Vanguard Canada Review 2024: ETF List, Pros, Cons, and Fees (2024)

Vanguard Canada is the Canadian subsidiary of the Vanguard Group, one of the largest financial institutions in the world.

The company has over $8 trillion in global assets under management and is an industry leader in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs).

Vanguard Canada has nearly 40 ETFs that are specifically designed for Canadian investors.

In this article, I will cover 19 of the best Vanguard ETFs in Canada and look at their holdings, fees, key facts, and more!

What is Vanguard Canada?

Vanguard Canada is one of the leading providers of investment products for Canadian investors.

How to choose which Vanguard Canada ETF is right for you? It depends on your personal preferences, risk tolerance, and long-term investment goals.

In this article, I will cover the following types of Vanguard Canada ETFs:

• Vanguard Asset Allocation ETFs
• Vanguard Equity ETFs
• Vanguard Bond ETFs

While there are plenty of other choices for investors in the Vanguard Canada portfolio of ETFs, this provides a nice introduction to Vanguard’s products.

These are the Vanguard Canada ETFs on the TSX that I will be covering in this article:

• Growth ETF Portfolio (VGRO)
• Balanced ETF Portfolio (VBAL
• All Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT)
• Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS)
• Retirement Income ETF Portfolio (VRIF)
• FTSE Canada Index ETF (VCE)
• FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VDY)
• FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF (VCN)
• US Total Market Index ETF (VUN)
• S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV)
• US Dividend Appreciation Index ETF (VGG)
• FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada Index ETF (VXC)
• Global Momentum Factor ETF (VMO)
• FTSE Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF (VEE)
• Canadian Long-Term Bond Index ETF (VLB)
• Canadian Short-Term Bond Index ETF (VSB)
• Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB)
• US Aggregate Bond Index (CAD-Hedged) (VBU)
• Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (VGAB)

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Best Vanguard Canada Asset Allocation ETFs

Vanguard Growth ETF Portfolio (VGRO)

VGRO is Vanguard Canada asset allocation ETF established in 2018 that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is designed for long-term capital growth through investment in equities and fixed-income assets.

VGRO holds some of the largest American and Canadian companies, which provides a solid asset mix.

Since its inception, VGRO has had an average annual return of 4.8% and a cumulative return of 25.8%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VGRO:

Here are some key facts for VGRO:

• MER: 0.24%
• Number of assets: 13,668
• Dividend yield: 2.09%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.10%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -11.2%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard Balanced ETF Portfolio (VBAL)

VBAL is a Vanguard Canada all-in-one ETF that was established in 2018 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange

This Vanguard ETF seeks to provide long-term capital growth with moderate income through a 60/40 split between equities and fixed-income assets.

Since VBAL’s inception, the fund has had an average annual return of 3.6% and a cumulative return of 19%.

Here are the top ten holdings for VBAL:

As you can see, it holds many of the same stocks as VGRO but in lower allocations.

Here are some key facts for VBAL:

• MER: 0.24%
• Number of assets: 13,668 stocks and 18,333 bonds
• Dividend yield: 2.12%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.26%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -11.37%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard All Equity ETF Portfolio (VEQT)

VEQT is a Vanguard Canada ETF established in 2019 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. As its name suggests, VEQT is designed for long-term capital growth with 100% exposure to equities.

Since its inception, VEQT has had an annual average return of 8.32% and a cumulative return of 36.8%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VEQT:

The top ten holdings for VEQT mirror VBAL and VGRO with different allocations.

Here are some key facts for VEQT:

• MER: 0.24%
• Number of assets: 13,668 stocks
• Dividend yield: 1.51%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.51%
• Distribution frequency: Annually
• 1-year performance: -10.78%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered account

Vanguard Conservative ETF Portfolio (VCNS)

VCNS is a Vanguard Canada ETF established in 2018 that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

This ETF is designed for income and moderate long-term capital growth with a mix of 42% equities and 58% fixed assets.

Since its inception, VCNS has had an average annual return of 2.37% and a cumulative return of 12.24%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VCNS:

And here are some key facts for VCNS:

• MER: 0.24%
• Number of assets: 13,668 stocks and 18,333 bonds
• Dividend yield: 2.16%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.44%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -11.70%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard Retirement Income ETF Portfolio (VRIF)

VRIF is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2020 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is a conservative fund with a mix of 36% equities and 64% fixed-income assets. The purpose of this ETF is to provide consistent income with some capital appreciation.

Since its inception, VRIF has had an average annual return of 0.39% and a cumulative return of 0.90%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VRIF:

And here are some key facts for VRIF:

• MER: 0.32%
• Number of assets: 13,668 stocks and 19,023 bonds
• Dividend yield: 4.64%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 4.63%
• Distribution frequency: Monthly
• 1-year performance: -11.48%

Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Best Vanguard Equity Index ETFs

Vanguard FTSE Canada Index ETF (VCE)

VCE is a Vanguard Canada ETF established in 2011 that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

It is designed to track the FTSE Canada Domestic Index and is a passively managed fund looking for long-term capital growth.

