4 Best ETFs to Buy in Canada Right Now (June 2026)
The best ETFs to buy in Canada right now include VEQT.TO (100% equity, ~0.24% MER), VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO (80/20 portfolios, ~0.20%–0.25%), and ZSP.TO (S&P 500 ETF, ~0.09%). These ETFs offer low-cost diversification and are ideal for TFSA or RRSP investors building a long-term portfolio.
With markets remaining volatile and interest rates still elevated, many Canadian investors are looking for simple, low-cost ETFs they can buy right now to position their portfolios for long-term growth. All-in-one ETFs like VEQT.TO and VGRO.TO have become go-to choices because they offer instant diversification across global markets with MERs around 0.20%–0.25%.
However, the best ETF to buy in Canada right now depends on your investment objective. VEQT.TO is built for maximum equity growth, while VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO add bonds to reduce volatility. Meanwhile, ZSP.TO focuses specifically on the S&P 500, giving you concentrated exposure to large-cap U.S. stocks.
In this guide, we break down the best ETFs to buy today, comparing asset allocation, fees, and risk so you can choose the right ETF for your TFSA, RRSP, or long-term investment strategy.
At a Glance: Quick Comparison
Side-by-side snapshot of fees, yield, and returns. Data updates daily.
| ETF | MER | AUM | Yield | YTD | 1Y |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top VEQT.TO Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio | — | $13.9B | 1.26% | +13.31% | +32.33% |
VGRO.TO Vanguard Growth Portfolio | — | $10.3B | 1.72% | +10.50% | +24.75% |
XGRO.TO iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio | — | $4.9B | 1.77% | +10.42% | +24.06% |
ZSP.TO BMO S&P 500 | — | $23.9B | 0.75% | +12.47% | +27.62% |
What Is an ETF?
A core ETF to buy in Canada right now is typically a broadly diversified fund that can serve as the foundation of your portfolio, either through an all-in-one asset allocation strategy or targeted index exposure. These ETFs are designed to provide long-term growth while keeping costs low and management simple.
For example, VEQT.TO and VGRO.TO offer global diversification across thousands of stocks and bonds in a single ETF, while XGRO.TO provides a similar 80/20 allocation at a slightly lower MER (~0.20%). ZSP.TO, on the other hand, tracks the S&P 500 with a low MER (~0.09%), giving investors focused exposure to leading U.S. companies.
These ETFs are widely used in TFSAs and RRSPs because they simplify investing and reduce the need to actively manage a portfolio. The right choice depends on whether you want a fully diversified solution or targeted exposure to a specific market like the U.S.
The 4 Best ETFs: Ranked & Reviewed
Detailed breakdown of each pick with live data.
Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio
$61.31
+13.31% YTD
Vanguard All-Equity ETF Portfolio seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in equity securities.
Returns
YTD
+13.31%
1Y
+32.33%
3Y
+21.53%
5Y
+13.62%
Vanguard Growth Portfolio
$47.67
+10.50% YTD
Seeks to achieve its investment objective by primarily investing in equity and fixed income securities. It may do so either directly or indirectly through investment in one or more exchange traded funds managed by the manager or an affiliate or certain other investment funds.
Returns
YTD
+10.50%
1Y
+24.75%
3Y
+18.41%
5Y
+11.02%
iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio
$38.68
+10.42% YTD
NA
Returns
YTD
+10.42%
1Y
+24.06%
3Y
+18.42%
5Y
+11.18%
BMO S&P 500
$115.95
+12.47% YTD
Returns
YTD
+12.47%
1Y
+27.62%
3Y
+22.77%
5Y
+16.33%
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Diversified exposure through a single ETF (VEQT.TO and VGRO.TO cover global markets)
- Low MERs ranging from ~0.09% (ZSP.TO) to ~0.25% (VGRO.TO)
- Flexible options — choose between all-in-one portfolios or targeted index exposure
- Easy to buy and hold in TFSA and RRSP accounts for long-term investing
Cons
- ZSP.TO lacks diversification outside the U.S. market
- Bond allocations in VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO may limit upside in strong bull markets
- All-in-one ETFs offer less control over asset allocation
- Foreign withholding tax applies on U.S. and international dividends
Compare These ETFs Head-to-Head
Drill into a side-by-side breakdown of performance, AUM, and yield.
Best next ETF step
Keep comparing ETFs
These are good next reads if you want a broader shortlist, Canadian index exposure, or a faster way to compare funds.
ETF category
See more guides in this cluster
Stay inside the same ETF category and compare more funds with similar investor intent.
Popular guide
30 Best ETFs in Canada
A broad starting point if you want a shortlist across the main ETF categories.
Core ETF guide
Best TSX Index ETFs
A simple place to start if you want Canadian equity exposure through index funds.
Sector ETF guide
Best Canadian Oil ETFs
A useful next read if you want energy exposure without picking individual oil stocks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ETF to buy in Canada right now for long-term growth?
For long-term growth, ETFs like VEQT.TO are popular because they offer 100% exposure to global equities with an MER around 0.24%. Investors looking for U.S.-focused growth may prefer ZSP.TO (~0.09% MER), which tracks the S&P 500. Both are commonly held in TFSAs or RRSPs for tax-efficient growth.
Should I buy an all-in-one ETF like VGRO.TO or a single-market ETF like ZSP.TO?
VGRO.TO and XGRO.TO provide global diversification with built-in bond exposure, making them ideal for balanced portfolios. ZSP.TO offers concentrated exposure to U.S. equities with lower fees, but lacks diversification. Investors seeking simplicity typically choose all-in-one ETFs, while those building custom portfolios may prefer combining ETFs like ZSP.TO.
Are ETFs like VEQT.TO and XGRO.TO good for a TFSA?
Yes, VEQT.TO and XGRO.TO are commonly used in TFSAs because they provide diversified, long-term growth with minimal maintenance. All capital gains and withdrawals are tax-free, although U.S. dividends inside the ETF may still be subject to foreign withholding tax. These ETFs are ideal as core TFSA holdings.