The world's first ETF was created in Canada in 1990, transforming the investment landscape and offering the advantages of pooled investing and trading flexibility.
In their early days, ETFs were used primarily by institutional investors to execute sophisticated trading strategies. However, it wasn't long before individual investors and financial advisors embraced ETFs.
Since their introduction, ETFs have grown to become one of the most popular products in the global investment industry. Today, ETF assets in Canada total more than $605 billion, invested in more than 1600 ETFs. Globally, assets in ETFs and other exchange-traded products (ETPs) total more than $15.1 trillion, invested in more than 13,830 products.1
World's first ETF introduced in Canada.
First ETF in United States is launched.
World's first bond ETF launched in Canada.
Global ETF assets reach $1 trillion1, driven by the shift from commision-based financial advice to fee-based structures.
Global ETF and ETP assets total more than $15.1 trillion, invested in 13,830 products.1
1 Source: Vanguard calculations using data from ETFGI, as of March 31, 2025.