Are you looking for the best ETF in Canada to diversify your investments? We rounded up the 5 best Canadian ETFs based on performance, dividends and focus. From funds that perform well in the medium and long run to the best dividend, REIT and bond funds, these are the high-performing ETFs to watch on the TSX.
If you’re ready to invest, check out ETF fees for brokerages like Wealthsimple, TD Direct Investing, Questrade, RBC Direct Investing and more.
Five best Canadian ETFs:
Best ETF in Canada by 1-year performance: CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF C$ Unhedged (BTCX.B)
Best ETF in Canada by 5-year performance: Global X Uranium Index ETF (HURA)
Best dividend ETF in Canada: Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF (MINN)
Best REIT ETF in Canada: Harvest Global REIT Leaders Income ETF (HGR)
Best bond ETF in Canada: Global X Active Hybrid Bond and Preferred Share ETF Common (HYBR)
Best ETF in Canada: 1-year performance
CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF C$ Unhedged (BTCX.B)
The CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF (C$) has yielded an impressive 150.01% return over the past year. The fund has net assets worth over $690 million and has a modest expense ratio of 0.40%. It’s designed for high-risk investors who want long-term capital growth from Bitcoin investments. Unlike buying cryptocurrency directly, BTCX-U provides indirect exposure to Bitcoin in the form of a professionally managed, institution-quality fund.
These are the 5 top Canadian ETFs on the TSX based on 1-year performance:
Symbol
ETF name
1Y returns
Management fee
Net assets
BTCX.B
CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF C$ Unhedged
150.01%
0.40%
692.09M
FBTC
Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF
149.16%
0.40%
423.35M
BTCX.U
CI Galaxy Bitcoin ETF US$
149.03%
0.40%
302.73M
FBTC.U
Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETFTM
148.26%
0.40%
312.68M
BTCC.B
Purpose Bitcoin CAD ETF Non-Currency Hedged Units
147.38%
1.00%
1.15B
Best ETF in Canada: 5-year performance
Global X Uranium Index ETF (HURA)
The Global X Uranium Index ETF has yielded a solid 34.04% return over the past 5 years. The high-risk fund aims to replicate the Solactive Global Uranium Pure-Play Index, which tracks businesses around the world that impact the price of uranium or that are involved in uranium exploration and mining. The management expense ratio is 0.99%, and total net assets are around $88 million.
These are the 5 top Canadian ETFs on the TSX based on 5-year performance:
Symbol
ETF name
5Y returns
Management fee
Net assets
HURA
Global X Uranium Index ETF
34.04%
0.75%
88.12M
HBGD.U
Global X Big Data & Hardware Index ETF
33.04%
0.45%
14.41M
HBGD
Horizons Big Data & Hardware Index ETF
33.00%
0.45%
19.62M
HQU
BetaPro NASDAQ-100 2x Daily Bull ETF
31.06%
1.15%
375.74M
HXQ
Global X NASDAQ-100 Index Corporate Class ETF
21.75%
0.25%
948.57M
Best dividend ETF in Canada
Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF (MINN)
The Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF has yielded a 40.70% return over the past 12 months. The fund aims to provide long-term returns by investing in global dividend-paying companies that develop and market products and services related to artificial intelligence, cloud computing, online advertising, software and e-commerce. It holds net assets of more than $117 million and has an expense ratio of 0.90%.
These are the 5 best dividend ETFs on the TSX based on 1-year performance:
Symbol
ETF name
Yield
Management fee
Net assets
MINN
Middlefield Innovation Dividend ETF
2.10%
1.56%
117.94M
TUED
TD Active U.S. Enhanced Dividend ETF
2.41%
0.65%
313.38M
TUED-U
TD Active U.S. Enhanced Dividend ETF USD
2.55%
0.65%
11.93M
TUEX
TD Active U.S. Enhanced Dividend CAD Hedged ETF
12.12%
0.65%
2.52M
RUD
RBC Quant U.S. Dividend Leaders ETF
1.50%
0.39%
530.88M
Best REIT ETF in Canada
Harvest Global REIT Leaders Income ETF (HGR)
The Harvest Global REIT Leaders Income ETF has yielded a modest 6.01% return over the past year. It aims to provide regular income and capital appreciation. Suitable for investors with a medium risk tolerance, the fund invests in more than 20 leading, large capitalization REIT companies and offers exposure to growing sectors like healthcare, technology and logistics. It holds net assets of over $16 million and has a management fee of 0.85%.
