VS
Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VGAB) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) 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 XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, VGAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.34%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, VGAB has returned 0.7% year-to-date with +$78 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 9.49% with +$6 B. 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
XIC
| AuM | $600.26 M | $29,650.44 M |
| Management Fees | 0.34% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.33% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | -1.08% | -0.11% |
Historical performance and flows
As of June 5, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VGAB | -0.53% | -1.35% | -0.70% | +0.93% | +7.59% |
XIC | +2.69% | +2.96% | +9.49% | +33.72% | +87.75% | |
| Flows | VGAB | +$17 M | +$46 M | +$78 M | +$444 M | +$507 M |
XIC | +$363 M | +$2,779 M | +$5,533 M | +$7,652 M | +$11,585 M |
VGAB vs XIC exposure
Countries
VGAB
USA
48.19%
Other
51.81%
XIC
Canada
99.06%
Sectors
VGAB
Sovereign
44.05%
Other
27.33%
Banks
7.80%
Other
20.82%
XIC
Financials
29.96%
Energy
17.73%
Materials
14.57%
Other
13.30%
Other
24.44%
As of June 5, 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%
XIC
ROYAL BK CANADA
7.02%
TORONTO DOMINION
5.05%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
4.16%
ENBRIDGE
3.38%
BANK OF MONTREAL
3.00%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
2.89%
CA11271J1075
2.78%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
2.78%
BNS
2.68%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
2.63%
Diversification
VGAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 22,151 total
2.42%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
36.37%
Characteristics
Compare
VGAB
XIC
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD | S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Equity |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.61% | 2.04% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | January 23, 2020 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about VGAB and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VGAB or XIC?
As of June 5, 2026, VGAB has returned -0.70% year to date, while XIC has returned 9.49%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VGAB or XIC?
As of June 5, 2026, VGAB manages $600.26 M in assets, while XIC manages $29.65 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VGAB and XIC managed?
VGAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD benchmark. XIC is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do VGAB and XIC emphasize?
VGAB is most exposed to Sovereign, Banks, and Other sectors. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VGAB or XIC?
Year to date, VGAB has seen +$78.31 M in net flows, compared with +$5,532.87 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VGAB and XIC compare?
VGAB has an expense ratio of 0.33%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of VGAB and XIC?
VGAB's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.375% 15may2034, USD (C-2034). XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: VGAB or XIC?
VGAB holds 13848 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, VGAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VGAB and XIC
Bond Investing with NEO-Listed ETFs
The NEO exchange has some unique bond ETFs that investors may find highly useful.
Posted on 2/27/2023 by Tony Dong inBonds
The Top Canadian ETFs by AUM in 2023
These ETFs rank among the largest in the Canadian industry.
Posted on 1/11/2023 by Tony Dong inETFs
The ETF Market Canada is brought to you by Cboe in partnership with Trackinsight SA who is providing all the data, analysis and editorial content on this site. Unless explicitly stated as such, any information that you receive is not real-time.
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.
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.