iShares Canada is one of the largest ETF providers in the world. It is owned by the Blackrock investment management company.
As of May 2022, iShares Canada has a total of 161 ETFs available for Canadian investors.
There are over $3 trillion in total assets invested in global iShares funds and is an industry leader in Exchange Traded Funds along with Vanguard.
In this article, I will cover some of the best iShares ETFs in Canada. I will cover their holdings, performance, key facts, fees, as well as how Canadian investors can buy these ETFs in their brokerage accounts.
Table of Contents
What is iShares Canada?
iShares Canada is a popular investment product line from the world-famous Blackrock Investment Management company.
The best iShares Canada ETF for you will depend on your personal preferences, risk tolerance, and long-term investment goals.
iShares Canada ETF List
This article covers the following types of iShares Canada ETFs:
- Best iShares Canada Equity ETFs
- Best iShares Canada Fixed Income ETFs
- Best iShares Canada Asset Allocation ETFs
- Best iShares Canada Precious Metal ETFs
- Best iShares Canada REIT ETFs
There are plenty of choices for investors in the iShares Canada catalogue of ETFs. This article will not cover all of the options, but it provides a good introduction.
These are the iShares Canada ETFs discussed in a bit more detail:
- iShares Canada S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (XIU)
- iShares Canada Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC)
- iShares Canada Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XSP)
- iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (XEF)
- iShares Canada Core S&P 500 Index ETF (XUS)
- iShares Canada S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETF (XEG)
- iShares Canada Core S&P US Total Market Index ETF (XUU)
- iShares Canada Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB)
- iShares Canada Core Canadian Short-term Bond Index ETF (XSB)
- iShares Canada Core Canadian Short-term Corporate Bond Index ETF (XSH)
- iShares Canada Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF (XCB)
- iShares Canada 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO)
- iShares Canada Core Growth ETF Portfolio (XGRO)
- iShares Canada Core Balanced ETF Portfolio (XBAL)
- iShares Canada Core Equity ETF Portfolio (XEQT)
- iShares Canada Core Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio (XCNS)
- iShares Canada Core Income Balanced ETF Portfolio (XINC)
- iShares Canada S&P/TSX Global Gold Index ETF (XGD)
- iShares Canada Gold Bullion ETF (CGL)
- iShares Canada S&P/TSX Global Base Metals Index ETF (XBM)
- iShares Canada Silver Bullion ETF (SVR)
- iShares Canada S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF (XRE)
- iShares Canada Global Real Estate Index ETF (CGR)
Note: All the facts and figures are as of May 2022 based on the information provided on the ETF pages.
Best iShares Canada Equity ETFs
iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (XIU)
XIU is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in September of 1999 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XIU provides Canadian investors with exposure to the largest Canadian companies on the TSX.
XIU aims to provide investors with long-term capital growth by replicating the TSX 60 index.
Since its inception, XIU has had an average annual return of 7.7% and a cumulative return of 435.29%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XIU:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| RY | Royal Bank of Canada | 7.74% |
| TD | Toronto Dominion | 7.19% |
| ENB | Enbridge Inc | 4.88% |
| BNS | Bank of Nova Scotia | 4.18% |
| CNQ | Canadian Natural Resources LTD | 3.79% |
| BMO | Bank of Montreal | 3.77% |
| BAM.A | Brookfield Asset Management Inc CL | 3.75% |
| CNR | Canadian National Railway | 3.71% |
| CP | Canadian Pacific Railway LTD | 3.57% |
| TRP | TC Energy Corp | 2.91% |
Here are some key facts for XIU:
- MER: 0.18%
- Number of holdings: 60
- Dividend yield: 2.63%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.54%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: 13.19%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XIU review.
iShares Canada Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (XIC)
XIC is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in February of 2001 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XIC provides exposure to the entire Canadian stock market and is a low-cost, long-term holding for Canadian investors.
