VS
Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB) and Global X Equal Weight Canadian Banks Index ETF (HBNK) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VAB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies, while HBNK leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, VAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.08%, compared to 0.09% for HBNK. Performance-wise, VAB has returned 0.25% year-to-date with +$661 M in net flows, whereas HBNK is at 15.57% with -$444 M. 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
VAB
HBNK
| AuM | $7,139.41 M | $702.48 M |
| Management Fees | 0.08% | 0.09% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.09% | 0.10% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.35% | -0.43% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 12, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAB | -0.12% | -1.16% | +0.25% | +1.78% | +11.65% |
HBNK | +4.93% | +12.74% | +15.57% | +63.28% | - | |
| Flows | VAB | +$109 M | +$392 M | +$661 M | +$1,741 M | +$3,070 M |
HBNK | -$199 M | -$383 M | -$444 M | -$700 M | - |
VAB vs HBNK exposure
Countries
VAB
Canada
98.29%
HBNK
Canada
99.99%
Sectors
VAB
Municipal
29.06%
Sovereign
24.44%
Other
19.34%
Other
27.15%
HBNK
Financials
99.99%
As of May 12, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VAB
CA135087T537
1.57%
CA135087T792
1.54%
CA135087T388
1.43%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.41%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.28%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.25%
CA135087T610
1.21%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.20%
Canada, Bond 1.25 1jun2030 10Y
1.19%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2034, CAD
1.18%
HBNK
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.11%
TORONTO DOMINION
16.89%
BNS
16.66%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.52%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.47%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.34%
Diversification
VAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,295 total
13.27%
HBNK
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
99.99%
Characteristics
Compare
VAB
HBNK
| Provider | Vanguard | Global X |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.37% | 2.87% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 30, 2011 | July 5, 2023 |
Frequently asked questions about VAB and HBNK
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VAB or HBNK?
As of May 12, 2026, VAB has returned 0.25% year to date, while HBNK has returned 15.57%. HBNK is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VAB or HBNK?
As of May 12, 2026, VAB manages $7.14 B in assets, while HBNK manages $702.48 M. VAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VAB and HBNK managed?
VAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. HBNK is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VAB and HBNK emphasize?
VAB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. HBNK is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VAB or HBNK?
Year to date, VAB has seen +$661.34 M in net flows, compared with -$444.13 M for HBNK. VAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VAB and HBNK compare?
VAB has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while HBNK has an expense ratio of 0.10%.
What are the top holdings of VAB and HBNK?
VAB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD. HBNK's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAB or HBNK?
VAB holds 1053 securities, while HBNK holds 6. On holdings count, VAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VAB and HBNK
Bank Stocks: An Undervalued Gem?
Bank stocks are poised for growth amid declining inflation and rate cuts.
Posted on 7/29/2024 by ETF Market Canada inBanks
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.