Index funds are mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that invest to equal the performance of a market index, such as the S&P/TSX 60.). Index funds do show better long-term performance than about two-thirds of actively-managed mutual funds with long-term track records.
That’s partly because index fund fees run as low as 0.12% of assets per year. In our view, the big advantage of Canadian index funds is that they can help you avoid the risk of choosing a fund with a management style that virtually guarantees below-average long-term performance.
In that category we’d place mutual funds that pursue a market timing or sector-rotation approach to investing. Managers of these funds try to out-perform the market by betting on relatively short-term trends, rather than putting their investors in a position to profit from long-term growth in the economy. In any one year, the top fund is often run by a market timer who is having his or her proverbial ‘day in the sun’. However, in any one decade, the top funds are run by conservative managers who focus on long-term growth in the economy.
We still feel that most investors will profit the most by holding a well-balanced portfolio of high-quality stocks that follow our three-part Successful Investor strategy. However, if you don’t want to build a portfolio, then index fund mutual funds or ETFs can provide a good alternative. Here is our three-part strategy:
Discover which stocks to buy and hold forever in your portfolio in this FREE special report, 10 Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever.
Canadian index mutual funds were among the better financial innovations to come along in the past few decades. Still the popularity of ETFs may soon eclipse them
Canadian index mutual funds are specialized mutual funds that aim to equal the performance of a Canadian market index,… Read More
How do ETFs work best for you? The top funds track an established index and keep fees low
How do ETFs work? It all begins with the concept of indexing. Without indexing, ETFs would not exist. When you hear the word “index,” it’s referring to a.. Read More
A: Typically, changes to the S&P/TSX indexes are announced by Standard & Poor’s and then implemented a couple of weeks later.
On September 6, 2024, it announced that on September 23, Bird Construction (symbol BDT) and Triple Flag Precious Metals (TFPM) would be added to the… Read More
What are the key differences between dividend and index investing?
Dividend investing focuses on stocks that pay regular cash distributions to shareholders, while index investing aims to replicate the performance of a broad market index by holding a diversified portfolio of securities.
One big advantage of index… Read More
What are the best TFSA investments?
The best TFSA investments provide you with tax advantages, but market volatility highlights the need to pick your investments wisely; the best investment for TFSAs are those with the strong potential for solid and dependable gains
Tax-free savings accounts (TFSAs) let… Read More
ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) started out as one of the most benign investment innovations that ever hit the market. Soon after, the investment industry began adding new wrinkles. Today, we have one key rule you need to follow if you want to keep them benign:
That… Read More
Here are 5 Canadian dividend stocks we recommend holding in your portfolio despite economic uncertainty
One of the key points in our three-part investment advice is to invest mainly in well-established dividend-paying stocks. The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting inflation and challenging economy highlight the value… Read More
Investments in high dividend REITs can be a way of generating income through real estate investing without all of the hassles of direct real estate ownership
Real estate investment trusts (REITs) invest in income-producing real estate, such as office buildings, shopping centres and hotels. That’s a.. Read More
Here’s a look at the pros and cons of robo-advisors
Robo-advisors “promise” an easy route to investing.
You complete an online questionnaire set up to measure each person’s needs. Your response is designed to supply all the robo-advisor needs to know about you as an investor. For… Read More
Identify qualities of the best ETFs, including diversification across top-quality stocks, so you can hold the best funds for your TFSA investing
Your tax-free savings account (TFSA) allows you to earn investment income, including interest, dividends, and capital gains, tax-free. Do you know how to incorporate… Read More
Learn everything you need to know in 'The ETF Investor's Handbook' FREE Special Report from The Successful Investor.
ETFs Guide for Canadian Investors: Find the best way to invest in ETFs with low fees, low risk & high satisfaction.
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Changes to this Policy
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