VBG
Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF

Full VBG fund page
VS
ZAG
BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF

Full ZAG fund page

Compare Vanguard Global ex-U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VBG) vs BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG) to find the best fit for your portfolio. VBG provides Sovereign, Finance, and Municipal exposures, while ZAG is primarily weighted in Sovereign, Municipal, and Finance. When evaluating costs, VBG features a management fee (MER) of 0.35%, compared to 0.08% for ZAG. Performance-wise, VBG has returned 2.15% year-to-date with +$409 M in net flows, whereas ZAG is at 0.01% with +$1 B. Use the comparison tool below to benchmark these funds across top 10 holdings, yield, sector weights and historical returns.

NAV Performance and Flows

-1.5-1.0-0.50.00.5%Aug 17Aug 24Aug 31Sep 8Sep 15

Key Data

Historical performance and flows

As of September 17, 2026
1M3MYTD1Y3Y
Perf.
VBG
-1.06%-2.28%-2.15%-2.81%+7.09%
ZAG
-0.26%-1.64%+0.01%-0.14%+13.89%
Flows
VBG
+$38 M+$128 M+$409 M+$669 M+$1,002 M
ZAG
+$146 M+$712 M+$1,392 M+$2,477 M+$7,388 M

VBG vs ZAG exposure

Countries

VBG
France
11.66%
Japan
10.32%
Germany
9.84%
United Kingdom
8.13%
Italy
7.55%
Other
52.50%
ZAG
Canada
96.36%

Sectors

VBG
Sovereign
63.85%
Finance
19.29%
Other
16.86%
ZAG
Sovereign
34.56%
Municipal
31.38%
Finance
11.84%
Government Agencies
9.39%
Other
12.84%
As of September 17, 2026

Top 10 Holdings

VBG
DE000F3A9EV9
0.87%
United Kingdom, Gilt 4.125% 7mar2031, GBP
0.41%
France, OAT 2.7% 25feb2031, EUR
0.37%
France, OAT 2.75% 25feb2029, EUR
0.36%
United Kingdom, Gilt 4.375% 7mar2030, GBP
0.36%
United Kingdom, Gilt 4.375% 7mar2028, GBP
0.35%
United Kingdom, Gilt 4.125% 22jul2029, GBP
0.34%
France, OAT 3.5% 25nov2035, EUR
0.33%
France, OAT 2% 25nov2032, EUR
0.33%
Germany, Bund 2.9% 15feb2036, EUR
0.30%
ZAG
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
4.29%
Canada, Bonds 2.5% 1nov2027, CAD
3.68%
Canada, Bond 2.25 1jun2029 10Y
2.89%
Canada Housing Trust, 1.1% 15mar2031, CAD (95)
2.68%
Province of Quebec, 3.5% 1dec2048, CAD (B117)
2.41%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1dec2055, CAD
2.32%
Canada Housing Trust, 3.55% 15sep2032, CAD (107)
2.23%
Bank of Montreal, 3.19% 1mar2028, CAD
2.21%
Province of Quebec, 2.75% 1sep2028, CAD (B124)
2.20%
Canada, Bonds 2.25% 1feb2028, CAD
2.19%

Diversification

VBG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6,802 total
4.03%
ZAG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 85 total
27.10%

Characteristics

Compare
VBG
ZAG
ProviderVanguardBMO
ManagementPassively managedPassively managed
BenchmarkBloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CADFTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD
Replication MethodDirect (Physical)
Asset ClassFixed IncomeFixed Income
Dividend PolicyDistributingDistributing
Trailing 12m distribution yield3.78%3.48%
Meets ESG criteriaNoNo
Inception DateJune 30, 2014January 19, 2010

Frequently asked questions about VBG and ZAG

Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBG or ZAG?
As of September 17, 2026, VBG has returned -2.15% year to date, while ZAG has returned 0.01%. ZAG is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBG or ZAG?
As of September 17, 2026, VBG manages $1.56 B in assets, while ZAG manages $13.29 B. ZAG is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBG and ZAG managed?
VBG is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate ex-USD Float Adjusted RIC Capped (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZAG is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBG and ZAG emphasize?
VBG is most exposed to Sovereign, Finance, and Municipal. ZAG is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Finance.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBG or ZAG?
Year to date, VBG has seen +$408.83 M in net flows, compared with +$1,391.57 M for ZAG. ZAG has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBG and ZAG compare?
VBG has an expense ratio of 0.38%, while ZAG has an expense ratio of 0.09%.
What are the top holdings of VBG and ZAG?
VBG's largest holdings include United Kingdom, Gilt 4.125% 7mar2031, GBP and France, OAT 2.7% 25feb2031, EUR. ZAG's top holdings include Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD, Canada, Bonds 2.5% 1nov2027, CAD, and Canada, Bond 2.25 1jun2029 10Y.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBG or ZAG?
VBG holds 6750 securities, while ZAG holds 85. On holdings count, VBG is the more diversified portfolio.

Recent articles about VBG and ZAG

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