skip to content
  1. Home
  2. >
  3. Questions
  4. >
  5. ZSP: Hello 5i Team, I was looking at the performance of ZSP vs. [BMO S&P 500 Index ETF]
You can view 2 more answers this month. Sign up for a free trial for unlimited access.

Investment Q&A

Not investment advice or solicitation to buy/sell securities. Do your own due diligence and/or consult an advisor.

Q: Hello 5i Team,
I was looking at the performance of ZSP vs. SPY on the Google Finance site.
ZSP shows a 1-yr return of 13.33%, and a 5-yr return of 97.04%
SPY shows a 1-yr return of 17.67%, and a 5-yr return of 81.69%
Why are the returns so different if both are looking to replicate the returns of the S&P 500?
For a long term hold within my RRSP, would it be better to take a position in one vs. the other, or take a half-position in each?
Many thanks,
Brian
Asked by Brian on January 07, 2026
5i Research Answer:

This is due to the strength of the Canadian dollar, especially in 2025. ZSP is priced in C$, so its US holdings declined about 4% last year when priced in CDN dollars.  A similar situation over five years.

Authors of this answer, directors, partners and/or officers of 5i Research and/or affiliated companies have a financial or other interest in SPY.