Since its inception, XIC has had an average annual return of 7.1% and a cumulative return of 330.32%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XIC:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| RY | Royal Bank of Canada | 6.23% |
| TD | Toronto Dominion | 5.79% |
| ENB | Enbridge Inc | 3.93% |
| BNS | Bank of Nova Scotia | 3.36% |
| CNQ | Canadian Natural Resources LTD | 3.05% |
| BMO | Bank of Montreal | 3.03% |
| BAM.A | Brookfield Asset Management Inc CL | 3.02% |
| CNR | Canadian National Railway | 2.99% |
| CP | Canadian Pacific Railway LTD | 2.87% |
| TRP | TC Energy Corp | 2.35% |
Here are some key facts for XIC:
- MER: 0.06%
- Number of holdings: 239
- Dividend yield: 2.65%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.54%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: 11.49%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XIC review.
iShares Canada Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (XSP)
XSP is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in May of 2001 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XSP provides exposure to the S&P 500 US index at a low cost. It is designed to be a long-term core holding for Canadian investors.
Since its inception, XSP has had an average annual return of 5.1% and a cumulative return of 182.25%.
XSP is designed differently from other ETFs in that it consists of the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) as well as Canadian dollars to hedge against foreign exchange volatility.
Here are the top ten holdings in IVV which is the main component of XSP:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| AAPL | Apple Inc | 6.97% |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp | 5.86% |
| AMZN | Amazon.com Inc | 2.81% |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc Class A | 2.00% |
| TSLA | Tesla Inc | 1.95% |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc Class C | 1.86% |
| BRK.B | Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B | 1.69% |
| JNJ | Johnson & Johnson | 1.38% |
| UNH | UnitedHealth Group Inc | 1.35% |
| FB | Meta Platforms Inc Class A | 1.34% |
Here are some key facts for XSP:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of holdings: 1
- Dividend yield: 1.30%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.16%
- Distribution frequency: Semi-Annually
- 1-year performance: -0.70%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares Canada Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (XEF)
XEF is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in April of 2013 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XEF provides Canadian investors with international portfolio diversification without foreign exchange fees.
Since inception, XEF has had an average annual return of 7.5% and a cumulative return of 92.15%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XEF:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| NESN | Nestle SA | 1.98% |
| IEFA | iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF | 1.81% |
| ROG | Roche Holding PAR AG | 1.42% |
| ASML | ASML Holding NV | 1.24% |
| SHEL | Shell PLC | 1.24% |
| AZN | AstraZeneca PLC | 1.13% |
| NOVN | Novartis AG | 1.07% |
| 7203 | Toyota Motor Corp | 1.07% |
| NOVO B | Novo Nordisk Class B | 1.05% |
| BHP | BHP Group LTD | 0.96% |
Here are some key facts for XEF:
- MER: 0.22%
- Number of holdings: 2,600
- Dividend yield: 2.66%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.80%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -5.48%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XEF review.
iShares Canada Core S&P 500 Index ETF (XUS)
XUS is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in April of 2013 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XUS is designed to mirror the S&P 500 benchmark index. It holds 96% as IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, as well as some USD cash and small additional allocations of the eight largest holdings.
Since inception, XUS has had an average annual return of 15.78% and a cumulative return of 276.82%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XUS:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | 96.09% |
| AAPL | Apple Inc | 0.26% |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp | 0.22% |
| USD | US Dollars | 0.13% |
| AMZN | Amazon.com Inc | 0.11% |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc Class A | 0.08% |
| TSLA | Tesla Inc | 0.07% |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc Class C | 0.07% |
| BRK.B | Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B | 0.06% |
| JNJ | Johnson & Johnson | 0.05% |
Here are some key facts for XUS:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of holdings: 505
- Dividend yield: 1.31%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.12%
- Distribution frequency: Semi-annually
- 1-year performance: 3.82%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XUS review.
iShares Canada S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETF (XEG)
XEG is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in March of 2001 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XEG targets exposure to some of the largest energy companies in the Canadian energy sector.
