VS
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 1.25% year-to-date with +$320 M in net flows, whereas XBB is at 1.18% 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
Key Data
Compare
VBU
XBB
| AuM | $1,875.19 M | $10,121.43 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.09% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.10% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.25% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of July 27, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBU | -1.51% | -1.17% | -1.25% | +1.28% | +9.09% |
XBB | -1.01% | +0.55% | +1.18% | +3.72% | +14.71% | |
| Flows | VBU | +$32 M | +$147 M | +$320 M | +$551 M | +$1,026 M |
XBB | +$53 M | +$242 M | +$1,075 M | +$1,923 M | +$4,813 M |
VBU vs XBB exposure
Countries
VBU
USA
59.93%
Other
35.23%
XBB
Canada
74.37%
Other
25.10%
Sectors
VBU
Sovereign
36.38%
Other
35.23%
Other
28.39%
XBB
Municipal
26.00%
Other
25.10%
Sovereign
21.98%
Other
26.92%
As of July 27, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VBU
USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028)
0.48%
USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034)
0.42%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034)
0.42%
USA, Notes 4.625% 15feb2035, USD (B-2035)
0.42%
US91282CPL99
0.42%
US91282CPZ85
0.42%
USA, Notes 3.875% 15aug2034, USD (E-2034)
0.42%
USA, Notes 4% 15feb2034, USD (B-2034)
0.41%
US91282CNT44
0.40%
USA, Notes 4.5% 15nov2033, USD (F-2033)
0.40%
XBB
CA135087T388
1.54%
CA135087T792
1.53%
CA135087T537
1.53%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.42%
CA135087U287
1.31%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.22%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
1.22%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.21%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.13%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2034, CAD
1.10%
Diversification
VBU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 15,867 total
4.21%
XBB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,880 total
13.20%
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 | 3.69% | 3.44% |
| 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 July 27, 2026, VBU has returned -1.25% year to date, while XBB has returned 1.18%. XBB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBU or XBB?
As of July 27, 2026, VBU manages $1.88 B in assets, while XBB manages $10.12 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 +$320.13 M in net flows, compared with +$1,074.63 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 7758 securities, while XBB holds 1444. On holdings count, VBU is the more diversified portfolio.
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All content on the ETF Market Canada is for your general information use only, Cboe is not responsible for any use of content by you outside this scope. In particular, the content does not constitute any form of advice, recommendation, representation, endorsement or arrangement by Cboe and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making (or refraining from making) any specific investment or other decisions.