DIY portfolio vs all-in-one ETF
⚠️ For informational purposes only. This article presents facts and concepts. WealthWise is not a registered investment advisor. For any investment decision, consult a licensed advisor with your provincial regulator.
You’re starting investing and wondering: take an all-in-one ETF like XEQT (simple) or build a DIY 3-fund portfolio (Bogleheads style)? This guide compares in detail.
Option 1 — all-in-one ETF
One ETF, instant global diversification.
XEQT (BlackRock): 100% stocks, MER 0.20%. ~9,600 stocks across 47 countries.
VEQT (Vanguard): 100% stocks, MER 0.24%. ~13,700 stocks.
Option 2 — DIY 3 funds (Bogleheads)
Manual construction with 3 ETFs:
- VCN (Vanguard Canada): MER 0.05%
- VUN (Vanguard US): MER 0.17%
- VIU (Vanguard International): MER 0.20%
Typical: 30% VCN + 40% VUN + 30% VIU.
MER comparison
All-in-one XEQT: 0.20%.
DIY 3-fund weighted: 0.14%.
On $100,000 over 30 years at 7%, DIY savings: ~$30,000.
Time required
All-in-one: 5 min/month.
DIY: 30-60 min/quarter. More tax paperwork.
When DIY worth it
- Portfolio > $100,000
- You rebalance regularly
- You maximize tax advantage
- You use Norbert’s Gambit
2026 recommendation
Beginner or < $50,000: XEQT/VEQT. Simplicity wins.
Experienced > $100,000: DIY 3-fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
DIY better returns?
Slightly, via lower MER. Depends on rebalancing discipline.
XEQT vs VEQT major diff?
No. Same family, same strategy. 0.04% MER difference and marginal weights.
Add bonds?
Under 30: no. Older: yes (10-30%).
Best broker for DIY?
Questrade or Wealthsimple Trade (0% commission). Avoid banks.