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How to Find and Research ETFs

There are hundreds of ETFs on the Canadian market, but how can you find them and how can you dig in to decide if any are right for you?

You might start your research by turning to detailed quotes, searching either a keyword or ETF symbol. RBC Direct Investing's Investor's Toolkit* also offers powerful tools and resources, such as:

  • ETF screeners: Here you'll find a number of filters that can help you narrow down your options. Choose from predefined screens (including strategies by RBC and Morningstar experts), or create your own from a list of 40 criteria, such as fund family, category, performance and country.
  • Easy comparisons: From an ETF screener, you can compare three ETFs side-by-side in different categories.
  • ETF Analyst Favourites: Explore favourite long-term portfolio builders as chosen by Morningstar analysts. They look at factors such as expenses, index construction, tax efficiency and diversification.

A Practice Account, available to all RBC online banking clients, can give you access to these tools to start exploring — without risking a penny!

How to Use a Detailed Quote

An ETF's detailed quote provides a wealth of information, including date of inception (the older the fund, the more historical data is available), expense ratio, average trading volume, specific holdings and much more. You can find a detailed quote by entering a symbol or keyword in the search box on the top right corner of any page on the RBC Direct Investing platform. Find out more in the Research Guide.

For illustrative purposes only.

Remember, there are risks and benefits associated with any investment. It's a good idea to weigh both the risks and benefits when determining if any type of investment is right for you.

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There may be commissions, trailing commissions, investment fund management fees and expenses associated with investment fund and exchange-traded fund (ETF) investments. On or after June 1, 2022, any trailing commissions paid to RBC Direct Investing Inc. will be rebated to clients pursuant to applicable regulatory exemptions. Before investing, please review the applicable fees, expenses and charges relating to the fund as disclosed in the prospectus, fund facts or ETF facts for the fund. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. For money market funds there can be no assurances that the fund will be able to maintain its net asset value per security at a constant amount or that the full amount of your investment in the fund will be returned to you.

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> Next: ETF Fees Explained

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