VS
Vanguard U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VBU) and BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (ZUT) 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 ZUT leans towards Utilities. When evaluating costs, VBU features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.55% for ZUT. Performance-wise, VBU has returned 1.07% year-to-date with +$224 M in net flows, whereas ZUT is at 18.35% with -$73 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
ZUT
| AuM | $1,793.79 M | $882.61 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.55% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.23% | 0.61% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.50% | -0.85% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 20, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VBU | -1.38% | -2.12% | -1.07% | +2.68% | +8.86% |
ZUT | +4.75% | +7.99% | +18.35% | +30.21% | +43.27% | |
| Flows | VBU | +$51 M | +$163 M | +$224 M | +$492 M | +$966 M |
ZUT | -$13 M | -$11 M | -$73 M | +$121 M | +$235 M |
VBU vs ZUT exposure
Countries
VBU
USA
95.54%
ZUT
Canada
85.16%
Bermuda
14.84%
Sectors
VBU
Sovereign
38.01%
Other
32.41%
Other
29.58%
ZUT
Utilities
100.00%
As of May 20, 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%
ZUT
BORALEX
9.91%
NORTHLAND POWER
7.97%
BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS
7.84%
CAPITAL POWER
7.84%
ALTAGAS
7.70%
ATCO
7.53%
ALGONQUIN POWER
7.52%
TRANSALTA
7.49%
EMERA
7.42%
CANADIAN UTILITIES
7.38%
Diversification
VBU
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 15,778 total
4.19%
ZUT
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 13 total
78.61%
Characteristics
Compare
VBU
ZUT
| Provider | Vanguard | BMO |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.64% | 2.84% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | June 30, 2014 | January 19, 2010 |
Frequently asked questions about VBU and ZUT
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VBU or ZUT?
As of May 20, 2026, VBU has returned -1.07% year to date, while ZUT has returned 18.35%. ZUT is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VBU or ZUT?
As of May 20, 2026, VBU manages $1.79 B in assets, while ZUT manages $882.61 M. VBU is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VBU and ZUT managed?
VBU is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond (CAD Hedged) Total Return Index - CAD benchmark. ZUT is passively managed by BMO. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Utilities Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VBU and ZUT emphasize?
VBU is most exposed to Sovereign, Other sectors, and Banks. ZUT is most exposed to Utilities.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VBU or ZUT?
Year to date, VBU has seen +$224.48 M in net flows, compared with -$73.36 M for ZUT. VBU has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VBU and ZUT compare?
VBU has an expense ratio of 0.23%, while ZUT has an expense ratio of 0.61%.
What are the top holdings of VBU and ZUT?
VBU's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). ZUT's top holdings include BORALEX, NORTHLAND POWER, and BROOKFIELD RENEWABLE PARTNERS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VBU or ZUT?
VBU holds 8020 securities, while ZUT holds 13. On holdings count, VBU is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VBU and ZUT
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