ETF News

Here’s a recap of ETF activity across the Canadian market this week, from launches and filings to key structural updates.

ETF Launches

Vanguard Expands Dividend ETF Suite

Vanguard Canada added two new dividend-focused ETFs to its growing lineup.

The Vanguard Developed ex-North America Dividend Appreciation Index ETF (VIGG) provides exposure to companies in developed markets outside Canada and the United States that have a history of increasing dividends. The ETF tracks a market-cap-weighted dividend growth index and carries a management fee of 0.28%.

Vanguard also launched the Vanguard U.S. High Dividend Yield Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (VUDH), which targets U.S. companies with above-average dividend yields while hedging currency exposure back to Canadian dollars. The ETF also carries a 0.28% management fee.

The launches complement the recently introduced Vanguard U.S. High Dividend Yield Index ETF (VUDV) and expand Vanguard Canada's dividend ETF lineup to 41 ETFs.

Desjardins Adds Low-Cost Global Government Bond Exposure

Desjardins Investments launched the Desjardins Global Government Bond Index ETF (DGGB), providing exposure to sovereign debt issued by G7 countries.

The ETF seeks to track the Solactive G7 Government Bond CAD Hedged TR Index and invests primarily in government bonds from Canada, the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom. DGGB launched with a management fee of just 0.20%.

Global X Brings AI-Driven Management to Dividend ETFs

Global X Canada announced that Global X Active Canadian Dividend ETF (HAL) and Global X Active Global Dividend ETF (HAZ) will transition to Mirae Asset Global Investments (USA) as sub-advisor effective July 1.

The move introduces machine-learning models developed by WealthSpot, an affiliate of Mirae Asset, into the investment process. Alongside the advisor change, management fees will be reduced from 0.55% to 0.35% for HAL and from 0.65% to 0.50% for HAZ.

The two dividend-focused ETFs currently manage more than $650 million in combined assets.

CI Rebrands Former Invesco ETFs

Following its acquisition of Invesco Canada's fund management business, CI Global Asset Management announced the rebranding of 37 former Invesco mutual funds and ETFs.

The ticker symbols and investment mandates remain unchanged. Full story here.

ETF Filings

Harvest Targets Income Investors With SpaceX and Gold Filings

Harvest ETFs filed three new income-oriented products.

The proposed Harvest International High Income Shares ETF (HHII) would focus on international equities and use covered calls to enhance distributions.

The Harvest Premium Yield Gold ETF (HPYG) would target gold-related companies while employing covered calls, put writing, and leverage.

Perhaps most notably, Harvest filed for the Harvest SpaceX Enhanced High Income Shares ETF (SPXE), which would invest in SpaceX Class A shares while utilizing covered-call strategies and leverage to generate enhanced income.

RBC Expands Active ETF Platform

RBC filed ETF versions of several existing fixed-income and alternative strategies.

The proposed lineup includes:

• RBC Global Corporate Bond ETF (RGCB)
• RBC High Yield Bond ETF (RHYB)
• RBC Emerging Markets Bond ETF (REMB)
• RBC Market Neutral World ETF (RMNW)
• RBC Market Neutral World ETF CAD Hedged (RNWH)

The bond funds target investment-grade, high-yield, and emerging-market debt, while the market-neutral strategies seek uncorrelated returns through quantitative equity models.

National Bank Files Seven New ETFs

National Bank Investments filed a diverse lineup spanning income, thematic investing, and asset allocation.

Among the proposed funds are:

• NBI U.S. Equity Enhanced Yield ETF (NSUY)
• NBI Canadian Equity ETF (NSDC)
• NBI Thematic Rotation ETF (NTHM)

The firm also filed four ETF portfolio solutions:

• NBI Conservative ETF Portfolio (NCNS)
• NBI Balanced ETF Portfolio (NBLD)
• NBI Growth ETF Portfolio (NGRW)
• NBI Equity ETF Portfolio (NEQT)

The filings reflect growing demand for one-ticket portfolio solutions alongside thematic and income-oriented strategies.

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.