This Week in Canada ETFs: August 24-28, 2026
Here’s a recap of all the key developments from week 35 of 2026 in Canada’s ETF market.
Here’s a recap of ETF activity across the Canadian market this week, from launches and filings to key updates.
Latest ETF Launches
CIBC and Avantis Broaden Their Core Portfolio Lineup
CIBC Global Asset Management has expanded its partnership with Avantis Investors with three new listings. The Avantis CIBC World Equity ETF (CAGX) offers actively managed global equity exposure in a single portfolio and is positioned as a broad core holding, following the earlier debut of CAGE.
CIBC has also added two all-in-one asset allocation funds. The Avantis CIBC Balanced Asset Allocation ETF (CAKE) is built for investors seeking a diversified mix of assets with a balanced risk profile, while the Avantis CIBC Growth Asset Allocation ETF (CAGR) carries a stronger growth orientation and higher risk tolerance. Both are actively managed and designed as single-ticket portfolio solutions.
New Fixed-Income ETFs Add Alternative Credit and Securitized Debt
Lysander Funds has launched the Lysander-Canso Credit Income ActivETF (PBY). The actively managed alternative credit strategy can take both long and short positions across corporate bonds and other income-producing securities, giving the portfolio more flexibility than a traditional long-only bond fund. PBY seeks total return while managing risk and also targets monthly cash distributions.
BMO Asset Management has launched the BMO Asset-Backed Securities ETF in CAD (ZABS), currency-hedged (ZABS.F) and USD (ZABS.U) units. The fund invests across securitized credit markets, including consumer and commercial asset-backed securities, CLOs and residential and commercial mortgage-backed securities. Its mandate combines income generation with capital preservation, while the hedged series uses derivatives to reduce foreign-exchange exposure.
Latest ETF Filings
NEI Prepares Its First ETF Lineup
NEI, also known as Northwest & Ethical Investments, has filed for four ETFs as it prepares to enter the Canadian ETF market. The NEI Global Short-Term Bond Fund – ETF Series (NESB) would invest across developed- and emerging-market fixed income using the firm’s responsible-investing framework and carry a 0.35% management fee.
NEI has also proposed three multi-asset portfolios. The NEI Conservative Income ETF Portfolio (NECP) would target an allocation of roughly 40% equities and 60% fixed income, the NEI Balanced ETF Portfolio (NEBP) about 60% equities and 40% fixed income, and the NEI Growth ETF Portfolio (NEGP) approximately 85% equities and 15% fixed income. Each would charge a 0.15% management fee and may invest through Vanguard Canada ETFs and NEI-managed funds.
Other ETF Industry Updates
AGF Narrows Sustainability Mandate Around Energy Transition
AGF has repositioned the AGF Global Sustainable Growth Equity ETF (AGSG CN), replacing its broad sustainable-growth mandate with a more focused strategy centered on energy transition and climate adaptation. The fund has been renamed the AGF Energy Transition and Adaptation ETF and now trades as ATAP CN. The revised mandate concentrates more directly on businesses linked to cleaner-energy development and climate-related adaptation.
Guardian Consolidates Its Global Equity Offering
Guardian Capital has completed the merger of the Guardian i3 Global Quality Growth ETF (GIQG CN, GIQG/B CN) into the Guardian i3 Global Core Equity Fund (GIGF CN, GIGF/F CN). ETF series units of the former fund were exchanged for equivalent ETF series units of the continuing fund at the close of business on Aug. 14, 2026. The surviving vehicle was previously known as the Guardian i3 Global Quality Growth Fund.
Mackenzie Raises Risk Classification Without Changing Strategy
Mackenzie Investments is increasing the risk rating of the Mackenzie GQE Canada Low Volatility ETF from “Low to Medium” to “Medium,” effective around Aug. 25, 2026. The change follows the firm’s periodic review under the risk-classification methodology required by Canadian securities regulators. The ETF’s investment strategy remains unchanged.
This article was written on August 29th, 2026. Please note this article is for information purposes only and does not in any way constitute investment advice. It is essential that you seek advice from a registered financial professional prior to making any investment decision.
