VS
Vanguard U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VBU) and Global X Equal Weight Canadian Banks Index ETF (HBNK) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VBU focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks, while HBNK leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, VBU features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.09% for HBNK. Performance-wise, VBU has returned 1.07% year-to-date with +$224 M in net flows, whereas HBNK is at 19.82% with -$432 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
VBU
HBNK
| AuM | $1,793.79 M | $740.63 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.09% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.10% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.50% | -0.43% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 20, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBU | -1.38% | -2.12% | -1.07% | +2.68% | +8.86% |
HBNK | +6.34% | +14.31% | +19.82% | +65.59% | - | |
| Flows | VBU | +$51 M | +$163 M | +$224 M | +$492 M | +$966 M |
HBNK | +$38 M | -$353 M | -$432 M | -$689 M | - |
VBU vs HBNK exposure
Countries
VBU
USA
95.54%
HBNK
Canada
99.99%
Sectors
VBU
Sovereign
38.01%
Other
32.41%
Other
29.58%
HBNK
Financials
99.99%
As of May 20, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VBU
USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028)
0.49%
USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034)
0.43%
US91282CPL99
0.42%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034)
0.42%
USA, Notes 4.625% 15feb2035, USD (B-2035)
0.42%
USA, Notes 3.875% 15aug2034, USD (E-2034)
0.42%
USA, Notes 4% 15feb2034, USD (B-2034)
0.41%
USA, Notes 4.5% 15nov2033, USD (F-2033)
0.40%
US91282CNT44
0.40%
US91282CPZ85
0.39%
HBNK
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.11%
TORONTO DOMINION
16.89%
BNS
16.66%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.52%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.47%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.34%
Diversification
VBU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 15,778 total
4.19%
HBNK
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
99.99%
Characteristics
Compare
VBU
HBNK
| Provider | Vanguard | Global X |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.64% | 2.77% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | June 30, 2014 | July 5, 2023 |
Frequently asked questions about VBU and HBNK
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBU or HBNK?
As of May 20, 2026, VBU has returned -1.07% year to date, while HBNK has returned 19.82%. HBNK is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBU or HBNK?
As of May 20, 2026, VBU manages $1.79 B in assets, while HBNK manages $740.63 M. VBU is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBU and HBNK managed?
VBU is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. HBNK is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBU and HBNK emphasize?
VBU is most exposed to Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks. HBNK is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBU or HBNK?
Year to date, VBU has seen +$224.48 M in net flows, compared with -$432.26 M for HBNK. VBU has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBU and HBNK compare?
VBU has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while HBNK has an expense ratio of 0.10%.
What are the top holdings of VBU and HBNK?
VBU's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). HBNK's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBU or HBNK?
VBU holds 8020 securities, while HBNK holds 6. On holdings count, VBU is the more diversified portfolio.
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