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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