Buying ETFs in Canada: Using the MoneySense ETF Screener
If you’re researching ETFs to buy, you’ve come to the right place. The MoneySense ETF screener tool presents tables for different ETF categories, offering options from some of the best ETF providers in Canada. For each fund you can see the asset class, geography, provider, ticker, one‑year return, inception date, management fees, expense ratio, whether it is actively managed, ESG‑focused, its strategy, if it contains crypto, as well as returns ranging from one day to three years and flows over the same periods.
The data powering the screener was supplied by ETF Market Canada CBOE on October 16, 2026. CBOE tracks more than 1,600 ETFs, and the screener highlights the 100 top‑performing funds based on one‑year return.
What are ETFs?
Exchange‑traded funds (ETFs) are investments that let investors build a well‑balanced, globally diversified portfolio for a fraction of the cost of mutual funds. A common approach is to create a low‑cost, low‑maintenance core Couch Potato portfolio. The screener also highlights one‑ticket asset‑allocation ETFs that provide an all‑in‑one managed portfolio at various risk levels.
How to build an ETF portfolio
The MoneySense ETF Finder tool makes it easy to curate the right ETFs for your needs. Investors can start with a core portfolio and then add “explore” holdings for greater growth—such as themes like electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, or higher‑income and dividend‑focused funds. This core‑and‑explore approach is supported by the tool.
The ESG section helps you locate funds that focus on sustainable investing. Canada was the first country to offer true cryptocurrency ETFs, so the screener includes Bitcoin and Ethereum options. For those who prefer professional guidance alongside low‑cost ETFs, the article points to a list of the best robo‑advisors in Canada.
As with any financial decision, it is important to understand the risks and tax consequences before investing. Consulting a qualified and certified financial advisor is recommended.
Core portfolio ETFs
A balanced core portfolio can combine equities (stocks), real estate investment trusts (REITs), commodities, and bonds. Equities drive growth, while holding Canadian, U.S., and international stocks adds diversification. REITs can also serve as growth drivers and provide an inflation hedge. Commodities are useful as a dependable inflation hedge during unexpected inflation or stagflation. Bonds help lessen portfolio volatility, though they may reduce long‑term returns.
Bond sector ETFs
Bonds are held to generate income and mitigate portfolio volatility. Investors can choose between government bonds and corporate bonds, with higher‑yield corporate bonds typically carrying greater risk.
ESG ETFs
Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria are a growing trend in ETF investing. Funds that follow ESG principles select companies and fixed‑income assets based on environmental impact and social and governance factors. Investors can build their own ESG portfolio using individual equity and fixed‑income ETFs, or opt for all‑in‑one ESG asset‑allocation ETFs.
Asset allocation ETFs
Asset‑allocation ETFs provide all‑in‑one portfolio solutions. A single low‑cost ETF holds a globally diversified mix of assets that is managed and rebalanced for you, available at various risk levels.
Thematic ETFs
Thematic ETFs let you invest in transformational technologies or very specific niches. While they can offer incredible opportunities, they also carry additional risks. Although thematic ETFs reduce single‑stock risk, they still leave investors exposed to sector‑level risks.
Sector ETFs
Sector ETFs hold stocks from a particular industry, such as financials, energy, or technology. These funds allow you to tilt your portfolio toward more aggressive, more conservative, or more defensive positions depending on economic conditions.
Dividend and income ETFs
Dividend and income ETFs focus on generating income through high dividends or strong bond yields. Enhanced yield can also be achieved via covered‑call or put‑writing strategies.
Active and factor ETFs
Most ETFs track an index and are passively managed. Active ETFs employ portfolio managers who aim to beat the market and may seek better risk‑adjusted returns. Factor ETFs follow rules‑based guidelines for selecting equities or bonds.
Cryptocurrency ETFs
Canada was the first country to offer true Bitcoin ETFs, and Ethereum ETFs are also available from several providers. This exciting asset class remains highly volatile, so a modest allocation (e.g., 1% to 5%) is often suggested.
Cash ETFs
Many investors keep cash balances while awaiting investment opportunities. Cash ETFs allow you to earn a small return on those balances while you wait to put the money to work.
