Stressed About Investing in Stocks? Try These 3 ETFs Instead

Stocks are a great investment, but they are not the right asset class for every investor. ETFs sometimes present a more comfortable and stable alternative.

| More on:
exchange-traded funds

Image source: Getty Images

Stocks have been around for centuries. The first stock was issued in 1602 by the Dutch East India Company. Compared to stocks, ETFs are the toddlers of trading. But in a relatively short amount of time (about three decades), ETFs have become quite popular, and they might have the potential of leaving mutual funds in the dust.

But if the choice is between ETFs and stocks, which one should you choose? If you are not comfortable with the volatility of the stock market, or you seek a higher degree of diversification and stability from your investment than a stock-based portfolio can offer, you might want to park your money in ETFs instead. There are three ETFs in particular that should be on your radar.

A Canadian market ETF

Blackrock’s iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (TSX:XIC) tracks the performance of a broad spectrum index (that shares the same name), which is currently made up of 219 holdings. These holdings make up a significant portion of the Canadian stock market. In the top 10 holdings, it has four of the Big Five banks, two energy stocks, two railway stocks, and Shopify. These holdings make up about 38% of the ETF.

This thorough diversification offers the ETF a high level of stability, and it tracks the market quite efficiently. In the last five years, the stock has grown almost 41%. It comes with a relatively low management expense ratio (MER) of 0.06%, a 2.5% yield, and has a medium risk rating. It offers gradual but relatively sure growth prospects.

A U.S. market ETF

If the growth of the Canadian market seems a bit slow-paced, you can always look into the good, old S&P 500. BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (TSX:ZSP) tracks the performance of the S&P 500 Index, which, in the last five years, has been twice as fast as TSX capped index’s (83%). The yield is a bit low at 1.35%, but the growth can easily offset that.

The ETF also has a minimal fee of 0.09%, which might not take too much off your profits, even in the long run. Thanks to its more powerful growth prospects, the S&P 500 ETF can make you more money in the long run compared to the S&P/TSX Capped Composite ETF, even with its lower fee and higher dividends. It currently has over $8 billion in assets.

A tech ETF

If growth is what you are looking for, and you don’t mind leaning in heavily on one sector, consider buying iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Tech Idx ETF (TSX:XIT). It tracks the performance of the Canadian tech sector. The problem with this ETF is that about 50% of the ETF is made up of just two companies, and 78.2% is made up of only four. This skews the performance quite heavily if any one of those giants dips or shoot through the roof.

The ETF also comes with a relatively high MER of 0.61% and a medium to high risk rating. But all of this seems justified if you consider the performance of the ETF. In the last five years, the ETF has grown over 260% in value.

Foolish takeaway

These three ETFs, especially the first two, represent your bet on the respective stock exchanges and economies. If the U.S./Canadian markets keep growing at a decent pace, your holdings in these ETFs will as well. If you want more growth, you might have to dispense with the diversification safety that comes with broad index ETFs and look into sector-based ETFs.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Adam Othman has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Shopify and Shopify.

More on Dividend Stocks

Two seniors float in a pool.
Dividend Stocks

TFSA: How to Earn $1,890 in Annual Tax-Free Income

Plunk these investments into your TFSA to earn passive income and avoid the taxman.

Read more »

Engineers walk through a facility.
Dividend Stocks

1 TSX Stock I Wouldn’t Touch With a 10-Foot Pole

AtkinsRéalis (TSX:ATRL) is one TSX stock I'd never invest in.

Read more »

edit Woman in skates works on laptop
Dividend Stocks

3 No-Brainer Stocks to Buy Under $30

These three stocks all offer a huge deal for investors looking for dividends, as well as growth that will last.

Read more »

You Should Know This
Dividend Stocks

How to Convert a $300 Monthly Investment Into $338 in Monthly Income

If you want a certain amount in monthly passive income, invest a similar amount today and leave the rest to…

Read more »

Increasing yield
Dividend Stocks

3 Income Stocks With Big Yields to Consider in April 2024

If you haven’t yet made your March investments, here are three income stocks to buy the dip and lock in…

Read more »

Senior Man Sitting On Sofa At Home With Pet Labrador Dog
Dividend Stocks

RRSP Investors: Don’t Miss Out on This Contribution Hack!

This hack has so many benefits for you -- not just when you put it in your RRSP but for…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

Passive Income: 2 Safe Dividend Stocks to Own for the Next 10 Years

Dividend stocks such as Manulife and Fortis can help you generate a stable and recurring passive-income stream.

Read more »

Young woman sat at laptop by a window
Dividend Stocks

3 Dividend Stocks Everyone Should Own for the Long Haul

For investors looking for top-tier dividend stocks to buy and hold for the long term, here are three of my…

Read more »