VS
Vanguard U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VBU) and Global X Equal Weight Canadian Banks Index Corporate Class ETF (HEWB) 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 HEWB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, VBU features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.28% for HEWB. Performance-wise, VBU has returned 0.32% year-to-date with +$243 M in net flows, whereas HEWB is at 25.26% with +$14 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
HEWB
| AuM | $1,820.76 M | $317.93 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.28% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.60% | -0.78% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 12, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBU | +0.30% | -0.01% | -0.32% | +2.35% | +9.50% |
HEWB | +8.44% | +23.64% | +25.26% | +67.67% | +147.54% | |
| Flows | VBU | +$34 M | +$116 M | +$243 M | +$494 M | +$975 M |
HEWB | +$2 M | +$10 M | +$14 M | +$11 M | +$16 M |
VBU vs HEWB exposure
Countries
VBU
USA
91.64%
Other
8.36%
HEWB
Canada
99.99%
Sectors
VBU
Other
36.17%
Sovereign
35.93%
Other
27.90%
HEWB
Financials
99.99%
As of June 12, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VBU
USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028)
0.47%
US91282CPZ85
0.47%
USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034)
0.41%
US91282CPL99
0.41%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034)
0.40%
USA, Notes 4.625% 15feb2035, USD (B-2035)
0.40%
USA, Notes 3.875% 15aug2034, USD (E-2034)
0.40%
USA, Notes 4% 15feb2034, USD (B-2034)
0.40%
USA, Notes 4.5% 15nov2033, USD (F-2033)
0.38%
US91282CNT44
0.38%
HEWB
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.10%
TORONTO DOMINION
16.90%
BNS
16.65%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.51%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.48%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.35%
Diversification
VBU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 15,764 total
4.11%
HEWB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
99.99%
Characteristics
Compare
VBU
HEWB
| 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 | Capitalization |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.63% | 0.00% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | June 30, 2014 | January 23, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about VBU and HEWB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBU or HEWB?
As of June 12, 2026, VBU has returned -0.32% year to date, while HEWB has returned 25.26%. HEWB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBU or HEWB?
As of June 12, 2026, VBU manages $1.82 B in assets, while HEWB manages $317.93 M. VBU is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBU and HEWB managed?
VBU is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. HEWB is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBU and HEWB emphasize?
VBU is most exposed to Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks. HEWB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBU or HEWB?
Year to date, VBU has seen +$242.92 M in net flows, compared with +$14.05 M for HEWB. VBU has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBU and HEWB compare?
VBU has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while HEWB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of VBU and HEWB?
VBU's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). HEWB's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBU or HEWB?
VBU holds 7924 securities, while HEWB holds 6. On holdings count, VBU is the more diversified portfolio.
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