VS
Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) 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 XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, VAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.08%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, VAB has returned 0.96% year-to-date with +$625 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 7.53% with +$5 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
VAB
XIC
| AuM | $7,153.69 M | $28,819.35 M |
| Management Fees | 0.08% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.09% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.35% | -0.12% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 7, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAB | +0.47% | +0.15% | +0.96% | +2.63% | +12.88% |
XIC | +1.99% | +3.10% | +7.53% | +37.76% | +79.01% | |
| Flows | VAB | +$75 M | +$388 M | +$625 M | +$1,714 M | +$3,050 M |
XIC | +$1,153 M | +$3,786 M | +$5,224 M | +$7,776 M | +$11,193 M |
VAB vs XIC exposure
Countries
VAB
Canada
98.29%
XIC
Canada
98.95%
Sectors
VAB
Municipal
29.06%
Sovereign
24.44%
Other
19.34%
Other
27.15%
XIC
Financials
28.13%
Energy
18.01%
Materials
15.92%
Other
13.03%
Other
24.92%
As of May 7, 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%
XIC
ROYAL BK CANADA
6.69%
TORONTO DOMINION
4.64%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
4.31%
ENBRIDGE
3.50%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
3.01%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
3.01%
BANK OF MONTREAL
2.83%
CA11271J1075
2.65%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
2.61%
BNS
2.53%
Diversification
VAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,295 total
13.27%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
35.80%
Characteristics
Compare
VAB
XIC
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD | S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.34% | 2.08% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 30, 2011 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about VAB and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VAB or XIC?
As of May 7, 2026, VAB has returned 0.96% year to date, while XIC has returned 7.53%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VAB or XIC?
As of May 7, 2026, VAB manages $7.15 B in assets, while XIC manages $28.82 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VAB and XIC managed?
VAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. XIC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VAB and XIC emphasize?
VAB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VAB or XIC?
Year to date, VAB has seen +$624.96 M in net flows, compared with +$5,224.13 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VAB and XIC compare?
VAB has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of VAB and XIC?
VAB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAB or XIC?
VAB holds 1053 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, VAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VAB and XIC
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