Canadian ETFs: A wide range of new fund launches in August to consider
Canadian capital markets navigated shifting interest rate expectations and persistent macroeconomic uncertainties in August. Yield volatility remained a primary headwind across fixed income and REIT sectors, prompting investors to pivot toward targeted yield strategies, asset-backed securities, and international equity diversification to navigate the late-summer backdrop.
U.S. equities held near record highs, buoyed by solid corporate earnings and continued capital deployment into artificial intelligence infrastructure.
In the crypto space, bitcoin rallied on bullish predictions on U.S. regulation progress.
LongPoint Asset Management’s innovative leveraged funds dominated the best performing spots in the Canadian ETF marketplace in August. The SavvyLong (2X) MSTR ETF (MSTU-T) lead the field with a whopping 825.14% price return. The MegaShort (-3X) US Semiconductors Daily Leveraged Alternative ETF (SOXD-T) trailed with a 790.16% increase on price alone. Third best performing spot was the SavvyLong (2X) COIN ETF (COIU-T) with a 655.20% market price return.
Outside of alternative strategies, cryoto funds that invested in the high-performance blockchain asset Solana were the highlight of the month. Notable Solana funds included: Evolve Solana ETF (USD units) (SOLA-U-T) (47.39%), CI Galaxy Solana ETF (SOLX-T) (44.84%), and 3iQ Solana Staking ETF (SOLQ-T) (22.86%).
Meanwhile, August welcomed 19 new fund listings across 8 issuers in the Canadian marketplace.
BlackRock ETFs
BlackRock Canada introduced two distinct core strategies. The iShares Equity + Bitcoin ETF Portfolio (IBQT-T) offers a multi-asset solution combining a 97% allocation to global equities with a 3% sleeve of Bitcoin exposure. Additionally, BlackRock launched the iShares Core MSCI All-International Equity Index ETF (XINT-T), tracking the MSCI ACWI ex North America IMI Index to provide broad access to over 5,000 companies across 40 developed and emerging markets outside North America.
Evolve ETFs
Evolve Funds Group Inc. expanded its high-income offerings with three specialized strategies. The Evolve NASDAQ Technology UltraYield ETF (TECY-T) combines tech equity exposure with covered-call options and modest leverage to target high distribution yield. In addition, Evolve added defence and cash-management solutions, launching the Evolve Global Defense & Aerospace Index ETF in hedged (CAMO-T) and unhedged (CAMO-B-T) units. In cash management, new series were added for the High Interest Savings Account Fund (HISA-L-NE) and US High Interest Savings Account Fund (HISU-V-NE).
RBC ETFs
RBC Global Asset Management added three new ETF series to its fixed income lineup on Cboe Canada: the RBC Emerging Markets Bond Fund (REMB-NE), targeting sovereign debt in developing nations; the RBC Global Corporate Bond Fund (RGCB-NE) focuses on investment-grade corporate debt; and the RBC High Yield Bond Fund (RHYB-NE) seeks higher income from North American high-yield corporate bonds.
CIBC ETFs
CIBC Asset Management Inc. launched three new additions to the Avantis CIBC suite. Developed in collaboration with Avantis Investors, an investment outfit by American Century Investments Inc., the three asset allocation and core equity strategies include the Avantis CIBC Balanced Asset Allocation ETF (CAKE-T), the Avantis CIBC Growth Asset Allocation ETF (CAGR-T), and the Avantis CIBC World Equity ETF (CAGX-T). All three funds integrate Avantis’s systematic, factor-based investment methodology.
Other Launches
Purpose Investments Inc. expanded its yield-focused lineup with the launch of the Purpose Structured Equity Yield Fund (PSY-T). The fund utilizes a derivatives-based strategy designed to provide equity-linked returns while offering downside protection and stable yield for risk-conscious allocators.
TD Asset Management introduced a target-maturity fixed income solution with the TD Target 2031 Investment Grade Bond Fund (TBCK-T), offering investors a defined maturity schedule for holding Canadian investment-grade corporate bonds.
Caldwell Investment Management partnered with Lazard Asset Management to list the Caldwell Lazard CorePlus Infrastructure Fund ETF (CPIF-NE), an actively managed portfolio targeting global infrastructure assets with visible cash flows and inflation-defensive characteristics. The collaboration allows the issuer access to Lazard’s extensive infrastructure expertise.
The “Core” portfolio is invested in high-quality, leading infrastructure companies with relatively predictable long-term revenue and cash flow streams, while offering the potential for inflation protection. The “Plus” component offers supplemental exposure to companies outside of traditional infrastructure businesses that are positioned to meaningfully benefit from evolving growth trends and an accelerated investment cycle.
Lastly, BMO Asset Management listed three passively management fixed income solutions with the BMO Asset-Backed Securities ETF, available in CAD unhedged (ZABS-T), CAD hedged (ZABS-F-T), and USD units (ZABS-U-T). The strategy offers targeted exposure to securitized credit and asset-backed instruments.
Amy Mak is ETF Specialist at Inovestor.
At Inovestor, we believe that investors deserve access to the best financial information available. Leveraging our suite of award-winning research technologies, we go above and beyond to put that information at your fingertips. For more information, please visit inovestor.com
