead over its competitors. The market for S&P 500 ETFs is highly competitive, and the differences in market shares are relatively small.

The moat of the iShares ETF mainly lies in its established brand and wide acceptance among investors. iShares, as part of BlackRock, benefits from a strong global distribution network and high credibility.

However, competitors like Vanguard and BMO also have strong brands and similar advantages. Vanguard is known for its cost-effective offerings, providing a significant advantage. On the other hand, BMO has a strong presence in the Canadian market, which also gives it a competitive edge.

Overall, the moat of iShares is not significantly superior compared to its competitors, as all major providers have similar advantages in terms of cost structure, brand recognition, and distribution networks.

Current Total Expense Ratio (TER): 0.10% (2023)
Managed Assets: Over 10 billion CAD (2023)
Historical Return (5 years): Average of 10% p.a. (until 2023)

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) offers a cost-effective way to invest in the S&P 500 Index while minimizing currency risk for Canadian investors. The total expense ratio of 0.10% is very competitive and helps maximize returns for investors.

The managed assets of over 10 billion CAD demonstrate investors' confidence in this ETF and its popularity in the market. The historical return of an average of 10% per year over the last five years indicates a solid performance that aligns with the overall market performance of the S&P 500.

For investors interested in a diversified investment in the US stock market while hedging currency risk, this ETF could be an attractive option. However, it is important to consider one's own risk tolerance and investment objectives before making an investment decision.

Dividend Yield: 1.5% (estimated for 2025)

The iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (TSX:XSP) regularly pays out dividends. The dividend yield is typically around 1.5%, based on historical payouts and current market conditions.

The reliability of the payout is high, as the ETF invests in the S&P 500, which consists of the 500 largest publicly traded US companies. These companies generally have stable and regular dividend payments, which positively impacts the ETF's distributions.

However, it is important to note that dividend yields can fluctuate depending on the performance of the underlying stocks and exchange rates, as this ETF is CAD-hedged.