A side-by-side comparison of Vanguard Core Bond ETF (VCRB) and VictoryShares USAA Core Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (UITB) to help Canadian investors make an informed decision.
1-Year Performance
Normalised to 100 at the start — shows relative return over the trailing 12 months.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Metric | VCRB | UITB |
|---|---|---|
| YTD Return | -3.39% | -2.96%✓ |
| 1-Day Change | -0.20% | +0.27%✓ |
| 1-Week Change | -0.73% | -0.22%✓ |
| 1-Month Change | -2.63% | -2.16%✓ |
| Current Price | $73.48 | $44.77 |
| AUM | $7.52B✓ | $2.62B |
| MER (Expense Ratio) | 0.1%✓ | 0.38% |
| Dividend Yield | 4.59%✓ | 4.30% |
| Distribution Frequency | — | — |
| Inception Date | 2023-12-14 | 2017-10-24 |
| Holdings Count | 1 | 10 |
| MorningStar Rating | — | ★★★★ |
| Category | Intermediate Core Bond | Intermediate Core Bond |
| Beta | 0.00 | 0.96 |
| 52-Week High | $76.76 | $46.86 |
| 52-Week Low | $73.11 | $44.51 |
| 50-Day MA | $75.47 | $45.81 |
| 200-Day MA | $77.01 | $46.75 |
✓ marks the better value for return/yield/AUM metrics. Lower ✓ for MER.
Annualised Returns
| Period | VCRB | UITB |
|---|---|---|
| YTD | -3.39% | -2.96%✓ |
| 1 Year | -0.75%✓ | -1.10% |
| 3 Year | — | +4.38% |
| 5 Year | — | -0.16% |
| 10 Year | — | — |
| 1Y Volatility | 3.31% | 3.22% |
| Sharpe Ratio (3Y) | — | -0.02 |
Past performance is not a guarantee of future results.
Sector Weights
| Sector | VCRB | UITB |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Materials | 77.97% | 0.00% |
| Communication Services | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Consumer Cyclicals | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Consumer Defensive | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Energy | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Financial Services | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Healthcare | 22.03% | 0.00% |
| Industrials | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Real Estate | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Technology | 0.00% | 0.00% |
| Utilities | 0.00% | 0.00% |
About VCRB
The fund invests in fixed income securities of various maturities, yields, and qualities. Under normal circumstances, the fund will invest at least 80% of its assets in bonds, which include fixed income securities such as corporate bonds; U.S. Treasury obligations and other U.S. government and agency securities; and asset-backed, mortgage-backed, and mortgage-related securities.
About UITB
Under normal circumstances, the fund invests at least 80% of its assets in debt securities and in derivatives and other instruments that have economic characteristics similar to such securities. It may invest up to 20% of its net assets in foreign debt securities, including non-U.S. dollar- denominated securities and securities of companies in emerging market countries (i.e., those that are in the early stages of their industrial cycles).
Which ETF is Right for You?
Both VCRB and UITB are listed on Canadian exchanges and accessible through most Canadian brokerages including Questrade, Wealthsimple Trade, TD Direct, and Interactive Brokers.
Based on the available data, VCRB scores higher across our tracked metrics including YTD performance, dividend yield, and AUM — though both ETFs warrant individual research before investing.
- Consider your account type (TFSA, RRSP, non-registered) as it can affect dividend taxation.
- Compare management expense ratios (MER) directly on each provider's website.
- Look at average daily trading volume to assess liquidity.
- Review the fund's underlying index and holdings to ensure the exposure matches your goals.
This is not financial advice. Always do your own research or consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between VCRB and UITB?
VCRB (Vanguard Core Bond ETF) and UITB (VictoryShares USAA Core Intermediate-Term Bond ETF) are both Canadian-listed ETFs. Key differences include their AUM ($7.52B vs $2.62B), dividend yield (4.59% vs 4.30%), and year-to-date performance (-3.39% vs -2.96%).
Is VCRB better than UITB?
There is no single "better" ETF — it depends on your investment goals. If you prioritise dividends, compare both yields and choose based on your income needs. Always review the fund's prospectus and consider your tax situation.
Can I buy VCRB and UITB on Wealthsimple?
Most Canadian-listed ETFs are available on Wealthsimple Trade commission-free. Both VCRB and UITB should be accessible. Check Wealthsimple's supported tickers list to confirm availability.
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