Here are 9 of the best bond ETFs Canadian investors can add to their portfolios:
1. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG)
2. Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)
3. iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD)
4. iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG)
5. iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT)
6. iShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB)
7. BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG)
8. Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB)
9. iShares Canadian Government Bond Index ETF (XGB)
1. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG)
The iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) follows the performance of the total U.S. investment-grade bond market.
AGG offers diversification across various sectors in the U.S. bond market, such as government bonds, corporate bonds, and mortgage-backed securities.
It holds thousands of distinct bonds, reducing concentration risk and providing broad coverage.
What sets AGG apart is its focus on investment-grade bonds.
These are deemed to be of a high quality and have a lower risk of default.
With this approach, AGG strives to deliver stable returns and minimize the impact of credit downgrades or defaults.
Investors looking for stability and income may find AGG an attractive option due to its relatively low volatility compared to other bond ETFs.
It also pays out regular dividends, offering another source of potential income.
For those wanting to diversify beyond Canadian bond markets, AGG gives exposure to a large pool of U.S.-based fixed-income securities with varying maturities and yields.
This can help investors reduce their overall portfolio risk by spreading investments across different asset classes and geographies.
2. Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)
BND, the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF, provides access to over 10,000 investment-grade bonds, offering diversification and potential income.
BND is attractive to cost-conscious investors because it has a low expense ratio of just 0.03%.
It also has a good performance record, with competitive returns over the long term.
A unique aspect of BND is its focus on investment-grade bonds.
This means it only invests in bonds issued by companies or governments with strong credit ratings.
It aims to offer stability and reduce risk.
3. iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD)
The iShares iBoxx $ Investment Grade Corporate Bond ETF (LQD) provides exposure to high-quality corporate bonds from multiple sectors.
The bonds are US dollar-denominated, offering stability and liquidity.
The ETF’s strong track record has held up during periods of market volatility.
Even during the 2008 financial crisis, LQD provided consistent income.
4. iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG)
The iShares iBoxx $ High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYG) focuses on high-yield corporate bonds.
You might benefit from higher coupon rates vs investment-grade bonds however that comes with extra risk.
Generally companies with weaker finances issue them, so there may be a higher default risk.
The ETF invests in a basket of bonds from different issuers and industries.
This helps reduce the impact of individual bond risk.
5. iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT)
The iShares 20+ Year Treasaury Bond ETF does exactly what it sounds like – focuses on US government debt securities, with a maturity of 20 years or more.
This makes the ETF less vulnerable to short-term market changes.
TLT offers a steady stream of income from interest payments and provides a way to diversify your portfolio with some stability.
6. iShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB)
The iShares Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF (XBB) offers investors a diverse range of Canadian bonds, including Government and corporate offerings.
It’s known for its strong performance and low management fees.
Investors have a chance to benefit from the stability and income potential of the Canadian bond market.
The fund looks to replicate the FTSE Canada Universe Bond Index™
This ETF focuses on providing broad exposure to the Canadian bond market.
Federal and provincial government bonds, as well as corporate issuers, are included.
This helps mitigate risk and provides fixed income opportunities.
This ETF has a consistent track record of delivering solid returns over time.
Despite interest rate and market changes, the ETF has generated competitive yields for income-seeking investors.
7. BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG)
Investors seeking stability and income may consider the BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG).
This ETF provides exposure to a range of bonds, such as government, corporate, and municipal bonds.
It is focused on investment-grade bonds that are considered high-quality and have low risk of default.
When investing in bond ETFs like ZAG, it’s important to consider investment goals and risk tolerance.
Bond ETFs can offer stability and income, but may also be subject to interest rate risk and bond price fluctuations.
8. Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF (VAB)
The Vanguard Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF is a prominent bond exchange-traded fund in Canada, providing investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of Canadian investment-grade bonds.
The ETF aims to replicate the performance of the Bloomberg Global Aggregate Canadian Float Adjusted Bond Index.
It offers a low-cost and efficient way to get fixed-income exposure.
Plus, it focuses on investment-grade bonds, issued by high-quality issuers with lower risk profiles.
Furthermore, VAB follows a passive investment strategy that seeks long-term capital appreciation.
It has a diversified portfolio, including government, financials, utilities, and industrials.
This helps reduce concentration risk and potential loss.
This ETF is perfect for those who prefer a buy-and-hold approach and seek to avoid frequent trading or active management fees.
9. iShares Canadian Government Bond Index ETF (XGB)
The iShares Canadian Government Bond Index ETF (XGB) offered by BlackRock gives investors exposure to a mix of Canadian government bonds, offering stability and income potential.
Investing in XGB can be wise for those who want to spread out their investments and reduce risk.
They are pros when it comes to fixed income securities.
XGB gives investors access to a range of Canadian government bonds with different maturities.
This allows for possible capital growth as interest rates change.
One good thing about this ETF is its low Management Expense Ratio (MER).
Plus XGB offers monthly distributions, giving investors a regular income.
Data from BlackRock reveals that XGB has outperformed its benchmark index over the last few years.
What is a Bond ETF?
Bond ETFs, also known as Bond Exchange Traded Funds, are investment funds that offer access to a diversified portfolio of bonds.
They trade on the stock exchange, making them easy to buy and sell like stocks.
Bond ETFs offer several advantages compared to traditional bond investments.
By investing in a bond ETF, you can get access to a range of bonds without needing to buy each one separately.
This offers diversification benefits as the fund holds a mix of different types of bonds, with varying maturities and credit qualities.
Additionally, bond ETFs provide transparency, as holdings are disclosed daily, so you know what you own.
Bond ETFs also offer liquidity, unlike individual bonds that may have a low trading volume, these ETFs generally have high liquidity due to their trading on the stock exchange.
This makes it easy for you to enter or exit your positions as you need.
They also provide flexibility when it comes to income generation.
Bond ETFs distribute interest payments from the underlying bonds regularly, giving you regular income streams.
Plus, these distributions can be reinvested or taken as cash payments.
For those who prefer passive investing or want exposure to specific areas within the fixed-income market, there are bond ETF options available that track specific indexes or sectors.
This lets you tailor your portfolios according to your investment objectives and risk tolerance.
Key Considerations When Investing in Bond ETFs
Higher-rated bonds may have lower yields but come with less default risk.
On the other hand, lower-rated bonds offer higher yields but come with more risk.
Match the duration of your Bond ETFs with your investment time horizon and rate outlook.
Diversify your portfolio with Bond ETFs that provide exposure to different industries and geographies.
Compare costs across different Bond ETF options.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are bond ETFs?
- Why invest in bond ETFs in Canada?
- What are the top bond ETFs available in Canada?
- How do bond ETFs generate returns?
- What should I consider before investing in bond ETFs?
- Are bond ETFs suitable for all investors?
DISCLAIMER: This is not investment advice. Recommendations are for educational purposes only, presented as a path for you to further research. Please seek independent financial advice before making any financial decisions. PiggyBank is not liable for any investment decisions you make based on the information presented on this website.
