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  5. XIC: This is a follow-up question regarding XIC/XIU. [iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF]
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Investment Q&A

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Q: This is a follow-up question regarding XIC/XIU. In your response you said that you preferred XIC over XIU because it is more diversified. This seems to be at odds with the portfolios outlined in the ETF publication where XIU is the preferred option. Somewhat confused. Could you provide some rationale please. Thanks
Asked by John on February 13, 2026
5i Research Answer:

The idea behind model portfolios, such as the one in our ETF Update, is to tilt the model portfolio away from replicating a broader index like the S&P 500, TSX (XIC), and to allocate towards specific factors in an attempt to meet or exceed the benchmark. This is mostly why XIU was chosen over XIC for the model portfolios. 

Each individual investor has their own unique preferences and risk tolerance levels, and for a more concentrated position, we think XIC can provide better diversification (such as times like today where the individual miners from XIC are helping to outperform XIU). For a holistic model portfolio, like the ETF Update, where almost 15 ETFs comprise the model portfolio, we wanted to target a specific large-cap factor, like the XIU ETF.