Since its inception, VCE has had an average annual return of 7.84% and a cumulative return of 130.91%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VCE:

And here are some key facts for VCE:

• MER: 0.06%
• Number of assets: 50
• Dividend yield: 3.30%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.91%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -5.10%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VDY)

VDY is a Vanguard Canada ETF established in 2012 that trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is a passively managed fund designed to track the FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index.

VDY is focused on long-term capital growth through dividend reinvestment and equity growth.

Since its inception, VDY has had an average annual return of 9.09% and a cumulative return of 142.07%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VDY:

And here are some key facts for VDY:

• MER: 0.22%
• Number of assets: 47
• Dividend yield: 5.23%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 4.15%
• Distribution frequency: Monthly
• 1-year performance: -0.21%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

VDY has been a strong performer despite the volatility in the markets. It also has a generous monthly dividend and reasonably low MER.

Vanguard FTSE Canada All Cap Index ETF (VCN)

VCN is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2013 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is passively managed and tracks the performance of the FTSE Canada All Cap Domestic Index.

Since its inception, VCN has had an average annual return of 7.57% and a cumulative return of 98.8%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VCN:

And here are some key facts for VCN:

• MER: 0.05%
• Number of assets: 185
• Dividend yield: 3.10%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.84%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -5.79%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard US Total Markets Index ETF (VUN)

VUN is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2013 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is a passively managed fund that primarily invests in the Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF that is US-domiciled.

VUN provides Canadian investors with exposure to US equities without paying for stocks in US Dollars.

Here are the top ten holdings of VUN:

And here are some key facts for VUN:

• MER: 0.16%
• Number of assets: 4,026
• Dividend yield: 1.17%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.10%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -14.17%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV)

VFV is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2012 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

VFV is designed to track the benchmark S&P 500 index and primarily invests in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF, which is US-domiciled.

Since its inception, the VFV ETF has had an average annual return of 15.51% and a cumulative return of 332.90%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VFV:

And here are some key facts for VFV:

• MER: 0.09%
• Number of assets: 503
• Dividend yield: 1.31%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.21%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -12.62%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard US Dividend Appreciation Index ETF (VGG)

VGG is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2013 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

It is designed to track the S&P US Dividend Growers Index and invests primarily in the US-domiciled Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF.

VGG provides exposure to US-domiciled dividend-paying equities for Canadian investors without buying stocks in US dollars.

Since its inception, VGG has had an average annual return of 13.26% and a cumulative return of 222.87%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VGG:

And here are some key facts for VGG:

• MER: 0.30%
• Number of assets: 289
• Dividend yield: 1.28%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.27%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -4.02%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard FTSE Global All Cap ex Canada Index ETF (VXC)

VXC is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2014 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is a passively managed ETF that tracks developed and emerging markets, excluding Canada.

VXC is an excellent way for Canadian investors to gain exposure to international markets.

Since its inception, VXC has provided an average annual return of 8.90% and a cumulative return of 106.56%.

Here are the top ten holdings for VXC:

And here are some key facts for VXC:

• MER: 0.21%
• Number of assets: 11,443
• Dividend yield: 1.82%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.76%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -13.01%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Despite the fund’s name, the heaviest weighted stocks are all US-based. Investors seeking further diversity may be best served by investing in VIU, which is the FTSE Developed All Cap ex North America Index ETF.

Vanguard Global Momentum Factor ETF (VMO)

VMO is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2016 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

It aims at providing long-term capital appreciation by investing in equities from developed markets that have had a strong recent performance.

Since its inception, VMO has provided an average annual return to investors of 10.0% and a cumulative return of 86.67%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VMO:

VMO has a 66.6% weight allocated to US stocks, with Japan as the second-highest allocation at just 7.0%.

Here are some key facts for VMO:

• MER: 0.39%
• Number of assets: 795
• Dividend yield: 1.17%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 1.17%
• Distribution frequency: Annually
• 1-year performance: -8.99%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard Emerging Markets All Cap Index ETF (VEE)

VEE is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

This ETF seeks to track a broad portfolio of emerging market stocks across different industries and of all sizes.

Since its inception, VEE has provided investors with an average annual return of 4.61% and a cumulative return of 64.85%.

Here are the top ten holdings in VEE:

And here are some key facts for VEE:

• MER: 0.24%
• Number of assets: 5,575
• Dividend yield: 4.21%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.77%
• Distribution frequency: Quarterly
• 1-year performance: -12.82%

Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

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Best Vanguard Bond Index ETFs

Vanguard Canadian Long-Term Bond Index ETF (VLB)

VLB is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2017 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is designed to track the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian 10+ Year Float Adjusted Bond Index.

Since its inception, VLB has provided investors with an annual average return of 0.12% and a cumulative return of 0.71%.

Here are some key facts for VLB:

• MER: 0.16%
• Number of bonds: 362
• Distribution yield: 3.92%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 3.64%
• Distribution frequency: Monthly
• 1-year performance: -21.68%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard Canadian Short-Term Bond Index ETF (VSB)

VSB is a Vanguard Canada ETF established in 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

VSB is designed to track the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Government/Credit 1-5 Year Float Adjusted Bond Index.

Since its inception, VSB has provided investors with an average annual return of 1.29% and a cumulative return of 15.26%.

Here are some key facts for VSB:

• MER: 0.11%
• Number of bonds: 488
• Distribution yield: 2.44%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.23%
• Distribution frequency: Monthly
• 1-year performance: -3.97%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB)

VAB is a Vanguard Canada ETF established in 2011 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange. It is designed to track the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Index.

Since its inception, VAB has provided investors with an average annual return of 1.73% and a cumulative return of 20.92%.

Here are some key facts for VAB:

• MER: 0.09%
• Number of bonds: 1,131
• Distribution yield: 3.01%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.81%
• Distribution frequency: Monthly
• 1-year performance: -11.88%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard US Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (VBU)

VBU is a Vanguard Canada ETF that was established in 2014 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange,

It is designed to track the performance of the Bloomberg US Aggregate Float Adjusted Bond Index ETF (CAD Hedged).

Since its inception, VBU has provided investors with an average annual return of 0.51% and a cumulative return of 4.44%.

Here are some key facts for VBU:

• MER: 0.22%
• Number of bonds: 10,366
• Distribution yield: 2.20%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.22%
• Distribution frequency: Monthly
• 1-year performance: -13.68%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

Vanguard Global Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (VGAB)

VGAB is a Vanguard Canada ETF established in 2020 and trades on the Toronto Stock Exchange.

VGAB tracks the broad global bond index and is a hedged ETF holding Canadian dollars to hedge against currency volatility.

Since its inception, VGAB has provided investors with an average annual return of -4.11% and a cumulative return of -11.66%.

Here are some key facts for VGAB:

• MER: 0.33%
• Number of bonds: 16,464
• Distribution yield: 1.66%
• 12-Month Trailing Yield: 2.81%
• Distribution frequency: Monthly
• 1-year performance: -13.66%
• Eligibility: All registered and non-registered accounts

How to Buy Vanguard ETFs in Canada

Canadian investors have a variety of ways to buy the best Vanguard Canada ETFs.

Canadians can use a traditional brokerage, a financial advisor, or even a robo-advisor which automates your investing into Vanguard ETFs.

One of the more popular ways to buy Vanguard ETFs in Canada is through a discount brokerage.

With a discount brokerage, you can save on trading fees which can lead to higher gains in the long run.

Here are three Canadian discount brokerages where you can buy Vanguard ETFs:

Questrade

Questrade is a popular discount trading platform that offers commission-free trading when you buy ETFs and a low cost of $4.95 per trade when you sell ETFs.

This broker also offers options, bonds, mutual funds, stocks, currencies, CFDs, and more.

Questrade

Trade stocks, ETFs, options, etc.

Get $50 trade credit with $1,000 funding

Low and competitive trading fees

Top platform for advanced traders

Transfer fees waived

Rating

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Wealthsimple Trade

Wealthsimple Trade is a Canadian discount trading platform owned by the Power Corporation of Canada.

It offers zero-commission trading for both buying and selling of Vanguard ETFs and thousands of other ETFs and stocks.

To avoid FX fees when buying US assets, you can upgrade to Trade Plus for $10 monthly.

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

Rating

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Qtrade

Qtrade is another popular Canadian discount brokerage that offers free ETF trading for a list of Canadian ETFs, which includes funds from Vanguard, iShares, and Horizons.

Qtrade

Up to $150 sign-up bonus

Trade stocks, ETFs, options, bonds, etc.

Excellent platform for newbies and seasoned investors

Competitive trading fees

Excellent customer service

Rating

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Pros of Vanguard ETFs

• Vanguard Canada ETFs are known for their low MERs and management fees.
• Vanguard Canada offers a wide range of ETFs for every type of investor.
• Vanguard Canada ETFs are available at any brokerage, including Canadian discount brokerages.

Cons of Vanguard ETFs

• Vanguard Canada ETFs have a lot of overlap of the same stocks across each fund.
• Vanguard ETFs are heavily weighted toward US stocks.
• Vanguard’s international ETFs come with a higher MER.