VS
Compare Vanguard U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VBU) vs BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG) to find the best fit for your portfolio. VBU provides Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks exposures, while ZAG is primarily weighted in Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. When evaluating costs, VBU features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.08% for ZAG. Performance-wise, VBU has returned 0.08% year-to-date with +$173 M in net flows, whereas ZAG is at 0.87% with +$106 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
ZAG
| AuM | $1,767.51 M | $12,302.54 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.08% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.09% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.97% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of April 24, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBU | +0.97% | -0.15% | +0.08% | +3.15% | +8.73% |
ZAG | +1.50% | +0.07% | +0.87% | +2.90% | +11.01% | |
| Flows | VBU | +$44 M | +$142 M | +$173 M | +$449 M | +$895 M |
ZAG | +$30 M | +$65 M | +$106 M | +$1,629 M | +$6,009 M |
VBU vs ZAG exposure
Countries
VBU
USA
95.54%
ZAG
Canada
100.00%
Sectors
VBU
Sovereign
38.01%
Other
32.41%
Other
29.58%
ZAG
Municipal
29.15%
Sovereign
25.83%
Other
14.55%
Government agencies
9.37%
Other
21.10%
As of April 24, 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%
ZAG
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
4.29%
Canada, Bond 2.25 1jun2029 10Y
3.59%
Province of Quebec, 2.75% 1sep2028, CAD (B124)
2.92%
Canada Housing Trust, 1.1% 15mar2031, CAD (95)
2.65%
Canada, Bond 2.75 1dec2048 30Y
2.46%
Province of Quebec, 3.5% 1dec2048, CAD (B117)
2.41%
Canada, Bonds 4% 1mar2029, CAD
2.27%
Canada Housing Trust, 3.55% 15sep2032, CAD (107)
2.22%
Bank of Montreal, 3.19% 1mar2028, CAD
2.20%
Province of Ontario, 2.9% 2jun2028, CAD (DMTN238)
2.20%
Diversification
VBU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 15,778 total
4.19%
ZAG
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 86 total
27.20%
Characteristics
Compare
VBU
ZAG
| Provider | Vanguard | BMO |
| 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 | 3.58% | 3.46% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | June 30, 2014 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about VBU and ZAG
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBU or ZAG?
As of April 24, 2026, VBU has returned 0.08% year to date, while ZAG has returned 0.87%. ZAG is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBU or ZAG?
As of April 24, 2026, VBU manages $1.77 B in assets, while ZAG manages $12.30 B. ZAG is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBU and ZAG managed?
VBU is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZAG is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBU and ZAG emphasize?
VBU is most exposed to Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks. ZAG is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBU or ZAG?
Year to date, VBU has seen +$172.90 M in net flows, compared with +$105.84 M for ZAG. VBU has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBU and ZAG compare?
VBU has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while ZAG has an expense ratio of 0.09%.
What are the top holdings of VBU and ZAG?
VBU's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). ZAG's top holdings include Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD and Canada, Bond 2.25 1jun2029 10Y.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBU or ZAG?
VBU holds 8020 securities, while ZAG holds 75. On holdings count, VBU is the more diversified portfolio.
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