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Compare Vanguard U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VBU) vs iShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB) to find the best fit for your portfolio. VBU provides Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks exposures, while XBB is primarily weighted in Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. When evaluating costs, VBU features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.09% for XBB. Performance-wise, VBU has returned 0.18% year-to-date with +$241 M in net flows, whereas XBB is at 1.71% with +$954 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
XBB
| AuM | $1,821.36 M | $10,082.84 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.09% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.10% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.60% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 11, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBU | +0.13% | -0.25% | -0.18% | +2.86% | +9.65% |
XBB | +1.16% | +1.61% | +1.71% | +3.72% | +13.98% | |
| Flows | VBU | +$42 M | +$122 M | +$241 M | +$489 M | +$973 M |
XBB | +$79 M | +$101 M | +$954 M | +$1,888 M | +$4,781 M |
VBU vs XBB exposure
Countries
VBU
USA
91.64%
Other
8.36%
XBB
Canada
99.52%
Sectors
VBU
Other
36.17%
Sovereign
35.93%
Other
27.90%
XBB
Municipal
27.40%
Sovereign
23.62%
Other
19.97%
Other
29.01%
As of June 11, 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%
XBB
CA135087T537
1.59%
CA135087T388
1.56%
CA135087T792
1.50%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.48%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.27%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.25%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.16%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2034, CAD
1.15%
Canada, Bond 1.5 1jun2031 10Y
1.10%
CA135087T461
1.10%
Diversification
VBU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 15,764 total
4.11%
XBB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,859 total
13.16%
Characteristics
Compare
VBU
XBB
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD | FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.63% | 3.40% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | June 30, 2014 | November 20, 2000 |
Frequently asked questions about VBU and XBB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBU or XBB?
As of June 11, 2026, VBU has returned -0.18% year to date, while XBB has returned 1.71%. XBB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBU or XBB?
As of June 11, 2026, VBU manages $1.82 B in assets, while XBB manages $10.08 B. XBB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBU and XBB managed?
VBU is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. XBB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBU and XBB emphasize?
VBU is most exposed to Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks. XBB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBU or XBB?
Year to date, VBU has seen +$241.02 M in net flows, compared with +$953.59 M for XBB. XBB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBU and XBB compare?
VBU has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while XBB has an expense ratio of 0.10%.
What are the top holdings of VBU and XBB?
VBU's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). XBB's top holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBU or XBB?
VBU holds 7924 securities, while XBB holds 1503. On holdings count, VBU is the more diversified portfolio.
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