Top Canadian Infrastructure ETFs to Buy in March 2025

ByDan Kent Published On:

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        Key takeaways

        Defensive & Growth Appeal – Infrastructure investments tend to be resilient in economic downturns while benefiting from long-term trends like urbanization and clean energy transitions.

        Global Infrastructure Exposure – These ETFs provide access to a mix of utilities, transportation, and energy infrastructure companies worldwide.

        Diversified Income Potential – Many infrastructure stocks offer stable dividends, making these ETFs attractive for income-seeking investors.

        One ETF I like way better than the ones on this list.

        Investing in infrastructure is almost a no-brainer. As our population continues to grow, we will need to continue developing new infrastructure to provide efficient transportation, the shipment of goods, the storage of consumer goods, and even the development of artificial intelligence.

        However, picking individual infrastructure stocks is a bit complex. These companies are often cyclical, and many retail investors will make incorrect, emotional decisions during the ebbs and flows of market cycles.

        As a result, many investors want to turn to infrastructure ETFs to get exposure. This reduces their single-stock exposure, mitigates risk, and generally allows them to benefit from a broad basket of infrastructure stocks that don’t necessarily provide the same services.

        After all, the infrastructure industry is broad in nature. We can have construction companies, railroads, manufacturers, and more.

        Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a “Canadian infrastructure ETF,” but there are global Canadian listed options

        We have plenty of Canadian-listed infrastructure ETFs on the TSX (and even the Neo). But, there are not enough Canadian stocks in the infrastructure sector to warrant an infrastructure ETF that focuses on Canada. However, there are plenty of ETFs that focus on global infrastructure and/or US infrastructure, which is what I’ll go over below.

        Lets dive right into it.

        The top Canadian infrastructure ETFs to be looking at right now

        Diversified infrastructure with strong yield

        BMO Global Infrastructure Index ETF (TSE:ZGI)

        ZGI tracks the Dow Jones Brookfield Global Infrastructure Index, providing exposure to a mix of energy, utilities, and transportation infrastructure companies. It’s a passive, cost-effective option that offers stability and income potential.

        • High-Quality Global Infrastructure Holdings – Includes major players in toll roads, airports, pipelines, and utilities, ensuring diversification.
        • Strong Dividend Income – Many holdings are dividend-paying companies with stable cash flows, appealing to income investors.
        • Defensive in Market Downturns – Infrastructure tends to be less volatile due to its essential services focus.
        • Broad Sector Representation – Exposure to energy, transportation, and utilities helps balance risks.
        • Low-Cost Passive Exposure – With an MER of 0.61%, it offers an efficient way to access global infrastructure.
        • Infrastructure Spending Surge – Governments are increasing spending on roads, bridges, and utilities.
        • Rising Demand for Clean Energy – ZGI holds renewable energy firms benefiting from decarbonization trends.
        • Interest Rate Sensitivity – Infrastructure stocks tend to be interest rate-sensitive, impacting valuations.
        • Global Urbanization Growth – Population shifts increase demand for essential infrastructure services.
        • Interest Rate Hikes – Higher rates can impact valuations of infrastructure assets.
        • Regulatory Uncertainty – Infrastructure companies are subject to government policy shifts.
        • Economic Slowdowns – Demand for infrastructure services may dip in recessions.

        Low-cost access to global infrastructure

        iShares Global Infrastructure Index ETF (TSE:CIF)

        CIF tracks the S&P Global Infrastructure Index, offering exposure to developed and emerging market infrastructure companies. It’s a passive, lower-cost ETF compared to actively managed options.

        • Cost-Effective Infrastructure Exposure – With an MER of 0.72%, it’s relatively low-cost for a global infrastructure ETF.
        • Global Diversification – Includes infrastructure leaders across multiple sectors and geographies.
        • Dividend-Generating Holdings – Many holdings pay stable dividends, supporting long-term income potential.
        • Passive Index Tracking – Provides a hands-off approach for investors seeking broad infrastructure exposure.
        • Resilient Long-Term Demand – Infrastructure remains essential regardless of economic cycles.
        • Renewable Energy Expansion – CIF includes companies positioned to benefit from green energy transitions.
        • Smart Infrastructure Investments – Global spending on smart cities and tech-driven infrastructure is rising.
        • Inflation Protection – Infrastructure assets often have inflation-linked revenue streams.
        • Emerging Market Growth – Developing economies are investing heavily in new infrastructure.
        • Currency Fluctuations – Global investments mean exposure to forex risks.
        • Sector Concentration – Heavy exposure to utilities and transport sectors.
        • Regulatory Changes – Policies affecting toll roads, pipelines, and utilities can impact performance.

