Canadian exchange traded funds are an
alternative for investors and traders who want to gain exposure to
the Canadian economy or the growth in specific sectors. With the current
worldwide focus on the commodity sector, Canada has been experiencing
an expansion due to the demand for resources and the high concentration
of Canadian resource companies that grace the exchange listings. Canada
ETF's are composed of a basket of stocks that represent a sector or
asset class. Instead of being exposed to the movements of one particular
stock, ETF's provide a way for investors to take a position in a basket
of stocks. This can reduce downside risk associated with the adverse
movement in one particular stock.
Canada exchange traded funds can be used to take long positions,
short positions and used as a hedge. They are bought and sold the
same way stock transactions take place. They can be purchased on
margin and unlike mutual funds, do not attract entrance or exit
fees. Traditionally, exchange traded funds are a cheaper structure
to run because they replicate a basket of stocks and asset classes
and only require minimal intervention to manage.
The following represents some Canadian ETF's:
Claymore Oil Sands Sector ETF (TSX:CLO)
This has been designed to replicate the performance of the Sustainable
Oil Sands Sector Index.
Top 10 Holdings:
SUNCOR ENERGY INC. (I/L):10.57 %
PETROBANK ENERGY & RESOURCES:10.38 %
CANADIAN OIL SANDS TRUST: 8.84 %
WESTERN OIL SANDS INC COMMON: 8.28 %
IMPERIAL OIL LTD (I/L): 8.07 %
CONNACHER OIL & GAS LIMITED: 7.31 %
UTS ENERGY CORP: 6.98 %
CANADIAN NATURAL RESOURCES LTD:6.35 %
OPTI CANADA INC: 6.31 %
SYNENCO ENERGY INC CL A: 5.07 %
iShares - MSCI Canada Index (EWC)
This Canada ETF attempts to replicate the performance of the Canadian
Morgan Stanley Capital Index.
Royal Bank of Canada: 5.92%
Manulife Financial Corp: 5.14%
EnCana Corp: 4.31%
Bank of Nova Scotia: 4.20%
Suncor Energy Inc: 3.79%
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd: 3.37%
Research In Motion Ltd: 3.27%
Alcan Inc: 3.25%
Bank of Montreal: 2.85%
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce: 2.67%
Canadian Gold ETF: Ishares Canadian S&P/Tsa Gold Index(TOR:XGD)
This ETF comprises a basket of gold producing stocks including:
Barrick Gold, Placer Dome, Kinross Gold, Goldcorp and Glamis Gold.
This is traded on the TSX with options available on the Montreal
exchange.
Canadian Energy ETF: ISHARES Canadian S&P/TSX CAPPED ENERGY
This ETF holds a basket of stocks comprising the energy, oil and
gas, producers, pipe line, service and drillers and comprise companies
such as Suncor Energy, Petro-Canada, TransCanada Corp, Encana Corporation
and Tailsman Energy.
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