Stocks for New Investors: 3 of the Best ETFs to Buy Now

If you’re new to investing or just looking to take advantage of the selloff and buy the dip, here are three of the best ETFs in Canada.

| More on:
ETF chart stocks

Image source: Getty Images

With many stocks trading at multi-year lows, now is the perfect time for new investors to start looking at buying stocks. Because after a significant market correction like we’ve seen all year, plenty of the best stocks and ETFs on the TSX are finally worth a buy.

But while this environment is certainly an excellent time for new investors to look at buying stocks, it’s also understandable that many are hesitant to put their money to work when there is so much risk and uncertainty.

While the majority of stocks will perform well, there are certainly some stocks that will lose value in the future and ones that could be impacted by a potential recession.

But if you’re worried about buying individual stocks, a great way to get your feet wet while also taking advantage of the attractive discounts across the market is to buy exchange-traded funds (ETFs), which offer you a basket of stocks and instant diversification.

And of the many ETFs that Canadian investors can buy now, here are three of the best for new investors.

A top fund offering exposure to the TSX

If you’re hesitant to pick individual stocks, one of the best ways to get started is to buy an ETF that offers exposure to the entire Canadian market. That’s why one of my top recommendations for investors would be iShares S&P/TSX 60 Index ETF (TSX:XIU).

The XIU offers Canadians exposure to 60 of the largest stocks diversified across each industry. Plus, thanks to all the volatility in markets this year, the XIU is now trading at the bottom of its 52-week range and more than 15% off its high.

This makes now an excellent opportunity for investors to gain some exposure and take a position. Plus, not only is the fund offering a discount, but it also pays an attractive distribution that currently offers a yield of nearly 3%.

Therefore, if you’re a new investor looking to buy the dip, the XIU is one of the best ETFs to consider today.

A top ETF offering exposure to the U.S.

In addition to an index ETF like the XIU offering exposure to the TSX, a great way for Canadians to gain exposure to the U.S. and the S&P 500 is to buy a fund like iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) (TSX:XSP).

Gaining exposure to the American economy and the S&P 500 is a crucial way to diversify your investments and reduce your risk even more. Plus, the XSP offers an even larger discount, trading more than 20% off its high.

And with tech being the fund’s largest sector, it offers significant growth potential for investors willing to hold long term. Plus, buying the ETF means that investors don’t have to worry about foreign exchange risk.

Therefore, if you’re a new investor or just looking to take advantage of this selloff, the XSP is one of the best ETFs to buy now.

One of the best ETFs to buy for long-term investors

Lastly, some of the best stocks that you can buy and hold long term are dividend-growth stocks. That’s why one of the best ETFs that new investors can buy is iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF (TSX:CDZ).

Canadian Dividend Aristocrats are well known to be some of the best and most consistent stocks you can own for the long haul. Therefore, owning a diversified portfolio of these high-potential stocks is an excellent way for new investors to begin putting their capital to work.

These stocks are much more robust, too. So, it’s no surprise that while the ETF is at the bottom of its 52-week range, it’s still trading less than 15% off its high.

Therefore, if you’re looking for the best ETFs to buy now, the CDZ can protect your capital well, plus the distribution it pays currently provides investors with a yield of 3.6%.

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 Daniel Da Costa has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

ETF chart stocks
Investing

Here Are My 2 Favourite ETFs for 2025

These are the ETFs I'll be eyeballing in the New Year.

Read more »

money goes up and down in balance
Dividend Stocks

This 6% Dividend Stock Is My Top Pick for Immediate Income

This Canadian stock has resilient business model, solid dividend payment and growth history, and a well-protected yield of over 6%.

Read more »

Canadian energy stocks are rising with oil prices
Energy Stocks

Outlook for Cenovus Energy Stock in 2025

A large-cap energy stock and TSX30 winner is a screaming buy for its bright business outlook and visible growth potential.

Read more »

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

CRA: Here’s the TFSA Contribution Limit for 2025

The TFSA is a tax-sheltered account that allows you to hold diversified asset classes at a low cost.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Tech Stocks

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Surge Into 2025

There is a lot of uncertainty about the market in general as we move closer to the following year, but…

Read more »

think thought consider
Stock Market

Billionaires Are Selling Apple Stock and Picking up This TSX Stock Instead

Billionaires like Warren Buffett continue to trim stakes in Apple stock, with others picking up this long-term stock instead.

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

1 Excellent TSX Dividend Stock, Down 25%, to Buy and Hold for the Long Term

Down 25% from all-time highs, Tourmaline Oil is a TSX dividend stock that offers you a tasty yield of 5%…

Read more »

canadian energy oil
Energy Stocks

Is Baytex Energy Stock a Good Buy?

Baytex just hit a 12-month low. Is the stock now oversold?

Read more »