Vanguard offers an array of different exchange traded funds (ETFs) for Canadians, including equity, fixed income, and asset allocation products. There are a number of different ETFs in each of these categories. On the other hand, Vanguard prides itself on having lower fees and associated costs than other investments, which may be of interest.
As with all investments, there are risks associated with Vanguard Canada ETFs, so be sure to speak with a financial advisor or investment professional if you're unsure what those risks may entail. And if you're living outside of Canada, you may be out of luck – Vanguard Canada ETFs are designed for Canadian residents, and normally aren't available to international investors.
Vanguard Canada ETFs features
Here's what Vanguard Canada ETFs have to offer.
- Education and commentary blog
- Fund comparison tool
- Cost simulator tool
- Investor questionnaire
- YouTube channel with investment commentary
- All In One
- Total Market ETFs
- ESG
Vanguard Canada ETFs product rating: 1.2 stars
Vanguard Canada ETFs are good, but lose a few points here and there. Vanguard doesn't offer any sort of personalized advice to investors, recommending instead that you speak with your financial advisor.
On the other hand, it's relatively easy to invest in Vanguard Canada ETFs, as they're available through a number of online brokers, or through your investment professional. They also offer relatively low fees and associated costs compared to some other ETF alternatives.
Rating methodology
To calculate our Genius Ratings, we compare the features of the account or product in question with other similar products in Canada. We give each feature a score out of 5 based on that comparison. Once we’ve rated all the features, we run them through our proprietary algorithm to produce a final rating out of 5.
Learn more about our rating methodology.
The pros of Vanguard Canada ETFs
Here are some of the upsides to Vanguard Canada ETFs.
Different types of ETFs are available
There are 3 primary categories of Vanguard Canada ETFs, including equity, fixed income, and asset allocation. With 44 ETFs available, it's relatively easy to build a diversified portfolio.
Available through a number of online brokerages
Vanguard Canada ETFs are available through a number of online brokerages, including BMO Investorline, Qtrade Investor, CIBC Investor's Edge, and more. If you're not interested in DIY investing, you can also speak with your financial advisor about Vanguard Canada ETFs, and they'll be able to help you out.
Lower associated costs than other ETFs
Vanguard prides itself on having lower fees and lower associated costs with their investments, passing those savings on to Canadian investors. With a solid track record and lower fees, Vanguard Canada ETFs are worth considering as part of your investment portfolio.
No minimum investment amount
ETFs are traded more like stocks than mutual funds, so you can purchase as little as a single unit of any Vanguard Canada ETFs.
The cons of Vanguard Canada ETFs
Of course there are some drawbacks to be aware of as well.
As with all investments, there are risks
While ETFs are designed to be more stable and diversified than other investment options, there are risks involved. Whatever investments you're making, be sure to clearly understand what the risks are. If you're unsure, we recommend taking the time to speak with a financial advisor or investment professional before investing any of your money.
Designed for Canadian residents
Just like Vanguard U.S. ETFs are designed for residents of the United States, Vanguard Canada ETFs are designed for residents of Canada. While there are some circumstances where people living outside of Canada can invest in these products, it usually isn't possible. If you have any questions about this, Vanguard recommends speaking to a financial advisor or tax specialist about your specific circumstances.
Vanguard Canada ETFs alternatives
Wondering how Vanguard Canada ETFs measure up? Here's how they compare to a couple of other Canadian ETF alternatives.
| Account | Vanguard Canada ETFs | Scotiabank ETFs | BMO ETFs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genius Rating | |||
| Why You Want It | Invest in low-fee ETFs + Available at a number of online brokerages. | Fees starting as low as 0.03% + Work with Scotia investment specialists. | Choose from a large number of ETFs + Get personalized advice. |
| Types Of ETFs |
|
|
|
| # Of ETFs | 38 | 200 | 223 |
| Min Management Fee | 0.05% | 0.03% | 0.05% |
| Max Management Fee | 0.42% | 0.17% | 1.05% |
| Min MER | 0.06% | 0.06% | 0.06% |
Show More | |||
| Open an account See more Vanguard products Compare | Learn More See more Scotiabank products Compare | Learn More See more BMO products Compare |
FAQ
Can you invest in Vanguard Canada ETFs if you don't live in Canada?
While it's possible for some people in some situations to invest in Vanguard Canada ETFs when they're not a resident of Canada, for the most part it isn't possible. Vanguard Canada ETFs are designed for people who live in Canada.
Does Vanguard Canada have any products designed for socially conscious investors?
Yes, Vanguard Canada ETFs do include investment products focused on ESG (environmental, social, and governance) issues.
Is there a minimum investment for Vanguard Canada ETFs?
No. You can purchase as little as a single unit of any Vanguard Canada ETFs.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
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