VS
Compare iShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB) vs Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB) to find the best fit for your portfolio. XBB and VAB provide the same top sector exposures: Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. When evaluating costs, XBB features a management fee (MER) of 0.09%, compared to 0.08% for VAB. Performance-wise, XBB has returned 1.25% year-to-date with +$1 B in net flows, whereas VAB is at 1.21% with +$1 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
XBB
VAB
| AuM | $10,055.26 M | $7,540.23 M |
| Management Fees | 0.09% | 0.08% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.10% | 0.09% |
| Tracking Difference | - | -0.32% |
Historical performance and flows
As of August 4, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XBB | -0.75% | +1.29% | +1.25% | +2.76% | +14.39% |
VAB | -0.78% | +1.25% | +1.21% | +2.68% | +15.93% | |
| Flows | XBB | -$14 M | +$175 M | +$1,030 M | +$1,847 M | +$4,688 M |
VAB | +$121 M | +$473 M | +$1,057 M | +$1,931 M | +$3,268 M |
XBB vs VAB exposure
Countries
XBB
Canada
74.37%
Other
25.10%
VAB
Canada
73.12%
Other
25.48%
Sectors
XBB
Municipal
26.00%
Other
25.10%
Sovereign
21.98%
Other
26.92%
VAB
Municipal
27.74%
Other
25.48%
Sovereign
22.08%
Other
24.70%
As of August 4, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
XBB
CA135087T388
1.54%
CA135087T792
1.53%
CA135087T537
1.53%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.42%
CA135087U287
1.31%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.22%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
1.22%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.21%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.13%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2034, CAD
1.10%
VAB
CA135087T792
1.83%
CA135087T537
1.57%
CA135087T388
1.57%
CA135087U287
1.52%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD
1.45%
Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD
1.20%
Canada, Bonds 2.75% 1mar2030, CAD
1.19%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1dec2057, CAD
1.17%
Canada, Bonds 3.5% 1sep2029, CAD
1.14%
Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1dec2034, CAD
1.13%
Diversification
XBB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,880 total
13.20%
VAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,303 total
13.75%
Characteristics
Compare
XBB
VAB
| Provider | iShares | Vanguard |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 3.45% | 3.37% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | November 20, 2000 | November 30, 2011 |
Frequently asked questions about XBB and VAB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XBB or VAB?
As of August 4, 2026, XBB has returned 1.25% year to date, while VAB has returned 1.21%. XBB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XBB or VAB?
As of August 4, 2026, XBB manages $10.06 B in assets, while VAB manages $7.54 B. XBB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XBB and VAB managed?
XBB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE Canada Universe Bond TR Index - CAD benchmark. VAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Total Return Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XBB and VAB emphasize?
XBB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies. VAB is most exposed to Municipal, Sovereign, and Government agencies.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XBB or VAB?
Year to date, XBB has seen +$1,030.04 M in net flows, compared with +$1,057.12 M for VAB. VAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XBB and VAB compare?
XBB has an expense ratio of 0.10%, while VAB has an expense ratio of 0.09%.
What are the top holdings of XBB and VAB?
XBB's largest holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD. VAB's top holdings include Canada, Bonds 3.25% 1jun2035, CAD and Canada, Bonds 3% 1jun2034, CAD.
Which ETF is more diversified: XBB or VAB?
XBB holds 1444 securities, while VAB holds 992. On holdings count, XBB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XBB and VAB
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