4 Canadian ETFs to Buy and Hold Now in Your TFSA

If you’re looking for a TFSA that will stand the test of time, these four ETFs are a prime way to go.

Amy Legate-Wolfe

Author Bio Amy became interested in investing in 2018 after having her first daughter. After receiving a masters degree in journalism from Western University, she became frustrated that the finance industry remained a confusing place for Canadians like her: new parents, millennials, and other young people who needed to understand their finances. Now, Amy focuses on tech companies and renewable energy for growth opportunities, coupling that with long-term investing strategies and equities. She also provides investors with a daily newsletter, Canada Stock Digest, for daily market updates. Her work can also be found at Canada's National Observer, where she writes on the business side of climate action. Before joining Motley Fool Canada, Amy wrote for major news organizations including HuffPost, CTVNews.ca, and CBC. When she’s not researching investing strategies, Amy’s time is pretty much monopolized by her two wild daughters, but in what little spare time she has she loves to do yoga, go on walks with her dog, and travel with her husband. Social Media Follow Amy on LinkedIn and Canada Stock Digest. Favorite Investment Quote “October: This is one of the particularly dangerous months to speculate in stocks. The others are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.” – Mark Twain

Published January 23, 2025 4:40 pm EST

When it comes to selecting Canadian exchange-traded funds (ETF) for your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA), there are a few key factors to consider to ensure your investments align with your goals. TFSAs are an excellent vehicle for growing wealth since all gains, dividends, and withdrawals are tax-free. Your choice of ETFs should reflect a balance of growth potential, dividend income, and risk tolerance while considering sector diversification and fees. So, let’s get into some of the best options out there.

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts. — Source: Getty Images

VDY

One popular ETF for Canadian investors is Vanguard FTSE Canadian High Dividend Yield Index ETF (TSX: VDY). This fund focuses on high-dividend-paying Canadian companies, primarily in the financial and energy sectors, which collectively make up over 85% of its portfolio. VDY is particularly attractive for income-seeking investors, offering a strong yield of 4.38%.

Its top holdings include Royal Bank of Canada and Toronto-Dominion Bank, both solid blue-chip stocks. With a year-to-date (YTD) total return of 2.04%, VDY demonstrates resilience in volatile markets, making it a great TFSA candidate.

ZAG

If you’re looking for a more conservative approach, BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (TSX: ZAG) is worth considering. This ETF provides exposure to a mix of government and corporate bonds, offering stability and a current yield of 3.45%.

ZAG’s bond allocation is heavily weighted toward government securities at over 74%. This lends a higher degree of safety to your portfolio. It’s particularly useful for balancing risk in a TFSA, especially for investors nearing retirement or those with a cautious risk profile.

CDZ

For investors focused on growing income over time, iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF (TSX: CDZ) shines. This ETF invests in Canadian companies with a history of consistently increasing dividends. Ideal for long-term passive income.

CDZ boasts a diversified portfolio with significant exposure to financial services, utilities, and industrials. Its current yield stands at 3.70%. Its holdings, including Capital Power and Aecon Group, have robust growth potential, providing a steady stream of income and potential capital appreciation.

HDIF

For those seeking diversified income, Harvest Diversified Monthly Income ETF (TSX: HDIF) is a standout option. This fund combines exposure to several Harvest ETFs, providing a broad mix of financial services, technology, and healthcare. HDIF currently yields an impressive 10.12%, making it one of the highest-yielding ETFs on the TSX.

Its top holdings include Harvest Healthcare Leaders Income ETF and Harvest Canadian Equity Income Leaders ETF, offering exposure to stable, dividend-paying companies across various sectors. Despite its higher yield, the fund is diversified enough to reduce volatility risks.

Foolish takeaway

When evaluating these ETFs, recent performance and market trends can provide valuable insights. VDY has continued to perform well, with a slight uptick of 0.18% today, showcasing investor confidence in dividend-focused strategies. Meanwhile, ZAG saw a modest gain of 0.29%, reflecting stable bond market conditions as interest rate concerns ease. HDIF and CDZ have also shown steady performance, indicating their appeal to income-seeking investors.

Future outlooks for these ETFs remain positive. With Canada’s inflation rate slipping to 1.8% in December, there’s potential for stable or declining interest rates. This could benefit both equity and bond markets. VDY’s focus on financials and energy could continue to deliver strong dividends as these sectors recover. Similarly, HDIF’s diversified exposure makes it a strong choice for weathering economic uncertainties while maintaining high income.

When selecting ETFs for your TFSA, always factor in fees, yield sustainability, and your investment horizon. While VDY and CDZ provide excellent income with growth potential, ZAG offers stability, and HDIF delivers unmatched yields. Together, these can form a well-rounded, diversified TFSA portfolio tailored to various financial goals. Always consult a financial advisor to ensure these ETFs align with your specific needs.