Since its inception, XEG has had an average annual return of 6.13% and a cumulative return of 251.36%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XEG:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| SU | Suncor Energy Inc | 25.96% |
| CNQ | Canadian Natural Resources LTD | 23.06% |
| CVE | Cenovus Energy Inc | 12.21% |
| TOU | Tourmaline Oil Corp | 8.41% |
| IMO | Imperial Oil Corp | 5.47% |
| ARX | Arc Resources LTD | 4.39% |
| MEG | MEG Energy Corp | 2.30% |
| WCP | Whitecap Resources Inc | 1.90% |
| CPG | Crescent Point Energy Group | 1.83% |
| VET | Vermilion Energy Inc | 1.53% |
Here are some key facts for XEG:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 24
- Dividend yield: 1.97%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.38%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: 109.35%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Related: Best Oil ETFs in Canada.
iShares Canada Core S&P US Total Market Index ETF (XUU)
XUU is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in 2015 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XUU provides Canadian investors with exposure to the entire US stock market. XUU’s primary components are other iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XUU has had an average annual return of 11.61% and a cumulative return of 121.05%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XUU:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | 50.30% |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock | 43.07% |
| IJH | iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF | 3.08% |
| IJR | iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF | 1.33% |
| BX | Blackstone Inc. | 0.09% |
| USD | USD Cash | 0.09% |
| MRVL | Marvell Technology Inc | 0.06% |
| PANW | Palo Alto Networks Inc | 0.06% |
| SQ | Block Inc Class A | 0.06% |
| ABNB | Airbnb Inc Class A | 0.06% |
Here are some key facts for XUU:
- MER: 0.07%
- Number of holdings: 98
- Dividend yield: 1.34%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.23%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: 1.44%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XUU review.
Here are 15 other iShares Canada Equity ETFs to Consider:
Best iShares Canada Fixed Income ETFs
iShares Canada Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB)
XBB is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in November of 2000 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XBB provides a low cost exposure to Canada’s investment-grade bond market.
Since its inception, XBB has had an average annual return of 4.26% and a cumulative return of 144.58%.
Here are some key facts for XBB:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of bonds: 1,447
- Distribution yield: 2.83%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.84%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 2.74%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 10.3 years
- 1-year performance: -8.05%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares Canada Core Canadian Short-term Bond Index ETF (XSB)
XSB is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in November of 2000 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XSB provides low-cost exposure to Canadian investment-grade bonds with maturities of 1 to 5 years.
Since its inception, XSB has had an average annual return of 3.46% and a cumulative return of 107.46%.
Here are some key facts for XSB:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of bonds: 527
- Distribution yield: 2.11%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.11%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 2.20%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 3.30 years
- 1-year performance: -4.49%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares Canada Core Canadian Short-term Corporate Bond Index ETF (XSH)
XSH is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in September of 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XSH provides low-cost exposure to investment-grade corporate bonds.
Since its inception, XSH has had an average annual return of 2.14% and a cumulative return of 25.19%.
Here are some key facts for XSH:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of bonds: 430
- Distribution yield: 2.77%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.79%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 2.81%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 3.63 years
- 1-year performance: -4.91%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF (XCB)
XCB is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in November of 2006 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XCB provides exposure to investment-grade corporate bonds with maturities of at least 1 year.
Since its inception, XCB has had an average annual return of 3.57% and a cumulative return of 72.11%.
Here are some key facts for XCB:
- MER: 0.24%
- Number of bonds: 968
- Distribution yield: 3.42%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.44%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 3.41%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 9.00 years
- 1-year performance: -7.69%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares 1–5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF (CBO)
CBO is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in February of 2009 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
CBO invests in Canadian corporate bonds with laddered maturities of between 1–5 years.
Since its inception, CBO has had an average annual return of 2.56% and a cumulative return of 39.46%.
