The Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone as it marks the 35th anniversary of the world’s first exchange-traded fund (ETF). This commemoration highlights the groundbreaking innovation that originated in Canada and revolutionized global investment practices. The TSX is set to host a special market close event to honor this occasion and reflect on the profound impact of ETFs on the financial landscape.

The inception of the Toronto 35 Index Participation Units (TIPs) in 1990 marked the birth of the first ETF, laying the foundation for the diverse range of ETF products widely utilized by investors worldwide today. Canada’s pivotal role in introducing this investment vehicle is underscored by the recent achievement of the Canadian ETF market surpassing $600 billion in assets under management, spanning over 1,000 diverse products. This growth signifies the widespread adoption and popularity of ETFs among investors globally.

Loui Anastasopoulos, the CEO of the Toronto Stock Exchange, expressed pride in Canada’s contribution to reshaping financial markets through the innovation of ETFs, emphasizing the transformative effects on investor engagement across international markets. The evolution of the Canadian ETF market showcases a legacy of continuous innovation, with significant milestones such as the introduction of the world’s first fixed-income ETF in 2000 and the pioneering launch of the first bitcoin ETF in 2021.

The TSX’s commitment to fostering innovation in the ETF space is evident in its diverse product offerings, which have garnered over $560 billion in assets under management across more than 1,000 products by the end of January 2025. The thriving ETF ecosystem in Canada was further enriched in 2024, with $753 billion worth of ETF units traded, complemented by options trading on 53 ETFs through the Montréal Exchange.

Graham MacKenzie, the managing director of exchange-traded products at the Toronto Stock Exchange, highlighted the remarkable growth and innovation witnessed in the Canadian ETF landscape over the past 35 years. The anniversary celebration coincides with TMX Group’s strategic expansion in the ETF sector, exemplified by its acquisition of VettaFi, an indexing and analytics firm based in the United States in January 2024. This move underscores the TSX’s commitment to advancing ETF innovation and solidifying its position as a leader in the global ETF market.

In conclusion, the Toronto Stock Exchange’s commemoration of the 35th anniversary of the world’s first ETF serves as a testament to Canada’s enduring legacy of financial innovation and leadership in shaping the future of global investing. As the ETF industry continues to evolve and expand, the TSX remains at the forefront of driving innovation and advancing investment opportunities for investors worldwide.