Got $1,000? Consider These 2 ETFs in October

Canadian investors with some extra cash should snatch up exciting ETFs like the Horizons Robotics and Automation ETF (TSX:RBOT) today.

The S&P/TSX Composite Index rose 201 points on October 14. The top performers on the day were the energy and base metals sectors. Some economists have warned of a potential market pullback in the face of rising inflation and a slowing recovery. Today, I want to discuss how some Canadians may want to spend some extra cash in their portfolios. With that, below are two exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that look promising for the long term.

Why you should gobble up shares of this automation-focused ETF

In late August, I’d looked at some of the top TSX stocks to snatch up as the summer wound down. One of those stocks is linked with the development of factory automation. Indeed, this is a space that Canadian investors should seek exposure to in 2021 and beyond.

Horizons Robotics and Automation ETF (TSX:RBOT) seeks exposure to equities that are involved in the development of robotics and/or artificial intelligence (AI). In April, Grand View Research projected that the global robotic process automation market would deliver a CAGR of 32% from 2021 through to 2028. Moreover, it received a significant boost from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Shares of this ETF have climbed 12% in 2021 as of early afternoon trading on October 15. It is down 4.6% month over month.

This ETF is primarily exposed to industrial, information technology, and healthcare industries. Some of its top holdings include the California-based AI lending platform Upstart Holdings and Nvidia, which designs graphics processing units for the gaming and professional markets.

The Horizons Robotics and Automation ETF has delivered double-digit growth over the past three years. Meanwhile, it just missed falling into technically oversold territory early this month. I’m still looking to snatch up this ETF today.

Don’t sleep on the healthcare space this decade

I’d suggested that Canadian investors should continue to jump into the healthcare sector in the beginning of 2021. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the growth of many key subsectors in the healthcare space. This is still an explosive space that can make investors a fortune going forward.

iShares Global Healthcare ETF (TSX:XHC) seeks exposure to the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and medical device subsectors. Canadian investors can paint with a broad brush in the healthcare sector with this ETF. Moreover, its shares have climbed 12% in the year-to-date period. It is up 17% year over year.

Some of the top holdings in this ETF should be very familiar to investors. Johnson & Johnson is the top holding in the fund at just over a 6% weighting. It develops medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and consumer packaged goods in the healthcare space. Pfizer boasts the fourth-heaviest weighting in this ETF. This company has pushed itself to the top of the pack in the vaccine race. Its success in this area has led to massive revenue growth in recent quarters and is expected to continue to achieve big growth in the years ahead.

Shares of this ETF slipped into technically oversold territory earlier this month. It is not too late to snatch up this exciting fund.

Fool contributor Ambrose O'Callaghan has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Nvidia. The Motley Fool recommends Johnson & Johnson.

More on Investing

dividends can compound over time
Dividend Stocks

2 Dividend Stocks to Lock In Now for Decades of Passive Income

These two Canadian dividend stocks are both defensive and generate tons of cash flow, making them ideal for passive-income seekers.

Read more »

man looks surprised at investment growth
Dividend Stocks

If I Could Only Buy and Hold a Single Stock, This Would Be it

Brookfield (TSX:BN) is a very high-quality stock.

Read more »

ETF is short for exchange traded fund, a popular investment choice for Canadians
Dividend Stocks

The ETFs That Canadians Are Sleeping On (But Shouldn’t Be) Right Now

These three high-quality Canadian ETFs are perfect for investors in 2026, especially with increasing uncertainty and volatility in markets.

Read more »

A worker drinks out of a mug in an office.
Investing

3 Undervalued Canadian Stocks to Buy Immediately

Snatch up high-quality, underperforming, and undervalued Canadian stocks, such as BCE, to generate real long-term wealth.

Read more »

boy in bowtie and glasses gives positive thumbs up
Dividend Stocks

My Top Pick for Immediate Income? This 7.6% Dividend Stock

Slate Grocery REIT is an impressive high-yield option for investors seeking reliable income from defensive retail.

Read more »

TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account) on wooden blocks and Canadian one hundred dollar bills.
Dividend Stocks

CRA: How to Use Your TFSA Contribution Limit in 2026

After understanding the CRA thresholds, the next step is to learn the core strategies in using your TFSA contribution limit…

Read more »

diversification and asset allocation are crucial investing concepts
Dividend Stocks

9.3% Dividend Yield: Buy This Top-Notch Dividend Stock in Bulk

This dividend stock trades at a discount of about 15% and offers a 9.3% dividend yield for now.

Read more »

stock chart
Investing

All-Weather TSX Stocks for Every Market Climate

Given their resilient business model and attractive growth prospects, these two all-weather TSX stocks would be excellent additions to your…

Read more »