VS
Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio (VBAL) and BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VBAL focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Information Technology, Sovereign, and Financials, while ZUT leans towards Utilities. When evaluating costs, VBAL features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.55% for ZUT. Performance-wise, VBAL has returned 7.91% year-to-date with +$764 M in net flows, whereas ZUT is at 20.18% with -$66 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
VBAL
ZUT
| AuM | $5,529.01 M | $901.76 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.24% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.90% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 12, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBAL | +2.26% | +7.87% | +7.91% | +18.89% | +52.60% |
ZUT | +3.71% | +8.83% | +20.18% | +27.67% | +47.40% | |
| Flows | VBAL | +$147 M | +$369 M | +$764 M | +$1,301 M | +$1,936 M |
ZUT | -$4 M | +$15 M | -$66 M | +$132 M | +$243 M |
VBAL vs ZUT exposure
Countries
VBAL
Canada
41.27%
USA
33.79%
Other
24.93%
ZUT
Canada
85.23%
Bermuda
14.77%
Sectors
VBAL
Other
14.15%
Information Technology
13.05%
Sovereign
12.21%
Financials
11.56%
Other
49.03%
ZUT
Utilities
100.00%
As of June 12, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VBAL
NVIDIA
1.82%
APPLE
1.58%
ROYAL BK CANADA
1.31%
MICROSOFT-T
1.20%
AMAZON.COM INC
1.01%
TORONTO DOMINION
0.94%
ALPHABET INC-CL
0.89%
BROADCOM LIMITED
0.78%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
0.78%
ALPHABET INC-CL
0.70%
ZUT
BORALEX
10.04%
NORTHLAND POWER
8.09%
ALTAGAS
8.08%
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS
7.87%
ATCO
7.62%
CAPITAL POWER
7.57%
EMERA
7.48%
ALGONQUIN POWER
7.47%
CANADIAN UTILITIES
7.43%
FORTIS
7.23%
Diversification
VBAL
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 33,766 total
11.01%
ZUT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 13 total
78.87%
Characteristics
Compare
VBAL
ZUT
| Provider | Vanguard | BMO |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.06% | 2.77% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 1, 2018 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about VBAL and ZUT
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBAL or ZUT?
As of June 12, 2026, VBAL has returned 7.91% year to date, while ZUT has returned 20.18%. ZUT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBAL or ZUT?
As of June 12, 2026, VBAL manages $5.53 B in assets, while ZUT manages $901.76 M. VBAL is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBAL and ZUT managed?
VBAL is actively managed by Vanguard. It does not track an index. ZUT is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBAL and ZUT emphasize?
VBAL is most exposed to Information Technology, Sovereign, and Financials. ZUT is most exposed to Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBAL or ZUT?
Year to date, VBAL has seen +$764.06 M in net flows, compared with -$65.77 M for ZUT. VBAL has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBAL and ZUT compare?
VBAL has an expense ratio of 0.24%, while ZUT has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of VBAL and ZUT?
VBAL's largest holdings include NVIDIA and ALPHABET INC-CL. ZUT's top holdings include BORALEX, NORTHLAND POWER, and ALTAGAS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBAL or ZUT?
VBAL holds 24762 securities, while ZUT holds 13. On holdings count, VBAL is the more diversified portfolio.
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