Here are some key facts for CBO:
- MER: 0.28%
- Number of bonds: 331
- Distribution yield: 2.55%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.63%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 2.74%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 3.52 years
- 1-year performance: -5.20%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Here are 10 other iShares Canada Fixed Income ETFs to Consider:
| Ticker Symbol | ETF Name | MER | 1-Year Return |
| CLF | iShares Canada 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF | 0.17% | -4.21% |
| XRB | iShares Canadian Real Return Bond Index ETF | 0.39% | -3.76% |
| XFR | iShares Floating Rate Index ETF | 0.22% | -0.07% |
| XLB | iShares Core Canadian Long-Term Bond Index ETF | 0.20% | -12.22% |
| XGB | iShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF | 0.27% | -8.21% |
| CLG | iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF | 0.17% | -5.83% |
| XQB | iShares High Quality Canadian Bond Index ETF | 0.13% | -7.69% |
| CBH | iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF | 0.28% | -6.61% |
| XHY | iShares US High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.67% | -6.12% |
| CMR | iShares Premium Money Market ETF | 0.24% | 0.05% |
Best iShares Canada Asset Allocation ETFs
iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio (XGRO)
XGRO is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in June of 2007 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XGRO provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XGRO has had an average annual return of 3.91% and a cumulative return of 76.69%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XGRO:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 36.27% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 20.81% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 19.32% |
| XBB | iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index | 12.56% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 3.72% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 3.30% |
| GOVT | iShares US Treasury Bond ETF | 2.05% |
| USIG | iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 1.97% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.07% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.02% |
Here are some key facts for XGRO:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 8 with 20,443 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 1.51%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.90%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -1.11%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XGRO review.
iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio (XBAL)
XBAL is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in June of 20007 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XGRO provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XBAL has had an average annual return of 4.85% and a cumulative return of 102.10%.
Here are the top ten holdings of XBAL:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 27.21% |
| XBB | iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index | 25.13% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 15.61% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 14.49% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 6.60% |
| GOVT | iShares US Treasury Bond ETF | 4.10% |
| USIG | iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 3.94% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 2.79% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.19% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.11% |
Here are some key facts for XBAL:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 8 with 20,443 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 1.70%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.96%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -2.70%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XBAL review.
iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio (XEQT)
XEQT is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in August of 2019 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XEQT provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of iShares ETFs.
Since inception, XEQT has had an average annual return of 10.34% and a cumulative return of 30.87%.
Here are the top holdings in XEQT:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 45.28% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 25.75% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 24.08% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 4.64% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.21% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.05% |
Here are some key facts for XEQT:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 4 with 9,551 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 1.39%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: N/A
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: 0.56%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XEQT review.
iShares Canada Core Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio (XCNS)
XCNS is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in August of 2019 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XCNS provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XCNS has had an average annual return of 3.33% and a cumulative return of 9.38%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XCNS:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| XBB | iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index | 38.04% |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 18.09% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 10.42% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 9.91% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 9.68% |
| GOVT | iShares US Treasury Bond ETF | 6.15% |
| USIG | iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 5.92% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 1.87% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.08% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.07% |
Here are some key facts for XCNS:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 8 with 20,443 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 1.96%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: N/A
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -4.49%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares Canada Core Income Balanced ETF Portfolio (XINC)
XINC is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in August of 2019 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XINC provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XINC has had an average annual return of 0.72% and a cumulative return of 1.99%.
Here are the top holdings in XINC:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| XBB | iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index | 50.96% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 13.30% |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 8.95% |
| GOVT | iShares US Treasury Bond ETF | 8.20% |
| USIG | iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 7.88% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 5.06% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 4.83% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 0.93% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.10% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.08% |
Here are some key facts for XINC:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 8 with 20,443 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 2.23%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: N/A
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -6.22%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Related: Best All in One ETFs in Canada.
Best iShares Canada Precious Metals ETFs
iShares S&P/TSX Global Gold Index ETF (XGD)
XGD is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in March of 2001 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XGD provides exposure for Canadian investors to global gold producers.
