XGRO is an excellent balanced growth ETF with 80% equities and 20% bonds at a low 0.20% MER. It is ideal for investors who want strong growth with some downside protection, especially over a 10-20 year time horizon.

What is the difference between XGRO and VGRO?

XGRO (iShares) has a 0.20% MER with less Canadian equity (~19%). VGRO (Vanguard) has a 0.24% MER with more Canadian equity (~24%). Performance is nearly identical. XGRO is slightly cheaper; VGRO has more home-country bias.

Should I buy XGRO or XEQT?

XEQT (100% equity) is better if you have 15+ years and high risk tolerance. XGRO (80/20) is better for 10-15 year horizons or moderate risk tolerance. XGRO will drop less in crashes but return slightly less long-term.

XGRO Review 2026 | iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio

XGRO at a Glance

Feature	Details
Full name	iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio
Ticker	XGRO
Provider	BlackRock (iShares)
Inception	August 2007 (restructured 2019)
MER	0.20%
Asset allocation	80% equities / 20% bonds
Holdings	9,000+ stocks + bonds
Distribution frequency	Quarterly
Distribution yield	~2.2%
Exchange	TSX

Asset Allocation

Component	Allocation
US equities	~37%
Canadian equities	~19%
International developed	~17%
Emerging markets	~7%
Canadian/global bonds	~20%

XGRO vs Alternatives

Feature	XGRO	VGRO	XEQT	XBAL
Equities	80%	80%	100%	60%
Bonds	20%	20%	0%	40%
MER	0.20%	0.24%	0.20%	0.20%
Canadian equity	~19%	~24%	~24%	~19%
Risk level	Moderate-high	Moderate-high	High	Moderate
Best for	10-15yr growth	10-15yr growth	15+yr growth	5-10yr balanced

Growth of $10,000

Time Horizon	XGRO (~7.5%)	XEQT (~9.5%)
10 years	$20,610	$24,782
20 years	$42,479	$61,416
30 years	$87,550	$152,203

Who Should Buy XGRO

Profile	Suitable?
10-20 year horizon, want some stability	✅ Ideal
Prefer lower MER than VGRO	✅ 0.20% vs 0.24%
Moderate-to-high risk tolerance	✅ Yes
Very aggressive, 15+ years	⚠️ XEQT is better
Conservative	⚠️ Consider XBAL