VS
Vanguard Canadian Short-Term Bond Index ETF (VSB) and iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that VSB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, Municipal, and Banks, while XIC leans towards Financials, Energy, and Materials. When evaluating costs, VSB features a management fee (MER) of 0.1%, compared to 0.05% for XIC. Performance-wise, VSB has returned 0.57% year-to-date with +$201 M in net flows, whereas XIC is at 9.56% with +$5 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
VSB
XIC
| AuM | $1,548.98 M | $29,539.19 M |
| Management Fees | 0.10% | 0.05% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.12% | 0.06% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.37% | -0.12% |
Historical performance and flows
As of May 21, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | VSB | +0.07% | -0.43% | +0.57% | +2.82% | +15.66% |
XIC | +1.68% | +2.64% | +9.56% | +36.47% | +86.11% | |
| Flows | VSB | +$65 M | -$45 M | +$201 M | +$457 M | +$253 M |
XIC | +$608 M | +$2,286 M | +$5,400 M | +$7,829 M | +$11,401 M |
VSB vs XIC exposure
Countries
VSB
Canada
97.41%
XIC
Canada
98.95%
Sectors
VSB
Other
27.23%
Sovereign
22.13%
Municipal
15.28%
Banks
9.87%
Government agencies
8.89%
Other
16.60%
XIC
Financials
28.13%
Energy
18.01%
Materials
15.92%
Other
13.03%
Other
24.92%
As of May 21, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
VSB
CA135087T792
3.72%
CA135087T388
3.65%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
2.91%
CA135087T610
2.77%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
2.74%
CA135087T461
2.67%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1may2027, CAD
2.44%
Canada, Bonds 4% 1mar2029, CAD
2.38%
CA135087T958
2.38%
Canada, Bond 1.25 1jun2030 10Y
2.36%
XIC
ROYAL BK CANADA
6.69%
TORONTO DOMINION
4.64%
SHOPIFY SUBORDINATE VOTING
4.31%
ENBRIDGE
3.50%
AGNICO EAGLE MINES LTD
3.01%
CDN NATURAL RESOURCE
3.01%
BANK OF MONTREAL
2.83%
CA11271J1075
2.65%
CDN IMPERIAL BK
2.61%
BNS
2.53%
Diversification
VSB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 570 total
28.01%
XIC
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 221 total
35.80%
Characteristics
Compare
VSB
XIC
| Provider | Vanguard | iShares |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Government/Credit 1-5 Year Float Adjusted Bond Total Return 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 | 3.06% | 2.04% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 30, 2011 | February 16, 2001 |
Frequently asked questions about VSB and XIC
Which ETF has performed better year to date: VSB or XIC?
As of May 21, 2026, VSB has returned 0.57% year to date, while XIC has returned 9.56%. XIC is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: VSB or XIC?
As of May 21, 2026, VSB manages $1.55 B in assets, while XIC manages $29.54 B. XIC is the larger fund by AUM.
How are VSB and XIC managed?
VSB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Government/Credit 1-5 Year Float Adjusted Bond Total Return 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 VSB and XIC emphasize?
VSB is most exposed to Sovereign, Municipal, and Banks. XIC is most exposed to Financials, Energy, and Materials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: VSB or XIC?
Year to date, VSB has seen +$201.46 M in net flows, compared with +$5,399.99 M for XIC. XIC has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of VSB and XIC compare?
VSB has an expense ratio of 0.12%, while XIC has an expense ratio of 0.06%.
What are the top holdings of VSB and XIC?
VSB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD. XIC's top holdings include ROYAL BK CANADA and TORONTO DOMINION.
Which ETF is more diversified: VSB or XIC?
VSB holds 453 securities, while XIC holds 193. On holdings count, VSB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about VSB and XIC
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