Since its inception, XGD has had an average annual return of 5.90% and a cumulative return of 235.29%.
Here are the top ten holdings for XGD:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| NEM | Newmont | 22.34% |
| ABX | Barrick Gold Corp | 15.56% |
| FNV | Franco Nevada Corp | 11.06% |
| AEM | Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd | 9.99% |
| WPM | Wheaton Precious Metals Corp | 7.71% |
| GFI | Gold Fields ADR Representing Ltd | 4.15% |
| RGLD | Royal Gold Inc | 3.27% |
| AU | Anglogold Ashanti ADR REPTG Ltd | 2.96% |
| K | Kinross Gold Corp | 2.44% |
| YRI | Yamana Gold Inc | 1.99% |
Here are some key facts for XGD:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 48
- Distribution yield: 1.39%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.15%
- Distribution frequency: Semi-Annual
- 1-year performance: 13.28%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XGD review.
iShares Gold Bullion ETF (CGL)
CGL is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in May of 2009 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
CGL is designed to target the price of gold that is hedged to the Canadian dollar. It does not hold any equities or funds.
CGL has an unhedged version of the ETF that trades under CGL.C.
Since its inception, CGL has had an average annual return of 4.01% and a cumulative return of 66.25%.
Here are some key facts for CGL:
- MER: 0.55%
- Number of holdings: 1
- Distribution yield: N/A
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: N/A
- Distribution frequency: N/A
- 1-year performance: 7.16%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares S&P/TSX Global Base Metals Index ETF (XBM)
XBM is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in April of 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XBM targets exposure to global equities that produce or extract base metals.
Since its inception, XBM has had an average annual return of 3.02% and a cumulative return of 38.91%.
Here are the top ten holdings for XBM:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| TECK.B | Teck Resources Subordinate Voting | 10.98% |
| BHP | BHP Group ADR Ltd | 10.88% |
| RIO | Rio Tinto ADR REPTG ONE PLC | 10.79% |
| FM | First Quantum Minerals Ltd | 10.36% |
| FCX | Freeport MCMORAN Inc | 9.29% |
| AA | Alcoa Corp | 8.43% |
| LUN | Lundin Mining Corp | 4.69% |
| SCCO | Southern Copper Corp | 4.57% |
| IVN | Ivanhoe Mines Ltd Class A | 3.99% |
| ARNC | Arconic Corp | 2.65% |
Here are some key facts for XBM:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 34
- Distribution yield: 6.67%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.00%
- Distribution frequency: Semi-Annual
- 1-year performance: 20.59%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares Canada Silver Bullion ETF (SVR)
SVR is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in July of 2009 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
SVR is similar to CGL in that it only holds the price of silver bullion and is hedged to the Canadian dollar.
Since its inception, SVR has had an average annual return of 1.90% and a cumulative return of 27.22%.
Here are some key facts for SVR:
- MER: 0.66%
- Number of holdings: 1
- Distribution yield: N/A
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: N/A
- Distribution frequency: N/A
- 1-year performance: -10.96%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Related: Best Gold ETFs in Canada.
Best iShares Canada REIT ETFs
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF (XRE)
XRE is an iShares Canada REIT ETF that was established in October of 2002 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
XRE offers exposure to different types of Real Estate Investment Trusts in a single portfolio.
Since its inception, XRE has had an average annual return of 9.58% and a cumulative return of 497.03%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XRE:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| CAR.UN | Canadian Apartment Properties REIT | 13.34% |
| REI.UN | Riocan REIT | 10.92% |
| GRT.UN | Granite REIT | 9.32% |
| AP.UN | Allied Properties REIT | 7.96% |
| CHP.UN | Choice Properties REIT | 6.54% |
| SRU.UN | Smartcentres REIT | 6.07% |
| HR.UN | H&R REIT | 5.71% |
| DIR.UN | Dream Industrial REIT | 5.58% |
| FCR.UN | First Capital REIT | 5.36% |
| SMU.UN | Summit Industrial Income REIT | 5.33% |
Here are some key facts for XRE:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 19
- Distribution yield: 3.66%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.42%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- 1-year performance: 11.15%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF (CGR)
CGR is an iShares Canada REIT ETF that was established in August of 2008 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
CGR provides exposure to 75 global real estate companies.
