Best ETFs in Canada for 2023: A Guide To Investing in ETFs

Investing in Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) has become increasingly popular in Canada due to their ease of use, diversification benefits, and cost-effectiveness. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the top ETFs available in Canada for 2023, covering various categories to suit different investment objectives and risk tolerances. Before delving into the best ETFs, it’s essential to understand the advantages of ETFs and consider your investment goals and financial situation.

Advantages of ETFs:

  1. Easy Access: ETFs can be easily purchased through online brokerage platforms at the current market price, providing flexibility and accessibility to investors.
  2. Diversification: ETFs offer diversification by holding a wide range of securities, reducing the risk associated with individual stock investments.
  3. Cost-Effective: ETFs typically have lower management fees compared to mutual funds, potentially saving investors money over the long term.
  4. Liquidity: ETFs can be traded throughout the trading day, similar to stocks, providing liquidity to investors.
  5. Transparency: ETFs disclose their holdings daily, allowing investors to see the underlying assets and their allocation.
It’s important to note that while ETFs offer many advantages, they are not entirely risk-free, and thorough research is crucial before investing.

Best ETFs in Canada for 2023:

1. Best Canadian All-in-One ETFs:

All-in-One ETFs are ideal for investors seeking simplicity, as they eliminate the need for manual rebalancing and offer diversified portfolios. Here are some top options:

a. Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio (VGRO):

  • Ticker Symbol: VGRO
  • MER: 0.24%
  • Asset Allocation: 80% stocks, 20% bonds
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $3.96 billion
  • Designed for long-term capital growth with a balanced equity-to-fixed income ratio.
  • Comparable ETFs: iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio (XGRO), BMO Growth ETF (ZGRO).

b. Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio (VBAL):

  • Ticker Symbol: VBAL
  • MER: 0.24%
  • Asset Allocation: 60% stocks, 40% bonds
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $2.36 billion
  • Suited for investors seeking lower volatility with a balanced stock-to-bond ratio.
  • Comparable ETFs: iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio (XBAL), BMO Balanced ETF (ZBAL).

c. Vanguard ALL-Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT):

  • Ticker Symbol: VEQT
  • MER: 0.24%
  • Asset Allocation: 100% stocks
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $2.6 billion
  • Ideal for investors comfortable with 100% equity exposure and a high-risk tolerance.
  • Comparable ETF: iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio (XEQT).

2. Best Canadian Equity ETFs:

For exposure to the Canadian equity market, consider these top ETFs:

a. Vanguard FTSE All Cap Index ETF (VCN):

  • Ticker Symbol: VCN
  • MER: 0.05%
  • Inception Date: August 2, 2013
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $5.24 billion
  • Offers exposure to large, mid, and small-cap Canadian companies.

b. BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (ZCN):

  • Ticker Symbol: ZCN
  • MER: 0.06%%
  • Inception Date: May 29, 2009
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $6.8 billion
  • Tracks the S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index, covering 95% of the Canadian equity market.

3. Best U.S. Equity ETFs:

Diversify your portfolio with U.S. equity exposure using these ETFs:

a. Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV):

  • Ticker Symbol: VFV
  • MER: 0.09%
  • Inception Date: November 2, 2012
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $7.58 billion
  • Tracks the S&P 500, providing exposure to large-cap U.S. stocks.

b. iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF (XUU):

  • Ticker Symbol: XUU
  • MER: 0.08%
  • Inception Date: February 10, 2015
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $2.36 billion
  • Offers exposure to the entire U.S. stock market.

4. Best Bond ETFs in Canada:

Include bonds in your portfolio for diversification and stability with these ETFs:

a. BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG):

  • Ticker Symbol: ZAG
  • MER: 0.09%
  • Inception Date: January 19, 2020
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $6.38 billion
  • Represents the broad Canadian bond market.

b. Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index (VAB):

  • Ticker Symbol: VAB
  • MER: 0.09%
  • Inception Date: November 11, 2011
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $4.08 billion
  • Tracks the Bloomberg Barclays Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Index.

5. Best International Equity ETFs in Canada:

Diversify your portfolio globally with these international equity ETFs:

a. iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF (XAW):

  • Ticker Symbol: XAW
  • MER: 0.22%
  • Inception Date: February 10, 2015
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $1.899 billion
  • Provides exposure to developed and emerging markets, excluding Canada.

b. Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada Index ETF (VXC):

  • Ticker Symbol: VXC
  • MER: 0.21%
  • Inception Date: June 30, 2014
  • Net Assets (June 2023): $1.45 billion
  • Offers exposure to developed and emerging markets, excluding Canada.

6. Best Canadian Dividend ETFs:

If you’re interested in dividend investing, consider these dividend ETFs:

a. iShares S&P TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI):

  • Ticker Symbol: XEI
  • MER: 0.22%
  • Provides monthly dividend income and replicates the S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index.

b. BMO Canadian Dividend ETF (ZDV):

  • Ticker Symbol: ZDV
  • MER: 0.39%
  • Offers regular income and long-term growth, comprising Canadian dividend-paying stocks.

7. Best Gold ETFs in Canada:

Add exposure to gold with these ETFs:

a. iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CGL):

  • Ticker Symbol: CGL
  • MER: 0.55%
  • Inception Date: May 28, 2009
  • Net Assets(June 2023): $2.45 billion
  • Offers direct exposure to the price of physical gold bullion.

b. BMO Equal Weight Global Gold Index ETF (ZGD):

  • Ticker Symbol: ZGD
  • MER: 0.61%
  • Provides diversified exposure to global gold mining companies.

Conclusion:

ETFs have revolutionized the way Canadians invest, offering a wide range of options to suit various investment objectives. Before investing in any ETF, it’s essential to conduct thorough research, assess your risk tolerance, and align your choices with your financial goals. Whether you’re seeking a simple all-in-one solution or a customized portfolio, the best ETFs in Canada for 2023 offer something for every investor’s needs. Always consult with a financial advisor or conduct further research to make informed investment decisions.
Search
Table of Contents

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *