iShares Canada is one of the largest ETF providers in the world. It is owned by the Blackrock investment management company.
As of January 2023, iShares Canada has 160 ETFs available for Canadian investors.
There are over $3 trillion in total assets invested in global iShares funds, and it 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 discuss their holdings, performance, key facts, and fees, as well as how Canadian investors can buy these ETFs in their brokerage accounts.
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.
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 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 S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF (XEI)
- 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 Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF (XGB)
- iShares Canada Core Growth ETF Portfolio (XGRO)
- iShares Canada Core Balanced ETF Portfolio (XBAL)
- iShares Canada Core Equity ETF Portfolio (XEQT)
- iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF (XTR)
- 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 January 2023, based on the information provided on the ETF pages.
XIU is an iShares Canada ETF established in September 1999 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It provides Canadian investors with exposure to the largest Canadian companies on the TSX.
The XIU ETF aims to provide investors with long-term capital growth by replicating the TSX 60 index. Since its inception, it has had an average annual return of 7.25% and a cumulative return of 409.32%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XIU:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| RY | Royal Bank of Canada | 7.83% |
| TD | Toronto Dominion | 6.83% |
| ENB | Enbridge Inc | 4.55% |
| CNR | Canadian National Railway | 3.98% |
| CP | Canadian Pacific Railway LTD | 3.95% |
| BMO | Bank of Montreal | 3.94% |
| CNQ | Canadian Natural Resources Ltd | 3.72% |
| BNS | Bank of Nova Scotia | 3.52% |
| SHOP | Shopify Inc | 3.18% |
| BN | Brookfield Corp Class A | 2.95% |
Here are some key facts for XIU:
- MER: 0.18%
- Number of holdings: 60
- Dividend yield: 2.83%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.84%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -6.36%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XIU review.
XIC is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in February of 2001 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It 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 6.67% and a cumulative return of 310.62%.
Here are its top ten holdings:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| RY | Royal Bank of Canada | 6.27% |
| TD | Toronto Dominion | 5.47% |
| ENB | Enbridge Inc | 3.64% |
| CNR | Canadian National Railway | 3.19% |
| CP | Canadian Pacific Railway Ltd | 3.16% |
| BMO | Bank of Montreal | 3.16% |
| CNQ | Canadian Natural Resources Ltd | 2.98% |
| BNS | Bank of Nova Scotia | 2.82% |
| SHOP | Shopify Inc | 2.55% |
| BN | Brookfield Corp Class A | 2.36% |
Here are some key facts for XIC:
- MER: 0.06%
- Number of holdings: 236
- Dividend yield: 2.77%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.92%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -5.85%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XIC review.
XSP is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in May of 2001 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It 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 4.57% and a cumulative return of 162.65%.
XSP is designed differently from other ETFs in that it consists of the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) and 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 | 6.32% |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp | 5.43% |
| AMZN | Amazon.com Inc | 2.58% |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc Class A | 1.71% |
| BRK.B | Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B | 1.64% |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc Class C | 1.54% |
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp | 1.45% |
| XOM | Exxon Mobil Corp | 1.42% |
| UNH | UnitedHealth Group Inc | 1.35% |
| JNJ | Johnson & Johnson | 1.30% |
Here are some key facts for XSP:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of holdings: 1
- Dividend yield: 1.53%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.31%
- Distribution frequency: Semi-Annually
- 1-year performance: -19.38%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XEI is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in April of 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This ETF is perfect for those who are looking for a low-cost ETF that pays monthly dividends from some of Canada’s best blue-chip stocks.
Since its inception, XEI has had an average annual return of 6.62% and a cumulative return of 112.03%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XEI:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| ABX | Barrick Gold Corp | 5.43% |
| SU | Suncor Energy Inc | 5.37% |
| CNQ | Canadian Natural Resources Ltd | 5.14% |
| RY | Royal Bank of Canada | 4.89% |
| ENB | Enbridge Inc | 4.81% |
| T | Telus Corp | 4.80% |
| BMO | Bank of Montreal | 4.78% |
| TD | Toronto Dominion Bank | 4.78% |
| TRP | TC Energy Group | 4.69% |
| BCE | BCE Inc | 4.66% |
Here are some key facts for XEI:
- MER: 0.22%
- Number of holdings: 75
- Dividend yield: 4.63%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 4.88%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- 1-year performance: 0.45%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XUS is an iShares Canada ETF 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 99.4% of its weight in IVV iShares Core S&P 500 ETF, which is the US-listed version of Blackrock’s S&P 500 ETF.
Overall, this fund is similar to the XSP ETF. The difference is that XSP is CAD-Hedged. XUS has had a slightly better performance and pays dividends quarterly rather than semi-annually, like XSP.
Since its inception, XUS has had an average annual return of 14.56% and a cumulative return of 274.78%.
Here are the top ten holdings in IVV, which is the main component of XUS:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| AAPL | Apple Inc | 6.32% |
| MSFT | Microsoft Corp | 5.43% |
| AMZN | Amazon.com Inc | 2.58% |
| GOOGL | Alphabet Inc Class A | 1.71% |
| BRK.B | Berkshire Hathaway Inc Class B | 1.64% |
| GOOG | Alphabet Inc Class C | 1.54% |
| NVDA | NVIDIA Corp | 1.45% |
| XOM | Exxon Mobil Corp | 1.42% |
| UNH | UnitedHealth Group Inc | 1.35% |
| JNJ | Johnson & Johnson | 1.30% |
Here are some key facts for XUS:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of holdings: 1 (IVV)
- Dividend yield: 1.63%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.33%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -12.42%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XUS review.
XEG is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in March of 2001 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This ETF 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 6.10% and a cumulative return of 262.90%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XEG:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| CNQ | Canadian Natural Resources LTD | 25.69% |
| SU | Suncor Energy Inc | 22.17% |
| CVE | Cenovus Energy Inc | 13.24% |
| TOU | Tourmaline Oil Corp | 7.22% |
| IMO | Imperial Oil Corp | 4.50% |
| ARX | Arc Resources LTD | 3.67% |
| WCP | Whitecap Resources Inc | 2.44% |
| MEG | MEG Energy Corp | 2.01% |
| CPG | Crescent Point Energy Group | 1.98% |
| ERF | Enerplus Corp | 1.98% |
Here are some key facts for XEG:
- MER: 0.60%
- Number of holdings: 29
- Dividend yield: 2.87%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.27%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: 53.17%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Related: Best Oil ETFs in Canada.
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 10.46% and a cumulative return of 119.16%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XUU:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| IVV | iShares Core S&P 500 ETF | 48.60% |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock | 44.27% |
| IJH | iShares Core S&P Mid-Cap ETF | 3.23% |
| IJR | iShares Core S&P Small-Cap ETF | 1.36% |
| USD | USD Cash | 0.11% |
| BX | Blackstone Inc. | 0.09% |
| UBER | Uber Technologies Inc | 0.08% |
| FERG | Ferguson PLC | 0.07% |
| PANW | Palo Alto Networks Inc | 0.06% |
| ABNB | Airbnb Inc Class A | 0.06% |
Here are some key facts for XUU:
- MER: 0.08%
- Number of holdings: 115
- Dividend yield: 2.07%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.33%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -13.19%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XUU review.
Here are 15 other iShares Canada Equity ETFs to Consider:
| Ticker Symbol | ETF Name | MER | 1-Year Return |
| XDV | iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF | 0.55% | -8.58% |
| XAW | iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF | 0.22% | -11.77% |
| XQQ | iShares NASDAQ 100 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.39% | -33.68% |
| XEF | iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 0.22% | -9.27% |
| XFN | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF | 0.61% | -9.90% |
| CPD | iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF | 0.50% | -18.42% |
| XIN | iShares MSCI EAFE Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.54% | -5.72% |
| CDZ | iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF | 0.66% | -4.25% |
| XEC | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index ETF | 0.27% | -14.56% |
| XFH | iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.22% | -6.52% |
| XDIV | iShares Core MSCI Canadian Quality Dividend Index ETF | 0.11% | 0.47% |
| XWD | iShares MSCI World Index ETF | 0.49% | -11.39% |
| XHC | iShares Global Healthcare Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.65% | -3.46% |
| XSU | iShares U.S. Small Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.36% | -21.67% |
| COW | iShares Global Agriculture Index ETF | 0.71% | 12.47% |
XBB is an iShares Canada ETF established in November of 2000 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This iShares Canadian fixed-income ETF provides low-cost exposure to Canada’s investment-grade bond market.
Since its inception, XBB has had an average annual return of 4.05% and a cumulative return of 140.56%.
Here are some key facts for XBB:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of bonds: 1,489
- Distribution yield: 2.89%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.06%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 2.87%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 10.23 years
- 1-year performance: -11.78%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XSB is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in November of 2000 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This fixed-income fund 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 3.35% and a cumulative return of 107.00%.
Here are some key facts for XSB:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of bonds: 559
- Distribution yield: 2.40%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.45%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 2.45%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 2.98 years
- 1-year performance: -4.13%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XSH is an iShares Canada ETF established in September 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This Blackrock fixed-income ETF provides low-cost exposure to investment-grade corporate bonds.
Since its inception, XSH has had an average annual return of 2.01% and a cumulative return of 25.24%.
Here are some key facts for XSH:
- MER: 0.10%
- Number of bonds: 438
- Distribution yield: 3.11%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.18%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 3.06%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 3.37 years
- 1-year performance: -4.55%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XCB is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in November of 2006 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This Canadian Blackrock fixed-income fund 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 3.39% and a cumulative return of 71.30%.
Here are some key facts for XCB:
- MER: 0.17%
- Number of bonds: 993
- Distribution yield: 3.58%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.75%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 3.61%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 8.54 years
- 1-year performance: -10.02%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XGB is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in November 2006 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This Canadian fixed-income ETF invests in investment-grade government bonds with maturities of at least one year.
Since its inception, XGB has had an average annual return of 2.63% and a cumulative return of 52.20%.
Here are some key facts for XGB:
- MER: 0.13%
- Number of bonds: 431
- Distribution yield: 2.64%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.78%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- Weighted Average Coupon: 2.62%
- Weighted Average Maturity: 10.77 years
- 1-year performance: -12.45%
- 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% | -3.83% |
| XRB | iShares Canadian Real Return Bond Index ETF | 0.39% | -14.68% |
| XFR | iShares Floating Rate Index ETF | 0.22% | +1.80% |
| XLB | iShares Core Canadian Long-Term Bond Index ETF | 0.20% | -21.90% |
| CBO | iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF | 0.28% | -4.64% |
| CLG | iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF | 0.17% | -6.40% |
| XQB | iShares High Quality Canadian Bond Index ETF | 0.13% | -10.69% |
| CBH | iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF | 0.28% | -6.58% |
| XHY | iShares US High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | 0.66% | -11.50% |
| CMR | iShares Premium Money Market ETF | 0.27% | 1.64% |
XGRO is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in June of 2007 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This Blackrock asset allocation fund provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XGRO has had an average annual return of 3.64% and a cumulative return of 74.31%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XGRO:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 36.24% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 20.07% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 20.05% |
| XBB | iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index | 12.52% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 4.04% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 3.10% |
| USIG | iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 1.95% |
| GOVT | iShares US Treasury Bond ETF | 1.93% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.05% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.03% |
Here are some key facts for XGRO:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 8 with 20,507 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 1.43%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.80%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -11.00%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XGRO review.
XBAL is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in June of 2007 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This Blackrock iShares fund provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XBAL has had an average annual return of 4.54% and a cumulative return of 99.16%.
Here are the top ten holdings of XBAL:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 27.26% |
| XBB | iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index | 25.12% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 15.10% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 15.08% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 6.23% |
| USIG | iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 3.91% |
| GOVT | iShares US Treasury Bond ETF | 3.88% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 3.04% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.20% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.10% |
Here are some key facts for XBAL:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 8 with 20,547 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 1.89%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.03%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -11.08%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XBAL review.
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 its inception, XEQT has had an average annual return of 7.84% and a cumulative return of 29.28%.
Here are the top holdings in XEQT:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 44.30% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 25.19% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF | 25.13% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 5.17% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.11% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.11% |
Here are some key facts for XEQT:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 4 with 9,319 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 2.64%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: N/A
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -10.93%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Learn more in this XEQT review.
XTR is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in December 2015 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This asset allocation fund from Blackrock provides exposure to a well-diversified and low-cost portfolio of income-bearing assets
Since its inception, XTR has had an average annual return of 4.38% and a cumulative return of 107.36%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XCNS:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| XCB | iShares Core Canadian Bond Index ETF | 28.70% |
| XHU | iShares US High Dividend Equity Index ETF | 26.85% |
| XEI | iShares S&P/TSX Equity Income Index ETF | 21.92% |
| XHB | iShares Canadian Hybrid Corporate Bond Index ETF | 6.00% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 5.18% |
| XHY | iShares US High Yield Bond Index ETF | 4.00% |
| XEB | iShares JP Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index ETF | 2.98% |
| XEC | iShares MSCI Emerging Market IMI Index ETF | 2.01% |
| XGB | iShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF | 2.00% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.36% |
Here are some key facts for XTR:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 9 with 6132 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 4.51%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 4.89%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- 1-year performance: -4.76%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XINC is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in August of 2019 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This Blackrock balanced ETF portfolio provides exposure to several different markets and asset classes through different iShares ETFs.
Since its inception, XINC has had an average annual return of 0.09% and a cumulative return of 0.30%.
Here are the top holdings in XINC:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| XBB | iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index | 50.82% |
| XSH | iShares Core Canadian Short-Term Corporate Bond Index ETF | 12.60% |
| ITOT | iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF | 9.20% |
| USIG | iShares Broad USD Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF | 7.91% |
| GOVT | iShares US Treasury Bond ETF | 7.84% |
| XIC | iShares S&P/TSX Capped Composite | 5.09% |
| XEF | iShares MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF | 5.09% |
| IEMG | iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | 1.03% |
| USD | US Dollars Cash | 0.20% |
| CAD | Canadian Dollars Cash | 0.15% |
Here are some key facts for XINC:
- MER: 0.20%
- Number of holdings: 8 with 20,547 underlying holdings
- Distribution yield: 2.50%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: N/A
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -11.14%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Related: Best All in One ETFs in Canada.
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 4.97% and a cumulative return of 187.25%.
Here are the top ten holdings for XGD:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| NEM | Newmont | 17.86% |
| ABX | Barrick Gold Corp | 14.40% |
| FNV | Franco Nevada Corp | 11.75% |
| AEM | Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd | 10.78% |
| WPM | Wheaton Precious Metals Corp | 8.61% |
| GFI | Gold Fields ADR Representing Ltd | 4.55% |
| AU | Anglogold Ashanti ADR REPTG Ltd | 3.80% |
| RGLD | Royal Gold Inc | 3.54% |
| K | Kinross Gold Corp | 2.53% |
| YRI | Yamana Gold Inc | 2.46% |
Here are some key facts for XGD:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 43
- Distribution yield: 3.45%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.58%
- Distribution frequency: Semi-Annual
- 1-year performance: -2.99%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts.
Learn more in this XGD review.
CGL is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in May of 2009 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This iShares ETF is designed to target the price of gold that is hedged to the Canadian dollar. It does not hold any equities or funds.
It also has an unhedged version of the ETF that trades under CGL.C.TO.