Since its inception, CGR has had an average annual return of 6.36% and a cumulative return of 132.39%.
Here are the top ten holdings in CGR:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| CCI | Crown Castle International REIT CO | 4.24% |
| AMT | American Tower REIT Corp | 4.08% |
| EQIX | Equinix REIT Inc | 3.98% |
| PSA | Public Storage REIT | 3.86% |
| PLD | Prologis REIT Inc | 3.61% |
| WELL | Welltower Inc | 3.41% |
| SPG | Simon Property Group REIT Inc | 3.34% |
| O | Realty Income REIT Corp | 3.25% |
| DLR | Digital Realty Trust REIT Inc | 3.24% |
| SBAC | SBA Communications REIT Corp | 3.08% |
Here are some key facts for CGR:
- MER: 0.72%
- Number of holdings: 76
- Distribution yield: 1.44%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.07%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: 8.23%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
How To Buy iShares ETFs in Canada
1. Robo-Advisor
Robo-advisors are less frequently used but are gaining popularity.
Simply enter your trading goals and risk tolerance and the robo-advisor will match you with the right balance of Blackrock iShares ETFs for your portfolio.
Here’s a list of the best Canadian robo-advisors.
2. Discount Brokers
Discount brokers are popular alternatives to investing with big banks.
They often provide cheaper transaction fees, and sometimes even free ETF investing for Canadian assets. These are based online and they offer most of the same investment options that big bank brokerages do.
Here are some popular Canadian discount brokers.
Questrade
Questrade is a popular discount broker in Canada. It offers a mobile and desktop platform, with an easy-to-use interface for investing.
Questrade offers commission-free buy orders for iShares Canada ETFs but does charge $4.95 when you sell.
This platform also supports options, FX, bonds, mutual funds, and CFD trading.
Questrade
Trade stocks, ETFs, options, etc.
Low and competitive trading fees
Top platform for advanced traders
Get $50 trade credit with $1,000 funding
Wealthsimple Trade
Wealthsimple Trade is a popular discount broker amongst Canadian investors because of its low transaction fees. It offers free stock and iShares Canada ETF investing for Canadians.
Wealthsimple Trade has a mobile and desktop platform and even has the ability to trade cryptocurrencies.
Wealthsimple Trade
Trade stocks and ETFs for free
Great trading platform for beginners
$25 cash bonus when you deposit $150
Transfer fees waived up to $150
Qtrade
Qtrade is yet another popular discount broker although its fees are higher than both Wealthsimple Trade and Questrade. Instead of commission-free investing, Qtrade has a list of Canadian ETFs that it allows investors to buy for free.
Investors can buy Blackrock iShares ETFs like XBAL, XGRO, XEQT, and XINC amongst others for no charge.
3. Financial Advisor
Whether you use a financial advisor through your bank or a private one, they are excellent sources of information for buying iShares ETFs on the TSX.
They can advise you based on your risk tolerance and long-term investing goals.
Pros and Cons of iShares Canada ETFs
Pros
- Blackrock iShares ETFs have some of the lowest MERs on the market and offer a wide variety of investing options.
- iShares Canada ETFs on the TSX offer exposure to global and international stocks without any foreign exchange fees.
- iShares Canada ETFs are free to trade at most Canadian discount brokers like Wealthsimple Trade, Questrade, and Qtrade.
Cons
- iShares ETFs often hold many of the same stocks as the highest allocations in the funds.
- iShares ETFs have little choice for precious metals and REIT sectors.
- iShares Canada ETFs generally have a higher MER than those from Vanguard Canada.
