7 Best Canadian Bank ETFs for September 2023

Canadian banks play a crucial role in the investment portfolios of many Canadians, offering stability, dividends, and growth potential. Whether you’re new to investing or a seasoned pro, Canadian bank ETFs provide an easy way to gain exposure to this sector without the hassle of individual stock management. In this article, we’ll explore the seven best Canadian bank ETFs for September 2023.

1. BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB)

The BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB) is an excellent choice for investors looking to tap into Canada’s largest banks. As of December 8th, 2022, ZEB’s holdings are allocated equally among the “Big Six” Canadian banks:

  • Royal Bank of Canada (RY) – 17.44%
  • National Bank of Canada (NA) – 17.35%
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) – 17.31%
  • Bank of Montreal (BMO) – 16.73%
  • Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS) – 15.76%
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CM) – 15.47%

Key Facts for ZEB:

  • Inception date: October 20, 2009
  • MER: 0.28%
  • Number of holdings: 7
  • Dividend yield: 4.01%
  • Dividend distribution: Monthly
  • Net asset: $2,997.61 million
While ZEB offers a competitive 4.01% dividend yield, investors should note the 0.28% MER. ZEB has delivered an annualized return of 10.77% since inception, despite a modest loss of -4.47% in 2022.

2. Horizons Equal Weight Canada Banks Index ETF (HEWB)

Horizons Equal Weight Canada Banks Index ETF (HEWB) is another option for investors looking to focus on Canada’s major banks. Launched in 2019, HEWB holds the following allocations among the Big Six:

  • National Bank of Canada – 17.34%
  • TD Bank – 16.94%
  • Royal Bank of Canada – 16.90%
  • Bank of Montreal – 16.85%
  • CIBC – 16.60%
  • Bank of Nova Scotia – 15.37%

Key Facts for HEWB:

  • Inception date: January 22, 2019
  • MER: 0.27%
  • Number of holdings: 6
HEWB has the advantage of a low 0.27% MER, but it does not currently offer a distribution, which may deter some investors. Its annualized return since inception is 11.04%, with a -4.44% performance year-to-date.

3. BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB)

The BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB) not only invests in the top six Canadian banks but also employs a covered call options strategy to enhance yield and lower volatility. As of this writing, ZWB’s holdings include:

  • BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (ZEB) – 24.06%
  • RBC – 13.27%
  • National Bank – 13.20%
  • TD Bank – 13.17%
  • Bank of Montreal – 12.73%
  • Bank of Nova Scotia – 11.99%
  • CIBC – 11.77%

Key Facts for ZWB:

  • Inception date: January 28, 2011
  • MER: 0.71%
  • Number of holdings: 41
  • Dividend yield: 6.84%
  • Dividend distribution: Monthly
  • Net asset: $2,805.65 million
ZWB offers an attractive 6.84% distribution yield but comes with a higher 0.71% MER. It has an annualized return of 8.49% since inception and returned -0.83% in 2022.

4. iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF (XFN)

The iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF (XFN) provides exposure to a broader range of Canadian financial companies, including banks and insurance firms. As of December 8th, 2022, XFN’s top holdings include:

  • RBC – 20.48%
  • TD Bank – 18.17%
  • BMO – 9.48%
  • Brookfield Asset Management Inc Cl – 9.45%
  • Bank of Nova Scotia – 9.09%
  • CIBC – 5.88%
  • Manulife Financial Corp – 5.13%
  • Sun Life Financial Inc. – 4.11%
  • Intact Financial Corp – 4.00%
  • National Bank of Canada – 3.53%

Key Facts for XFN:

  • Inception date: March 23, 2001
  • MER: 0.61%
  • Number of holdings: 29
  • Dividend yield: 3.30%
  • Dividend distribution: Monthly
  • Net asset: $1,407 million
XFN offers greater diversification than bank-specific ETFs and comes with a 0.61% MER. Its dividend yield is 3.30%, with an average annual return since inception of 9.44%.

5. Hamilton Enhanced Canadian Bank ETF (HCAL)

Hamilton Enhanced Canadian Bank ETF (HCAL) holds all six major Canadian banks, offering exposure with different allocations. As of December 8th, 2022, HCAL’s allocations are as follows:

  • Bank of Nova Scotia – 27.1%
  • Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce – 26.6%
  • Bank of Montreal – 26.3%
  • Royal Bank of Canada – 6.8%
  • National Bank of Canada – 6.7%
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank – 6.5%

Key Facts for HCAL:

  • Inception date: October 14th, 2020
  • MER: 0.65%
  • Number of holdings: 6
  • Dividend yield: 6.82%
  • Dividend distribution: Monthly
  • Net asset: $383 million
HCAL offers a robust 6.82% distribution yield, making it one of the highest among Canadian bank ETFs. Despite being relatively new, it has delivered a total return of 25.28% since inception.

6. iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF (CEW)

The iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF (CEW) provides a diversified portfolio of bank and life insurance stocks. As of December 8th, 2022, CEW’s holdings include:

  • Sun Life Financial Inc. – 10.22%
  • Manulife Financial Corp – 10.20%
  • IA Financial Inc. – 10.12%
  • RBC – 10.05%
  • Bank of Nova Scotia – 10.03%
  • Toronto-Dominion Bank – 10.02%
  • National Bank of Canada – 9.98%
  • BMO – 9.63%
  • Great West LifeCo Inc. – 9.62%
  • CIBC – 9.52%

Key Facts for CEW:

  • Inception date: February 6, 2008
  • MER: 0.61%
  • Number of holdings: 10
  • Dividend yield: 4.26%
  • Dividend distribution: Monthly
  • Net asset: $187 million
CEW offers diversification across banks and life insurance companies, with a dividend yield of 4.26%. Its average annual return since inception is 8.37%, with a return of 1.95% over the past year.
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