2 Best iShares ETFs in Canada (June 2026)
The best iShares ETFs in Canada include XEQT.TO (~0.20% MER), XUU.TO (~0.06%), XIC.TO (~0.06%), and XEF.TO (~0.22%). These ETFs offer low-cost, diversified exposure to Canadian, U.S., and global markets, making them suitable for TFSAs, RRSPs, and long-term investment portfolios.
iShares ETFs in Canada, managed by BlackRock, are among the most widely used investment funds due to their broad product lineup, strong liquidity, and competitive fees. They offer exposure to nearly every asset class, from Canadian equities to global markets and bonds.
ETFs like XEQT.TO and XUU.TO are popular because they provide diversified, low-cost exposure to global and U.S. markets. iShares also offers targeted ETFs like XIC.TO and XEF.TO for building customized portfolios.
In this guide, we break down the best iShares ETFs in Canada, comparing diversification, fees, and portfolio 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 XEQT.TO iShares Core Equity Portfolio | — | $18.4B | 1.56% | +9.74% | +28.63% |
XUU.TO iShares Core S&P US Total Market | — | $4.5B | 1.09% | +10.23% | +27.82% |
What Is an ETF?
An iShares ETF in Canada is an exchange-traded fund issued by BlackRock that tracks a specific index or provides an all-in-one portfolio solution with diversified exposure.
For example, XEQT.TO (~0.20% MER) offers 100% global equity exposure, while XUU.TO (~0.06%) tracks the total U.S. stock market. XIC.TO (~0.06%) provides Canadian equity exposure, and XEF.TO (~0.22%) focuses on developed international markets.
iShares ETFs are commonly used in TFSAs, RRSPs, and long-term portfolios due to their low costs, wide selection, and strong liquidity.
The 2 Best ETFs: Ranked & Reviewed
Detailed breakdown of each pick with live data.
iShares Core Equity Portfolio
$44.07
+9.74% YTD
The Fund seeks to provide long-term capital growth by investing primarily in one or more exchange-traded funds managed by BlackRock Canada or an affiliate that provide exposure to equity securities.
Returns
YTD
+9.74%
1Y
+28.63%
3Y
+21.54%
5Y
+13.67%
iShares Core S&P US Total Market
$75.74
+10.23% YTD
NA
Returns
YTD
+10.23%
1Y
+27.82%
3Y
+22.38%
5Y
+15.45%
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Wide range of ETFs covering almost every asset class and region
- Strong liquidity due to large fund sizes and trading volume
- Competitive fees, especially for core index ETFs
- Flexible options for both all-in-one and custom portfolios
Cons
- Large product lineup can be overwhelming for beginners
- Some niche or thematic ETFs may have higher fees
- Requires more decision-making when building custom portfolios
- Currency exposure in global ETFs can impact returns
Compare These ETFs Head-to-Head
Drill into a side-by-side breakdown of performance, AUM, and yield.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best iShares ETF in Canada?
XEQT.TO is one of the most popular iShares ETFs because it provides global diversification in a single fund. XUU.TO and XIC.TO are also widely used for U.S. and Canadian market exposure.
Are iShares ETFs good for beginners?
Yes, iShares ETFs are beginner-friendly, especially all-in-one options like XEQT.TO. However, their wide product range can also support more advanced, customized portfolios.
Are iShares ETFs low cost?
Yes, many iShares ETFs have low MERs, especially core index funds like XUU.TO and XIC.TO, which are priced competitively for long-term investors.