Fees are silent — but they compound just like returns do. See exactly how much a high MER costs you over 10, 20, or 30 years.
MERs are deducted daily from the fund's NAV — you never see a bill, but you feel the drag on your returns every year.
| Fund Type | Typical MER | On $100k, yearly cost | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian index ETF (e.g. XEQT, VEQT) | 0.10–0.25% | $100–$250 | ✅ Excellent |
| US-listed ETF (e.g. VTI, SPY) | 0.03–0.10% | $30–$100 | ✅ Best-in-class |
| Robo-advisor (e.g. Wealthsimple Invest) | 0.40–0.60% | $400–$600 | 🟡 Fair |
| Balanced mutual fund (bank brand) | 1.5–2.0% | $1,500–$2,000 | ❌ High |
| Actively managed equity mutual fund | 2.0–2.5% | $2,000–$2,500 | ❌ Very high |
| Segregated fund | 2.5–3.5% | $2,500–$3,500 | ❌ Avoid unless insurance needed |