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iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (XGGB) and Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VGAB) offer distinct profiles for Canadian ETF investors. A direct comparison shows that XGGB focuses its top 3 sector exposures on Sovereign, while VGAB leans towards Sovereign, Finance, and Industrials. When evaluating costs, XGGB features a management fee (MER) of 0.2%, compared to 0.34% for VGAB. Performance-wise, XGGB has returned 2.13% year-to-date with -$87 M in net flows, whereas VGAB is at 2.42% with +$161 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
XGGB
VGAB
| AuM | $425.34 M | $666.73 M |
| Management Fees | 0.20% | 0.34% |
| Exp. ratio | 0.22% | 0.31% |
| Tracking Difference | -0.17% | - |
Historical performance and flows
As of September 11, 2026
| 1M | 3M | YTD | 1Y | 3Y | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perf. | XGGB | -1.24% | -1.71% | -2.13% | -2.15% | +5.50% |
VGAB | -1.39% | -2.21% | -2.42% | -2.82% | +7.00% | |
| Flows | XGGB | +$41 M | -$6 M | -$87 M | +$62 M | +$146 M |
VGAB | +$35 M | +$82 M | +$161 M | +$484 M | +$575 M |
XGGB vs VGAB exposure
Countries
XGGB
USA
40.80%
China
11.68%
Japan
8.21%
Other
39.31%
VGAB
USA
40.80%
Other
10.48%
Other
48.72%
Sectors
XGGB
Sovereign
98.89%
VGAB
Sovereign
56.07%
Finance
14.91%
Other
10.48%
Other
18.54%
As of September 11, 2026
Top 10 Holdings
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%
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%
Diversification
XGGB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 1,170 total
4.56%
VGAB
Total weight of top 10 holdings out of 22,200 total
2.30%
Characteristics
Compare
XGGB
VGAB
| Provider | iShares | Vanguard |
| Management | Passively managed | Passively managed |
| Benchmark | FTSE World Government Bond Index Currency-hedged in CAD - CAD | Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD |
| Replication Method | Direct (Physical) | Direct (Physical) |
| Asset Class | Fixed Income | Fixed Income |
| Dividend Policy | Distributing | Distributing |
| Trailing 12m distribution yield | 2.86% | 3.76% |
| Meets ESG criteria | No | No |
| Inception Date | September 21, 2017 | January 23, 2020 |
Frequently asked questions about XGGB and VGAB
Which ETF has performed better year to date: XGGB or VGAB?
As of September 11, 2026, XGGB has returned -2.13% year to date, while VGAB has returned -2.42%. XGGB is ahead on YTD performance.
Which ETF is larger by assets under management: XGGB or VGAB?
As of September 11, 2026, XGGB manages $425.34 M in assets, while VGAB manages $666.73 M. VGAB is the larger fund by AUM.
How are XGGB and VGAB managed?
XGGB is passively managed by iShares. It tracks the FTSE World Government Bond Index Currency-hedged in CAD - CAD benchmark. VGAB is passively managed by Vanguard. It tracks the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Float Adjusted Composite GTR Index - CAD benchmark.
What sectors do XGGB and VGAB emphasize?
XGGB is most exposed to Sovereign. VGAB is most exposed to Sovereign, Finance, and Industrials.
Which ETF is attracting more investor flows: XGGB or VGAB?
Year to date, XGGB has seen -$86.93 M in net flows, compared with +$160.88 M for VGAB. VGAB has attracted more net investor money so far.
How do the fees of XGGB and VGAB compare?
XGGB has an expense ratio of 0.22%, while VGAB has an expense ratio of 0.31%.
What are the top holdings of XGGB and VGAB?
XGGB's largest 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). VGAB's top holdings include USA, Notes 3.5% 31jan2028, USD (U-2028) and USA, Notes 4.25% 15nov2034, USD (F-2034).
Which ETF is more diversified: XGGB or VGAB?
XGGB holds 1161 securities, while VGAB holds 16313. On holdings count, VGAB is the more diversified portfolio.
Recent articles about XGGB and VGAB
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