VS
When evaluating costs, NUBF features a management fee (MER) of 0.75%, compared to 0.08% for VAB. Performance-wise, NUBF has returned 5.31% year-to-date with +$219 M in net flows, whereas VAB is at 0.12% with +$1 B. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.
NAV Performance and Flows
Key Data
Compare
NUBF
VAB
| AuM | $2,972.96 M | $7,697.48 M |
| Management Fees | 0.75% | 0.08% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.78% | 0.09% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.39% |
Historical performance and flows
As of October 20, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | NUBF | -1.39% | -3.24% | -5.31% | -6.24% | +0.86% |
VAB | -0.07% | -1.13% | -0.12% | -1.35% | +17.34% | |
| Flows | NUBF | +$6 M | +$126 M | +$219 M | +$267 M | +$625 M |
VAB | +$154 M | +$348 M | +$1,357 M | +$1,799 M | +$3,399 M |
NUBF vs VAB exposure
Countries
NUBF
Exposure data will be available soon
VAB
Canada
95.36%
Sectors
NUBF
Exposure data will be available soon
VAB
Sovereign
33.64%
Municipal
30.37%
Finance
12.89%
Government Agencies
7.37%
Other
15.74%
As of October 20, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
NUBF
Exposure data will be available soon
VAB
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2031, CAD
1.83%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1sep2030, CAD
1.57%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2035, CAD
1.52%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2036, CAD
1.44%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.41%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1sep2031, CAD
1.29%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.23%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.14%
Canada, Bonds 2.25% 1feb2028, CAD
1.13%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.13%
Diversification
NUBF
Exposure data will be available soon
VAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,316 total
13.70%
Characteristics
Compare
NUBF
VAB
| Provider | National Bank Investments | Vanguard |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | - | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 0.00% | 3.45% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | October 18, 2019 | November 30, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about NUBF and VAB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: NUBF or VAB?
As of October 20, 2026, NUBF has returned -5.31% year to date, while VAB has returned -0.12%. VAB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: NUBF or VAB?
As of October 20, 2026, NUBF manages $2.97 B in assets, while VAB manages $7.70 B. VAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are NUBF and VAB managed?
NUBF is actively managed by National Bank Investments. It does not track an index. VAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: NUBF or VAB?
Year to date, NUBF has seen +$219.21 M in net flows, compared with +$1,357.47 M for VAB. VAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of NUBF and VAB compare?
NUBF has an expense ratio of 0.78%, while VAB has an expense ratio of 0.09%.
Recent articles about NUBF and VAB

A Guide to Active vs Passive ETFs for Canadian Investors
Discover the difference between active and passive ETFs in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their strategies, advantages, drawbacks, and how to combine both for a balanced investment approach.
Posted on 7/19/2023 by Tony Dong inETF Ecosystem
The ETF Market Canada is brought to you by Cboe in partnership with Trackinsight SA who is providing all the data, analysis and editorial content on this site. Unless explicitly stated as such, any information that you receive is not real-time.
All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.
All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.


