Exchange-traded funds (ETFs)

Learn about this investment vehicle and the unique benefits of Russell Investments’ ETF Series investment solutions.

Russell Investments’ Exchange-Traded Fund Series (ETF Series) provides Canadian investors with an additional optionality for accessing our flagship investment solutions. Used as either core or satellite investments, our ETF Series is designed to meet specific investor needs by leveraging our strengths in asset allocation, capital market insights, manager research, factor exposures and portfolio implementation.

ETFs 101: THE BASICS
What is an ETF?

ETFs are investment vehicles that combine characteristics of both mutual funds and individual securities. Similar to mutual funds, they hold a basket of securities that can provide portfolio diversification. ETFs can be bought and sold throughout the trading day on an exchange, such as the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX), like a stock. Some ETFs are designed to mirror the performance of an underlying market index, while others are actively managed and seek to outperform a market benchmark. At Russell Investments, our ETF Series invests directly into the underlying securities.

How are ETFs used?

Complement diversified portfolios
Funnel
Combine individual ETFs to build a broadly diversified portfolio.

Target precise exposures
Lines Magnifying Glass
Gain precise, consistent exposure to a specific market segment.

Use core/satellite strategies
Approach
Construct a portfolio using ETFs as either core or satellite investments.

Ultimately, choosing from among ETFs and other potential investment vehicles depends on an investors’ individual investment objectives and tolerance for risk.

Benefits

With the combined features of both mutual funds and individual securities, ETFs may be a good choice for investors seeking low-cost, simple yet diversified portfolios. Potential benefits of ETF investing include:

Asset allocation:
ETFs can provide exposure to a diversified portfolio of financial assets in a single trade, giving investors access to commodities, stocks and bonds.

Diversification:
Access through ETFs to a broad range of industries, investment categories, and countries can help diversify investor portfolios and reduce overall portfolio risk.

Flexibility:
Trading like stocks, ETFs can be bought and sold on an exchange at any time during market hours.

Transparency:
Many ETFs provide full transparency on daily holdings, allowing investors to see exactly what assets they are invested in.

ETF Series investment solutions

RUSSELL INVESTMENTS' ETF SERIES

Access our diversified equity, fixed income and real assets solutions through four ETF options:

NEW! GLOBAL EQUITY POOL ETF SERIES
Bar chart icon with performance line angled up
FIXED INCOME POOL ETF SERIES
Icon of US Dollar, the Euro, and Japenese Yen currencies
TSX ticker
CUSIP 782918106 78249T103
Management fee 0.95% 0.50%
Inception date July 31, 2024 January 22, 2020
Distribution frequency Monthly, with re-investment option*
Exchange rate Toronto Stock Exchange
Currency CAD
GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE POOL ETF SERIES
Globe
REAL ASSETS ETF SERIES
Airplane
TSX ticker
CUSIP 78250R103 78250P107
Management fee 0.95% 0.90%
Inception date January 22, 2020
Distribution frequency Monthly, with re-investment option*
Exchange rate Toronto Stock Exchange
Currency CAD

Fund names are preceded by Russell Investments
* In accordance with the Distribution Reinvestment Plan

FAQs

What is an exchange-traded fund (ETF)?

ETFs are investment vehicles that combine characteristics of both mutual funds and individual securities. Similar to mutual funds, they hold a basket of securities that can provide investors with portfolio diversification. At Russell Investments, our ETF Series invests directly into the underlying securities of our mutual funds.

What is an index fund?

An index fund is an investment portfolio aimed at replicating the performance of a particular market index. It can either contain the same assets and proportions as the index itself or use derivatives or a selection of the index’s holdings to track its performance. Index funds can be found in the form of mutual funds or ETFs.

How are ETFs traded?

ETFs hold a basket of securities, just as mutual funds do, but trade on exchanges, such as the Toronto Stock Exchange, like stocks. Access the ETF Brochure to learn more.

How are ETFs priced?

ETFs have two sets of prices: market prices and net asset value (NAV). Access the ETF Brochure to learn more.

Why buy ETFs?

Investors can benefit from built-in diversification, ease of trading and low fees. Additional benefits include asset allocation options, trading flexibility and transparency.

What are the risks associated with ETF investing?

All types of investment carry some risks. The performance of an ETF will depend on the performance and market value of the underlying securities. This means that if the underlying assets rise or fall in value, so will the value of the ETF.