Since its inception, CGL has had an average annual return of 3.33% and a cumulative return of 56.16%.
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: -1.52%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
XBM is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in April 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This iShares Base Metals ETF targets exposure to global equities that produce or extract base metals.
Since its inception, XBM has had an average annual return of 2.22% and a cumulative return of 29.36%.
Here are the top ten holdings for XBM:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| FCX | Freeport MCMORAN Inc | 10.68% |
| BHP | BHP Group ADR Ltd | 10.51% |
| RIO | Rio Tinto ADR REPTG ONE PLC | 10.49% |
| TECK.B | Teck Resources Subordinate Voting | 10.44% |
| FM | First Quantum Minerals Ltd | 9.17% |
| AA | Alcoa Corp | 8.42% |
| SCCO | Southern Copper Corp | 5.81% |
| IVN | Ivanhoe Mines Ltd Class A | 4.83% |
| LUN | Lundin Mining Corp | 4.43% |
| MP | MP Materials Corp Class A | 2.59% |
Here are some key facts for XBM:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 33
- Distribution yield: 9.06%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 4.23%
- Distribution frequency: Semi-Annual
- 1-year performance: 3.95%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
SVR is an iShares Canada ETF that was established in July 2009 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This silver-based Blackrock ETF 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 1.87% and a cumulative return of 28.34%.
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: 2.08%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
Related: Best Gold ETFs in Canada.
XRE is an iShares Canada REIT ETF that was established in October 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 8.52% and a cumulative return of 421.81%.
Here are the top ten holdings in XRE:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| CAR.UN | Canadian Apartment Properties REIT | 13.72% |
| REI.UN | Riocan REIT | 11.65% |
| GRT.UN | Granite REIT | 8.49% |
| CHP.UN | Choice Properties REIT | 6.94% |
| SMU.UN | Summit Industrial Income REIT | 6.60% |
| FCR.UN | First Capital REIT | 6.41% |
| AP.UN | Allied Properties REIT | 6.35% |
| SRU.UN | Smartcenters REIT | 6.05% |
| DIR.UN | Dream Industrial REIT | 5.81% |
| HR.UN | H&R REIT | 5.71% |
Here are some key facts for XRE:
- MER: 0.61%
- Number of holdings: 18
- Distribution yield: 3.80%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 4.77%
- Distribution frequency: Monthly
- 1-year performance: -17.44%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
CGR is an iShares Canada REIT ETF that was established in August of 2008 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
This worldwide Blackrock REIT ETF provides exposure to 75 global real estate companies.
Since its inception, CGR has had an average annual return of 5.00% and a cumulative return of 101.43%.
Here are the top ten holdings in CGR:
| Ticker Symbol | Asset Name | Allocation |
| EQX | Equinix REIT Inc | 4.26% |
| PLD | Prologis REIT Inc | 4.25% |
| CCI | Crown Castle International REIT CO | 4.06% |
| SPG | Simon Property Group REIT Inc | 3.90% |
| AMT | American Tower REIT Corp | 3.87% |
| O | Realty Income REIT Corp | 3.85% |
| PSA | Public Storage REIT | 3.82% |
| WELL | Welltower | 3.38% |
| VICI | VICI PPTYS Inc | 3.21% |
| DLR | Digital Realty Trust REIT Inc | 3.09% |
Here are some key facts for CGR:
- MER: 0.72%
- Number of holdings: 75
- Distribution yield: 1.26%
- 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.26%
- Distribution frequency: Quarterly
- 1-year performance: -20.65%
- Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts
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.
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
Trade stocks and ETFs for free
Great trading platform for beginners
$25 cash bonus when you deposit $200+
Transfer fees waived up to $150
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, FX, bonds, CFDs, mutual funds, etc.
Get $50 trade credit with $1,000 funding
Low and competitive trading fees
No quarterly inactivity fees
Access to advanced tools and trading data
Top platform for advanced traders
Transfer fees waived
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
- 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.
