Canadian investors have access to some of the world's best all-in-one ETFs — funds like XEQT and VEQT that provide complete, globally diversified portfolios in a single purchase. Combined with the TFSA's tax-free growth, this makes Canadian index investing unusually efficient.
The best Canadian ETFs (2026)
| ETF | Allocation | MER | Issuer |
|---|---|---|---|
| XEQT | 100% global equities | 0.20% | iShares (BlackRock) |
| VEQT | 100% global equities | 0.24% | Vanguard Canada |
| XGRO | 80% equities / 20% bonds | 0.20% | iShares |
| VGRO | 80% equities / 20% bonds | 0.24% | Vanguard Canada |
| VCN | Canadian equities (TSX) | 0.05% | Vanguard Canada |
| ZSP | S&P 500 (USD) | 0.09% | BMO ETFs |
The Canadian investing platforms
| Platform | Commission | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Wealthsimple Trade | $0 (CAD accounts) | Beginners, TFSA/RRSP investors |
| Questrade | $0 (ETF purchases) | Active investors, US equities |
| IBKR Canada | Very low | Advanced investors, US access |
| Big bank brokerages | $4.95-$9.95/trade | Existing bank customers (convenience) |
The XEQT/VEQT strategy: one ETF, complete portfolio
XEQT (iShares) or VEQT (Vanguard) hold thousands of companies across North America, Europe, Asia, and emerging markets. They automatically rebalance. MERs of 0.20-0.24% vs 1.5-2.5% for actively managed mutual funds. This is the default recommendation for Canadian DIY investors who want simplicity and low costs.
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About the author
Enrique 'Kike' Faúndez is an Information Systems and Management Control Engineer from Universidad de Chile, with master’s degrees in Finance from Universidad de Chile and Industrial Engineering from Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. He has 15+ years of experience in regulated financial services across finance, operations, and digital product development. He founded CashControlly in Santiago, Chile, with the conviction that personal financial control should not be a privilege, but an accessible and well-designed tool.
- Master's in Finance, Universidad de Chile
- Master's in Industrial Engineering, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
- Information Systems and Management Control Engineer, Universidad de Chile
- AI and ITIL certifications
- 15+ years in regulated financial services
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