VS
Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB) and BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB) 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 ZEB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, VAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.08%, compared to 0.25% for ZEB. Performance-wise, VAB has returned 0.96% year-to-date with +$625 M in net flows, whereas ZEB is at 15.15% with -$1,031 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
ZEB
| AuM | $7,153.69 M | $5,243.19 M |
| Management Fees | 0.08% | 0.25% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.09% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.35% | -0.67% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 8, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VAB | +0.47% | +0.15% | +0.96% | +2.63% | +12.88% |
ZEB | +7.87% | +10.14% | +15.15% | +64.67% | +121.52% | |
| Flows | VAB | +$75 M | +$388 M | +$625 M | +$1,714 M | +$3,050 M |
ZEB | -$289 M | -$565 M | -$1,031 M | -$1,629 M | -$1,467 M |
VAB vs ZEB exposure
Countries
VAB
Canada
98.29%
ZEB
Canada
100.00%
Sectors
VAB
Municipal
29.06%
Sovereign
24.44%
Other
19.34%
Other
27.15%
ZEB
Financials
100.00%
As of May 8, 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%
ZEB
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.14%
TORONTO DOMINION
17.02%
BNS
16.62%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.48%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.40%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.33%
Diversification
VAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,295 total
13.27%
ZEB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
100.00%
Characteristics
Compare
VAB
ZEB
| Provider | Vanguard | BMO |
| 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 | 3.34% | 2.62% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 30, 2011 | October 20, 2009 |
Frequently asked questions about VAB and ZEB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VAB or ZEB?
As of May 8, 2026, VAB has returned 0.96% year to date, while ZEB has returned 15.15%. ZEB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VAB or ZEB?
As of May 8, 2026, VAB manages $7.15 B in assets, while ZEB manages $5.24 B. VAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VAB and ZEB managed?
VAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZEB is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VAB and ZEB emphasize?
VAB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. ZEB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VAB or ZEB?
Year to date, VAB has seen +$624.96 M in net flows, compared with -$1,030.81 M for ZEB. VAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VAB and ZEB compare?
VAB has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while ZEB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of VAB and ZEB?
VAB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD. ZEB's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAB or ZEB?
VAB holds 1053 securities, while ZEB holds 6. On holdings count, VAB is the more diversified portfolio.
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