VS
Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS) and Global X Equal Weight Canadian Banks Index Corporate Class ETF (HEWB) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VCNS focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology, while HEWB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, VCNS features a management fee (MER) of 0.22%, compared to 0.28% for HEWB. Performance-wise, VCNS has returned 5.6% year-to-date with +$133 M in net flows, whereas HEWB is at 25.26% with +$14 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
VCNS
HEWB
| AuM | $908.54 M | $317.93 M |
| Management Fees | 0.22% | 0.28% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.25% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.78% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 12, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VCNS | +1.90% | +5.69% | +5.60% | +13.28% | +38.12% |
HEWB | +8.44% | +23.64% | +25.26% | +67.67% | +147.54% | |
| Flows | VCNS | +$29 M | +$57 M | +$133 M | +$273 M | +$286 M |
HEWB | +$2 M | +$10 M | +$14 M | +$11 M | +$16 M |
VCNS vs HEWB exposure
Countries
VCNS
Canada
47.26%
USA
29.03%
Other
23.72%
HEWB
Canada
99.99%
Sectors
VCNS
Sovereign
18.68%
Other
17.12%
Municipal
10.52%
Information Technology
8.81%
Financials
7.84%
Other
37.04%
HEWB
Financials
99.99%
As of June 12, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VCNS
NVIDIA
1.22%
APPLE
1.06%
ROYAL BK CANADA
0.89%
MICROSOFT-T
0.80%
AMAZON.COM INC
0.68%
TORONTO DOMINION
0.64%
ALPHABET INC-CL
0.59%
CA135087T537
0.56%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
0.53%
BROADCOM LIMITED
0.53%
HEWB
ROYAL BK CANADA
17.10%
TORONTO DOMINION
16.90%
BNS
16.65%
BANK OF MONTREAL
16.51%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
16.48%
NATIONAL BANK OF CANADA
16.35%
Diversification
VCNS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 33,945 total
7.50%
HEWB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
99.99%
Characteristics
Compare
VCNS
HEWB
| Provider | Vanguard | Global X |
| Management | Actively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | - | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Equity, Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Capitalization |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.43% | 0.00% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | February 1, 2018 | January 23, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about VCNS and HEWB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VCNS or HEWB?
As of June 12, 2026, VCNS has returned 5.60% year to date, while HEWB has returned 25.26%. HEWB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VCNS or HEWB?
As of June 12, 2026, VCNS manages $908.54 M in assets, while HEWB manages $317.93 M. VCNS is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VCNS and HEWB managed?
VCNS is actively managed by Vanguard. It does not track an index. HEWB is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VCNS and HEWB emphasize?
VCNS is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Information Technology. HEWB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VCNS or HEWB?
Year to date, VCNS has seen +$133.20 M in net flows, compared with +$14.05 M for HEWB. VCNS has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VCNS and HEWB compare?
VCNS has an expense ratio of 0.25%, while HEWB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of VCNS and HEWB?
VCNS's largest holdings include NVIDIA and ALPHABET INC-CL. HEWB's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VCNS or HEWB?
VCNS holds 24747 securities, while HEWB holds 6. On holdings count, VCNS is the more diversified portfolio.
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