        Actively managed for growth & stability

        TD Active Global Infrastructure ETF (TINF.TO)

        TINF is an actively managed ETF focusing on high-quality global infrastructure stocks. It aims to balance growth and stability while optimizing for risk-adjusted returns.

        • Active Management Advantage – Fund managers can adjust holdings based on market conditions.
        • Focus on Growth & Stability – Seeks infrastructure companies with solid earnings growth potential.
        • Diversified Across Infrastructure Sectors – Invests in utilities, transportation, and digital infrastructure.
        • Adaptive to Market Cycles – Adjustments can help navigate rate changes and economic shifts.
        • Attractive for Defensive Investors – Infrastructure tends to be recession-resistant.
        • 5G & Digital Infrastructure Growth – TINF has exposure to next-gen digital infrastructure.
        • Government Infrastructure Spending – Stimulus-driven investments support long-term growth.
        • ESG & Sustainability Focus – Companies in clean energy infrastructure are gaining investor attention.
        • Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) – Rising interest in private infrastructure investments.
        • Higher Fees vs. Passive ETFs – Active management means higher costs.
        • Stock Selection Risk – Performance depends on fund managers’ decisions.
        • Economic Sensitivity – Some sectors (e.g., transportation) are cyclical.

        Quantitative approach to infrastructure

        AGFiQ Global Infrastructure ETF (QIF.NO)

        QIF uses a quantitative strategy to invest in global infrastructure stocks, balancing growth, income, and risk. It focuses on factors like momentum, valuation, and stability.

        • Quantitative Model for Stock Selection – Uses a data-driven strategy to identify top infrastructure investments.
        • Diversified Across Infrastructure Sub-Sectors – Covers utilities, transport, and energy infrastructure.
        • Potential for Market Outperformance – Quant strategies aim to capitalize on mispricing and trends.
        • Dividend Income & Growth Balance – Seeks stable cash flows with some growth potential.
        • Factor-Based Investing – Focus on quality, value, and momentum metrics.
        • Smart Beta Growth – More investors are turning to factor-based strategies.
        • Infrastructure as a Defensive Asset – Stability appeal in volatile markets.
        • Technology-Driven Infrastructure Expansion – Growth in digital and smart city projects.
        • Rising ESG Considerations – Companies with sustainability focus are prioritized.
        • Model Risk – Quant strategies may not always perform as expected.
        • Sector-Specific Volatility – Some infrastructure sectors are more cyclical than others.
        • Fee Sensitivity – Higher fees vs. basic passive ETFs.

        Why infrastructure ETFs?

        If you believe in a growing economy over the long term, infrastructure expansion is at the backbone of it. Buildings, roads, power poles, sewage, water, telecommunications, and data.

        These are key to economic growth and are the backbone of infrastructure companies. As the global population increases and more advanced technology is demanded, you can no doubt see the bullish case for investing in infrastructure stocks.

        Trillions of dollars are expected to be spent over the next few years. Many Canadians don’t know which individual stocks to choose, so they gravitate toward Canadian ETFs. This is an entirely reasonable strategy. We can access many different markets and industries using ETFs, such as Dow Jones ETFs.

        Overall, these Canadian-listed infrastructure funds should give you strong exposure

        Infrastructure stocks have recently struggled due to rising interest rates and the fears of a recession. However, these turbulent times will undoubtedly end. Governments will be gearing up to rapidly expand telecommunications, building, and energy infrastructure when they do.

        If you want a piece of the pie when that happens, plus to gain access to a reasonable mid-2% yielding dividend in the meantime for most of these funds, they are definitely worth a look. If you’re looking for a particular investment that is more defensive, the large-cap nature and stability of most of the holdings inside these funds will likely lead to low volatility.

        As a bonus, there is a chance your brokerage commissions will be $0 when buying these ETFs. Check with your brokerage to see if these infrastructure ETFs are on their commission-free lists.

        A final note, make sure to factor in income tax

        As most of these funds are Canadian listed but contain individual US holdings, you can be subject to taxes even inside a tax-sheltered account like an RRSP. It is critical to consider your individual tax situation before investing in these ETFs. Taxes can vary depending on the fund’s investment strategy and distribution structure. Speak to an accountant if you have questions.

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