MoneySense ETF Screener 2026: Find the Best ETFs for Canadian Investors

If you're researching ETFs to buy, you've come to the right place. The MoneySense ETF Screener provides Canadian investors with a powerful tool to compare, filter, and select the right exchange-traded funds for their portfolios. Updated weekly with data from ETF Market Canada CBOE, the screener tracks more than 1,600 ETFs and highlights 100 of the top performing funds based on 1-year returns.

Whether you're building a Couch Potato portfolio, exploring thematic ETFs, or looking for sustainable ESG options, the MoneySense ETF Finder tool makes it easy to curate the right ETFs for your needs. This comprehensive guide explains how to use the screener, what the data means, and which categories matter most for Canadian investors.

How to Use the MoneySense ETF Screener

The MoneySense ETF screener is designed to help you compare ETFs across multiple categories. You can filter and sort by:

Asset class: Equities, fixed income, commodities, real estate (REITs), and alternatives
Geography: Canadian, US, international, and global exposure
Provider: Vanguard, iShares (BlackRock), BMO, Horizon, Purpose, CI Galaxy, and more
Ticker: Search by specific ETF symbol
Performance: 1-day, 1-year, and 3-year returns
Costs: Management fees and expense ratios
Active vs. Passive: Whether the ETF tracks an index or is actively managed
ESG: Environmental, social, and governance-focused funds
Strategy: Factor-based, thematic, covered call, enhanced yield
Crypto: Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs available in Canada

This data is provided by ETF Market Canada CBOE and is updated weekly to ensure accuracy.

Understanding ETF Returns: A Closer Look at the Data

The screener includes 1-year returns for 100 top-performing ETFs. Below is a selection of notable ETFs from the data, highlighting the range of returns and categories available to Canadian investors.

Label	Ticker	Expense Ratio	Management Fee	1-Year Return
SavvyLong (2X) MSTR ETF	MSTU	1.55%	1.55%	-97.75%
BetaPro -3x Semiconductor Bear ETF	SOXS	1.15%	1.15%	-96.33%
CI Galaxy Ethereum ETF	ETHX	0.73%	0.40%	-61.82%
BetaPro NASDAQ-100 -2x Daily Bear ETF	HQD	1.57%	1.50%	-58.98%
Evolve XRP ETF	XRP.U	0.75%	0.75%	-53.31%
Purpose Bitcoin ETF	BTCC	1.31%	1.00%	-43.13%
iShares Bitcoin ETF	IBIT.U	0.33%	0.32%	-41.15%
Fidelity Advantage Bitcoin ETF	FBTC	0.40%	0.40%	-38.87%
iShares Bitcoin ETF (CAD)	IBIT	0.33%	0.32%	-38.77%
Global X China Hang Seng TECH Index ETF	CHQQ	0.55%	0.55%	-30.81%

Note: Data provided by ETF Market Canada CBOE as of June 26, 2026. The table above shows a selection of ETFs from the full list. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

ETF Categories Explained

The MoneySense ETF screener covers a wide range of categories. Here's what each category means for your portfolio:

Asset Allocation ETFs

Asset allocation ETFs provide all-in-one portfolio solutions. By way of one low-cost comprehensive ETF, you can hold a globally diversified investment that is managed and rebalanced for you. These ETFs are available at various levels of risk, from conservative to aggressive. They are ideal for Couch Potato investors who want simplicity and automatic diversification.

Popular examples include the Vanguard VGRO, iShares XGRO, and BMO ZGRO families. Asset allocation ETFs typically hold a mix of Canadian, U.S., and international equities, bonds, and sometimes other assets like REITs.

ESG ETFs

The environmental, social, and governance (ESG) section allows you to find ETFs that focus on sustainable investing. Investors can invest with their personal values and the environment in mind. Companies and fixed-income assets are selected based on their environmental impact and corporate governance factors.

You can build your own ESG portfolio by putting together individual equity and fixed-income ETFs. All-in-one ESG asset allocation ETFs are also available for those who prefer a fully managed approach.

Thematic ETFs

With thematic ETFs, you can invest in transformational new technologies and other very specific themes or niches. Examples include artificial intelligence (AI), electric vehicles (EV), robotics, cybersecurity, and genomics.

There can be incredible opportunities, but thematic ETFs can also carry additional risks. While the ETFs reduce single-stock risk, they still leave investors exposed to the risks of a sector or theme. Investors should understand the underlying holdings and ensure they fit within a diversified portfolio.

Sector ETFs

You can purchase ETFs that only hold stocks from a certain sector. For example, you can own financial, energy, technology, healthcare, or consumer staples ETFs. These ETFs allow you to shape your portfolio's sector allocation to be more aggressive, more conservative, or more prepared for certain economic conditions.

Consumer staples and utilities, for example, provide a more defensive tilt, while technology and energy are more aggressive. Sector ETFs are useful for investors who want to overweight specific areas of the market.

Income and Enhanced Yield ETFs

Income-focused ETFs allow investors to focus on income generated by generous dividends and higher bond yields. Enhanced yield can also be created by way of covered call or put writing ETFs, which generate additional income from options strategies.

These ETFs are particularly attractive to retirees and income-seeking investors. However, covered call strategies often cap upside potential in exchange for higher income.

Factor ETFs

Factor ETFs are rules-based. They use a set of guidelines and rules for equity or bond selection. Common factors include value, growth, momentum, quality, low volatility, and size.

Factor investing is a strategy that aims to capture specific drivers of returns. For example, value ETFs focus on undervalued stocks, while low-volatility ETFs focus on less volatile stocks. Factor ETFs can be used to tilt a portfolio toward historically rewarded characteristics.

Active vs. Passive ETFs

Most ETFs track an index and are passively managed. They aim to replicate the performance of a benchmark like the S&P 500 or TSX Composite.

For active ETFs, portfolio managers take a different approach: Instead of following the market, they attempt to beat the market, and they may also seek better risk-adjusted returns. Active ETFs can have higher fees but may offer the potential for outperformance.

Crypto ETFs

Canada was the first country to offer true bitcoin ETFs—other bitcoin-sharing investments have been available elsewhere, including a trust from Greyscale. You'll now find bitcoin and ethereum ETFs available from several providers, including Purpose Investments, CI Galaxy, Evolve, 3iQ, and iShares.

It's an exciting asset class that's gaining more widespread acceptance, but the risks are still great. Be prepared for incredible volatility. Given that, you might consider a very modest allocation, like 1% to 5% of your portfolio.

Cash ETFs

Many investors carry cash balances as they add new money to their accounts. Dividend and bond income can accumulate as well. Through cash ETFs, you can earn at least a little something as you wait to put that money to work.

Cash ETFs typically invest in high-interest savings accounts, T-bills, or short-term investment-grade bonds, providing a safe place to park cash with modest returns.

Leveraged and Inverse ETFs

These ETFs use derivatives to multiply the daily returns of an underlying index. Inverse ETFs go up when the market goes down. Both types are designed for short-term trading and carry significant risks. They are not suitable for long-term buy-and-hold investors.

As the screener data shows, leveraged ETFs can experience dramatic losses. For example, the SavvyLong (2X) MSTR ETF returned -97.75% over the past year. Investors should understand these risks before investing.

Building Your ETF Portfolio

Investors can build a well-balanced ETF portfolio with a mix of equities (stocks), real estate investment trusts (REITs), commodities, and bonds:

Equities are the growth drivers for the portfolio. Diversification can be achieved by holding Canadian, U.S., and international equities.
REITs can also be growth drivers, adding greater diversification beyond stocks and bonds. REITs are also known to be a useful inflation hedge.
Commodities can be the most dependable inflation hedge for periods of unexpected inflation or stagflation.
Bonds can be used to lessen the volatility in a portfolio, though that will come at the expense of higher returns over longer periods.

The most common approach by investors is to build a low-cost, low-maintenance core Couch Potato portfolio. This typically involves holding a few broadly diversified ETFs and rebalancing annually.

You can also choose to add additional assets and go the advanced couch potato route by adding factors, sectors, or thematic exposures. This is called "core and explore" investing.

Important Considerations Before Buying ETFs

Before purchasing any ETF, consider the following:

Expense Ratio vs. Management Fee: The expense ratio is the total annual cost of the ETF. The management fee is a component of that cost. Lower fees do not guarantee better performance, but they do improve net returns over time.
Past Performance: Past performance does not guarantee future results. A 1-year return of -50% does not mean the ETF will recover, and a 1-year return of +100% does not mean the ETF will continue to perform well.
Risk Tolerance: Understand your own risk tolerance before investing. Leveraged, inverse, and crypto ETFs carry significantly higher risk than broad-market ETFs.
Tax Implications: ETFs may generate capital gains distributions, dividends, or interest income. Understand the tax consequences before investing.
Liquidity: Some ETFs have low trading volume, which can lead to wider bid-ask spreads and difficulty buying or selling at fair prices.
Currency Risk: ETFs that hold U.S. or international assets may expose investors to currency fluctuations between the Canadian dollar and foreign currencies.
Concentration Risk: Thematic and sector ETFs may be concentrated in a small number of stocks or industries, increasing risk.

How to Use the Screener for Different Investment Goals

For Beginners: Asset Allocation and One-Ticket ETFs

If you're new to investing, start with asset allocation ETFs. These all-in-one funds provide a globally diversified portfolio in a single purchase. Look for options with low expense ratios (under 0.25%) and appropriate risk levels.

One-ticket asset allocation ETFs are available at various risk levels:

Conservative: Higher bond allocation (70-80%)
Balanced: Equal mix of stocks and bonds (50-60% stocks)
Growth: Higher stock allocation (70-80% stocks)
Aggressive: Very high stock allocation (90-100% stocks)

For Income Seekers: Enhanced Yield ETFs

If you need income, look for ETFs that offer generous dividends, high-yield bonds, or covered call strategies. Check the yield in the screener and understand the trade-offs between income and capital growth.

Covered call ETFs, in particular, offer enhanced income but may underperform in strong bull markets due to capped upside.

For ESG Investors: Sustainable ETFs

Use the ESG filter to find ETFs that exclude fossil fuels, tobacco, weapons, or other controversial sectors. You can also find all-in-one ESG asset allocation ETFs that handle diversification and rebalancing for you.

Many ESG ETFs use exclusionary screening, positive selection, or impact investing approaches. Understand the ESG methodology before investing.

For Thematic Investors: Exploring New Technologies

If you're interested in thematic investing, start with a small allocation (1-5% of your portfolio). Understand that thematic ETFs can be more volatile and may not correlate with the broader market.

Use the screener to compare thematic ETFs across providers and strategies. Be prepared for a long-term investment horizon, as themes like AI and EVs may take years to fully materialize.

Conclusion

The MoneySense ETF Screener is a valuable tool for Canadian investors looking to build, manage, and optimize their ETF portfolios. With data on over 1,600 ETFs and 100 top-performing funds, the screener provides essential information on returns, fees, risk levels, and categories.

Whether you're a beginner starting with asset allocation ETFs, an income-seeker exploring enhanced yield options, or an ESG investor looking for sustainable funds, the screener can help you make informed decisions. Remember to consider your risk tolerance, investment horizon, and financial goals before buying any ETF.

For additional guidance, check out MoneySense's expert panel picks for the best ETFs in Canada, and consider using a robo-advisor for professional management if you prefer a hands-off approach.

Happy investing!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Ensure you understand the risks and tax consequences when investing. For more information, contact a qualified and certified financial advisor. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Data provided by ETF Market Canada CBOE.

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