VS
Vanguard U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VBU) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) 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 XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, VBU features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, VBU has returned 0.89% year-to-date with +$260 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 9.49% with +$6 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
XIC
| AuM | $1,827.25 M | $29,650.44 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.60% | -0.11% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 5, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBU | -0.82% | -1.70% | -0.89% | +2.65% | +8.87% |
XIC | +2.69% | +2.96% | +9.49% | +33.72% | +87.75% | |
| Flows | VBU | +$61 M | +$155 M | +$260 M | +$508 M | +$993 M |
XIC | +$363 M | +$2,779 M | +$5,533 M | +$7,652 M | +$11,585 M |
VBU vs XIC exposure
Countries
VBU
USA
91.64%
Other
8.36%
XIC
Canada
99.06%
Sectors
VBU
Other
36.17%
Sovereign
35.93%
Other
27.90%
XIC
Financials
29.96%
Energy
17.73%
Materials
14.57%
Other
13.30%
Other
24.44%
As of June 5, 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%
XIC
ROYAL BK CANADA
7.02%
TORONTO DOMINION
5.05%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
4.16%
ENBRIDGE
3.38%
BANK OF MONTREAL
3.00%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
2.89%
CA11271J1075
2.78%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
2.78%
BNS
2.68%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
2.63%
Diversification
VBU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 15,764 total
4.11%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
36.37%
Characteristics
Compare
VBU
XIC
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD | S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.65% | 2.04% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | June 30, 2014 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about VBU and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBU or XIC?
As of June 5, 2026, VBU has returned -0.89% year to date, while XIC has returned 9.49%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBU or XIC?
As of June 5, 2026, VBU manages $1.83 B in assets, while XIC manages $29.65 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBU and XIC managed?
VBU is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. XIC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBU and XIC emphasize?
VBU is most exposed to Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBU or XIC?
Year to date, VBU has seen +$259.79 M in net flows, compared with +$5,532.87 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBU and XIC compare?
VBU has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of VBU and XIC?
VBU's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBU or XIC?
VBU holds 7924 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, VBU is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VBU and XIC
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