The real estate investment trust (REIT) industry has dipped in 2024, with the S&P/TSX Capped REIT index yielding a -9.17% return year to date and a -9.86% return over the past 12 months. These are the 5 best REIT ETFs on the TSX based on 1-year performance:
Symbol
ETF name
1Y returns
Management fee
Net assets
HGR
Harvest Global REIT Leaders Income ETF
6.01%
0.85%
16.46M
CGRE
CI Global REIT Private Pool
4.81%
0.70%
58.64M
HRED
BetaPro Equal Weight Canadian REIT -2x Daily Bear ETF
4.55%
1.15%
5.94M
VRE
Vanguard FTSE Canadian Capped REIT Index ETF
1.10%
0.35%
255.97M
RIT
CI Canadian REIT ETF
0.43%
0.86%
458.53M
Best bond ETF in Canada
Global X Active Hybrid Bond and Preferred Share ETF Common (HYBR)
The Global X Active Hybrid Bond and Preferred Share ETF has yielded a solid 29.03% return over the past year. The fund has net assets worth around $63 million and has a modest expense ratio of 0.64%. It aims to provide high income by investing in fixed income and equity securities in both Canadian and US companies. Subject to the sub-advisor’s discretion, the fund may hedge some or all of its non-CAD currency exposure.
Our selection of top picks is based on the same criteria as our annual Stock Trading Platform Awards. This is updated yearly to reflect changes in the market.
"Best for" picks are those we've evaluated to be best for specific product features or categories – you can read our full methodology here. If we show a "Promoted" pick, it's been chosen from among our commercial partners and is based on factors that include special features or offers, and the commission we receive.
This isn't an exhaustive list of all the trading platforms out there. What's best for you depends on your own investing strategy, budget and financial goals.
How to invest in an ETF
You can buy and sell ETF shares like stocks on the stock market through a fund manager or online trading platform. Here’s how it works:
Compare investment platformsCompare platforms to find one that suits your investment needs.
Open an account. Create an account by providing details such as your personal info, employment info and ID.
Fund your account. Move funds into your account by bank transfer or wire transfer.
Research ETFs. Log in to your account, and search for an ETF by ticker symbol (“HRED”).
Buy now or later. Place a market order to buy at the current price, or place a limit order to buy when the price is more favourable.
Basic details about a fund can be found in its ETF Facts document (known in other countries as Key Investor Information Documents or KIIDs), which the Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) requires fund managers to provide investors. The document breaks down key information including:
Quick facts
Trading information (stock exchange, ticker symbol, how ETFs are traded etc.)
Pricing information
Holdings
Distributions (dividends)
Risk level & who should invest
Performance over the past 10 years
Cost & fees
You can view all public filings related to ETFs and other regulated Canadian securities in the SEDAR database.
ETF fees
There are 2 main ETF fees you should know about:
Trade fee. Most trading platforms charge a transaction fee every time you buy or sell an ETF. This is typically between $0 and $5.00.
Management expense ratio (MER). The annual cost of managing a fund expressed as a percentage of its assets. This typically ranges from 0.05% to 2.5%.
Disclaimer: This information should not be interpreted as an endorsement of futures, stocks, ETFs, options or any specific provider, service or offering. It should not be relied upon as investment advice or construed as providing recommendations of any kind. Futures, stocks, ETFs and options trading involves substantial risk of loss and therefore are not appropriate for all investors. Trading forex on leverage comes with a higher risk of losing money rapidly. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Consider your own circumstances, and obtain your own advice, before making any trades.
Kylie Purcell is the senior investments editor at Finder. She has a background in business and finance news with previous roles at SBS, Your Money, TVNZ, Switzer Group and The Adviser magazine. Kylie has a Masters in International Journalism and a Graduate Diploma in Economics. When she's not writing about the markets you can find her bingeing on coffee.
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Stacie Hurst is an editor at Finder, specializing in loans, banking, investing and money transfers. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Writing, and she has completed FP Canada Institute's Financial Management Course. Before working in the publishing industry, Stacie completed one year of law school in the United States. When not working, she can usually be found watching K-dramas or playing games with her friends and family. See full bio
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