VS
Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VGAB) and iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (XIGS) 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 XIGS leans towards Finance, Utilities, and Technology. When evaluating costs, VGAB features a management fee (MER) of 0.34%, compared to 0.15% for XIGS. Performance-wise, VGAB has returned 1.45% year-to-date with +$158 M in net flows, whereas XIGS is at 0.6% with +$133 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
XIGS
| AuM | $670.79 M | $611.92 M |
| Management Fees | 0.34% | 0.15% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.31% | 0.16% |
| Tracking Difference | - | - |
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% |
XIGS | -0.29% | -0.18% | -0.60% | +0.15% | +11.91% | |
| Flows | VGAB | +$37 M | +$82 M | +$158 M | +$484 M | +$573 M |
XIGS | +$12 M | +$28 M | +$133 M | +$123 M | +$564 M |
VGAB vs XIGS exposure
Countries
VGAB
USA
40.80%
Other
10.48%
Other
48.72%
XIGS
USA
71.44%
Other
28.56%
Sectors
VGAB
Sovereign
56.07%
Finance
14.91%
Other
10.48%
Other
18.54%
XIGS
Finance
48.58%
Utilities
7.52%
Technology
7.04%
Other
36.85%
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%
XIGS
Mexico, 5.5% 17aug2030, USD
0.31%
BlackRock Cash Funds - Treasury
0.22%
T-Mobile USA, 3.875% 15apr2030, USD
0.17%
Bank of America Corporation, 3.419% 20dec2028, USD
0.14%
Amazon.com, 4.25% 13mar2031, USD
0.13%
AbbVie, 3.2% 21nov2029, USD
0.13%
MARS, 4.8% 1mar2030, USD
0.13%
CVS Health, 4.3% 25mar2028, USD
0.13%
NVIDIA, 4.5% 15jun2031, USD
0.12%
Boeing, 5.15% 1may2030, USD
0.11%
Diversification
VGAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 22,200 total
2.30%
XIGS
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 4,663 total
1.58%
Characteristics
Compare
VGAB
XIGS
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD | ICE BofA 1-5 Year US Corporate Index 4PM - USD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.72% | 4.22% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | January 23, 2020 | July 12, 2021 |
Frequently asked questions about VGAB and XIGS
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VGAB or XIGS?
As of September 4, 2026, VGAB has returned -1.45% year to date, while XIGS has returned -0.60%. XIGS is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VGAB or XIGS?
As of September 4, 2026, VGAB manages $670.79 M in assets, while XIGS manages $611.92 M. VGAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VGAB and XIGS managed?
VGAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD benchmark. XIGS is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the ICE BofA 1-5 Year US Corporate Index 4PM - USD benchmark.
What sectors do VGAB and XIGS emphasize?
VGAB is most exposed to Sovereign, Finance, and Industrials. XIGS is most exposed to Finance, Utilities, and Technology.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VGAB or XIGS?
Year to date, VGAB has seen +$158.28 M in net flows, compared with +$133.11 M for XIGS. VGAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VGAB and XIGS compare?
VGAB has an expense ratio of 0.31%, while XIGS has an expense ratio of 0.16%.
What are the top holdings of VGAB and XIGS?
VGAB's largest holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034). XIGS's top holdings include Mexico, 5.5% 17aug2030, USD, BlackRock Cash Funds - Treasury, and T-Mobile USA, 3.875% 15apr2030, USD.
Which ETF is more diversified: VGAB or XIGS?
VGAB holds 16313 securities, while XIGS holds 4645. On holdings count, VGAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VGAB and XIGS
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