VS
Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VGAB) and Purpose Global Flexible Credit Fund (FLX) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VGAB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Finance, and Industrials, while FLX leans towards Industrials, Energy, and Finance. When evaluating costs, VGAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.34%, compared to 0.85% for FLX. Performance-wise, VGAB has returned 1.45% year-to-date with +$158 M in net flows, whereas FLX is at 0.25% with -$1 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
VGAB
FLX
| AuM | $670.79 M | $16.74 M |
| Management Fees | 0.34% | 0.85% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.31% | 1.29% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 3, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VGAB | -0.69% | -1.12% | -1.45% | -1.12% | +8.05% |
FLX | -0.98% | -0.69% | +0.25% | +1.56% | +24.08% | |
| Flows | VGAB | +$37 M | +$82 M | +$158 M | +$484 M | +$573 M |
FLX | -$1 M | -$1 M | -$1 M | -$1 M | -$10 M |
VGAB vs FLX exposure
Countries
VGAB
USA
40.80%
Other
10.48%
Other
48.72%
FLX
USA
43.53%
Other
30.04%
Other
26.43%
Sectors
VGAB
Sovereign
56.07%
Finance
14.91%
Other
10.48%
Other
18.54%
FLX
Other
30.04%
Industrials
11.07%
Energy
8.88%
Finance
8.45%
Utilities
7.35%
Other
34.21%
As of September 3, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VGAB
DE000F3A9EV9
0.42%
USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028)
0.24%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034)
0.21%
USA, Notes 3.375% 30nov2027, USD (BL-2027)
0.21%
USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034)
0.21%
USA, Notes 4.625% 15feb2035, USD (B-2035)
0.21%
USA, Notes 3.875% 15aug2034, USD (E-2034)
0.20%
USA, Notes 4.125% 15feb2036, USD (B-2036)
0.20%
USA, Notes 4% 15feb2034, USD (B-2034)
0.20%
United Kingdom, Gilt 4.125% 7mar2031, GBP
0.20%
FLX
Pacific Gas & Electric, 6.75% 15jan2053, USD
2.24%
USG67837AQ00
2.22%
USG6782BAC30
2.19%
Angola, 9.375% 8may2048, USD
1.38%
Oracle, 5.55% 6feb2053, USD
1.33%
JSW Steel, 5.05% 5apr2032, USD
1.29%
Electricite de France (EDF), 5.875% perp., GBP (25)
1.18%
Elia, 5.85% perp., EUR
1.05%
Diamondback Energy, 3.5% 1dec2029, USD
1.02%
Galaxy Helios Data Center II, 9.875% 1aug2031, USD
0.93%
Diversification
VGAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 22,200 total
2.30%
FLX
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 311 total
14.83%
Characteristics
Compare
VGAB
FLX
| Provider | Vanguard | Purpose Investments |
| Management | Passively managed | Actively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD | - |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.72% | 7.51% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | January 23, 2020 | June 17, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about VGAB and FLX
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VGAB or FLX?
As of September 3, 2026, VGAB has returned -1.45% year to date, while FLX has returned 0.25%. FLX is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VGAB or FLX?
As of September 3, 2026, VGAB manages $670.79 M in assets, while FLX manages $16.74 M. VGAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VGAB and FLX managed?
VGAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD benchmark. FLX is actively managed by Purpose Investments. It does not track an index.
What sectors do VGAB and FLX emphasize?
VGAB is most exposed to Sovereign, Finance, and Industrials. FLX is most exposed to Industrials, Energy, and Finance.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VGAB or FLX?
Year to date, VGAB has seen +$158.28 M in net flows, compared with -$0.86 M for FLX. VGAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VGAB and FLX compare?
VGAB has an expense ratio of 0.31%, while FLX has an expense ratio of 1.29%.
What are the top holdings of VGAB and FLX?
VGAB's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034). FLX's top holdings include Pacific Gas & Electric, 6.75% 15jan2053, USD and Angola, 9.375% 8may2048, USD.
Which ETF is more diversified: VGAB or FLX?
VGAB holds 16313 securities, while FLX holds 280. On holdings count, VGAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VGAB and FLX
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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.