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Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VGAB) and iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (XGGB) 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 XGGB leans towards Sovereign. When evaluating costs, VGAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.34%, compared to 0.2% for XGGB. Performance-wise, VGAB has returned 1.45% year-to-date with +$158 M in net flows, whereas XGGB is at 1.23% with -$87 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
XGGB
| AuM | $670.79 M | $429.27 M |
| Management Fees | 0.34% | 0.20% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.31% | 0.22% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.17% |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 4, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VGAB | -0.69% | -1.12% | -1.45% | -1.12% | +8.05% |
XGGB | -0.50% | -0.76% | -1.23% | -0.62% | +6.32% | |
| Flows | VGAB | +$37 M | +$82 M | +$158 M | +$484 M | +$573 M |
XGGB | +$27 M | -$6 M | -$87 M | +$68 M | +$148 M |
VGAB vs XGGB exposure
Countries
VGAB
USA
40.80%
Other
10.48%
Other
48.72%
XGGB
USA
40.80%
China
11.68%
Japan
8.21%
Other
39.31%
Sectors
VGAB
Sovereign
56.07%
Finance
14.91%
Other
10.48%
Other
18.54%
XGGB
Sovereign
98.89%
As of September 4, 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%
XGGB
USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034)
0.56%
USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034)
0.53%
USA, Notes 3.875% 15aug2034, USD (E-2034)
0.52%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15aug2035, USD (E-2035)
0.51%
USA, Notes 4.25% 15may2035, USD (C-2035)
0.50%
China, TB 1.79% 25mar2032, CNY
0.42%
USA, Notes 2.875% 15may2032, USD (C-2032)
0.40%
USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028)
0.37%
China, TB 1.44% 15sep2027, CNY
0.37%
USA, Notes 3.375% 31dec2027, USD (BM-2027)
0.37%
Diversification
VGAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 22,200 total
2.30%
XGGB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,170 total
4.56%
Characteristics
Compare
VGAB
XGGB
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD | FTSE World Government Bond Index Currency-hedged in CAD - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.72% | 2.84% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | January 23, 2020 | September 21, 2017 |
Frequently asked questions about VGAB and XGGB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VGAB or XGGB?
As of September 4, 2026, VGAB has returned -1.45% year to date, while XGGB has returned -1.23%. XGGB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VGAB or XGGB?
As of September 4, 2026, VGAB manages $670.79 M in assets, while XGGB manages $429.27 M. VGAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VGAB and XGGB managed?
VGAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD benchmark. XGGB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE World Government Bond Index Currency-hedged in CAD - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VGAB and XGGB emphasize?
VGAB is most exposed to Sovereign, Finance, and Industrials. XGGB is most exposed to Sovereign.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VGAB or XGGB?
Year to date, VGAB has seen +$158.28 M in net flows, compared with -$86.93 M for XGGB. VGAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VGAB and XGGB compare?
VGAB has an expense ratio of 0.31%, while XGGB has an expense ratio of 0.22%.
What are the top holdings of VGAB and XGGB?
VGAB's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034). XGGB's top holdings include USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034), USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034), and USA, Notes 3.875% 15aug2034, USD (E-2034).
Which ETF is more diversified: VGAB or XGGB?
VGAB holds 16313 securities, while XGGB holds 1161. On holdings count, VGAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VGAB and XGGB
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