VS
Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB) and BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT) 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 ZUT leans towards Utilities. When evaluating costs, VAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.08%, compared to 0.55% for ZUT. Performance-wise, VAB has returned 0.96% year-to-date with +$625 M in net flows, whereas ZUT is at 15.78% with -$62 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
ZUT
| AuM | $7,153.69 M | $875.01 M |
| Management Fees | 0.08% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.09% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.35% | -0.85% |
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% |
ZUT | -1.94% | +10.98% | +15.78% | +28.82% | +38.18% | |
| Flows | VAB | +$75 M | +$388 M | +$625 M | +$1,714 M | +$3,050 M |
ZUT | +$25 M | -$33 M | -$62 M | +$134 M | +$311 M |
VAB vs ZUT exposure
Countries
VAB
Canada
98.29%
ZUT
Canada
85.16%
Bermuda
14.84%
Sectors
VAB
Municipal
29.06%
Sovereign
24.44%
Other
19.34%
Other
27.15%
ZUT
Utilities
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%
ZUT
BORALEX
9.91%
NORTHLAND POWER
7.97%
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS
7.84%
CAPITAL POWER
7.84%
ALTAGAS
7.70%
ATCO
7.53%
ALGONQUIN POWER
7.52%
TRANSALTA
7.49%
EMERA
7.42%
CANADIAN UTILITIES
7.38%
Diversification
VAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,295 total
13.27%
ZUT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 13 total
78.61%
Characteristics
Compare
VAB
ZUT
| Provider | Vanguard | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities 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% | 2.90% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 30, 2011 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about VAB and ZUT
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VAB or ZUT?
As of May 8, 2026, VAB has returned 0.96% year to date, while ZUT has returned 15.78%. ZUT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VAB or ZUT?
As of May 8, 2026, VAB manages $7.15 B in assets, while ZUT manages $875.01 M. VAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VAB and ZUT managed?
VAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZUT is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VAB and ZUT emphasize?
VAB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. ZUT is most exposed to Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VAB or ZUT?
Year to date, VAB has seen +$624.96 M in net flows, compared with -$61.61 M for ZUT. VAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VAB and ZUT compare?
VAB has an expense ratio of 0.09%, while ZUT has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of VAB and ZUT?
VAB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD. ZUT's top holdings include BORALEX, NORTHLAND POWER, and BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VAB or ZUT?
VAB holds 1053 securities, while ZUT holds 13. On holdings count, VAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VAB and ZUT
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