VS
Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VGAB) and Global X Equal Weight Canadian Banks Index Corporate Class ETF (HEWB) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VGAB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Banks, and Other sectors, while HEWB leans towards Financials. When evaluating costs, VGAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.34%, compared to 0.28% for HEWB. Performance-wise, VGAB has returned 0.7% year-to-date with +$78 M in net flows, whereas HEWB is at 21.64% with +$12 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
HEWB
| AuM | $600.26 M | $307.01 M |
| Management Fees | 0.34% | 0.28% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.28% |
| Tracking Difference | -1.08% | -0.78% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 8, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VGAB | -0.53% | -1.35% | -0.70% | +0.93% | +7.59% |
HEWB | +5.66% | +18.78% | +21.64% | +62.64% | +139.85% | |
| Flows | VGAB | +$17 M | +$46 M | +$78 M | +$444 M | +$507 M |
HEWB | +$0 M | +$8 M | +$12 M | +$9 M | +$14 M |
VGAB vs HEWB exposure
Countries
VGAB
USA
48.19%
Other
51.81%
HEWB
Canada
99.99%
Sectors
VGAB
Sovereign
44.05%
Other
27.33%
Banks
7.80%
Other
20.82%
HEWB
Financials
99.99%
As of June 8, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VGAB
DE000F2Y2E04
0.51%
USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028)
0.24%
US91282CPZ85
0.24%
USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034)
0.21%
US91282CPL99
0.21%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034)
0.21%
USA, Notes 4.625% 15feb2035, USD (B-2035)
0.21%
USA, Notes 3.875% 15aug2034, USD (E-2034)
0.21%
USA, Notes 4% 15feb2034, USD (B-2034)
0.20%
USA, Notes 4.5% 15nov2033, USD (F-2033)
0.20%
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
VGAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 22,151 total
2.42%
HEWB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 6 total
99.99%
Characteristics
Compare
VGAB
HEWB
| Provider | Vanguard | Global X |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD | Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Capitalization |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.61% | 0.00% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | January 23, 2020 | January 23, 2019 |
Frequently asked questions about VGAB and HEWB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VGAB or HEWB?
As of June 8, 2026, VGAB has returned -0.70% year to date, while HEWB has returned 21.64%. HEWB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VGAB or HEWB?
As of June 8, 2026, VGAB manages $600.26 M in assets, while HEWB manages $307.01 M. VGAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VGAB and HEWB managed?
VGAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD benchmark. HEWB is passively managed by Global X. It tracks the Solactive Equal Weight Canada Banks GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VGAB and HEWB emphasize?
VGAB is most exposed to Sovereign, Banks, and Other sectors. HEWB is most exposed to Financials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VGAB or HEWB?
Year to date, VGAB has seen +$78.31 M in net flows, compared with +$12.25 M for HEWB. VGAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VGAB and HEWB compare?
VGAB has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while HEWB has an expense ratio of 0.28%.
What are the top holdings of VGAB and HEWB?
VGAB's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). HEWB's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA, TORONTO DOMINION, and BNS.
Which ETF is more diversified: VGAB or HEWB?
VGAB holds 13848 securities, while HEWB holds 6. On holdings count, VGAB is the more diversified portfolio.
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