Understanding the TSX Completion Index: A Closer Look at Canada’s Broader Market Performance
Canada’s financial markets are often viewed through the lens of the S&P/TSX Composite Index, which captures the major players in the Canadian economy. However, there's another significant index that deserves attention for those interested in broader market coverage — the TSX Completion Index. This index complements the TSX 60 and Composite indices by tracking companies that fall just outside the top tier but still hold substantial relevance in Canada’s economic framework.
The TSX Completion Index includes a diverse range of companies that are not part of the S&P/TSX 60 Index, offering a more complete representation of the market. While the TSX 60 highlights large-cap and blue-chip stocks, the TSX Completion Index captures mid-cap and smaller large-cap firms. This adds depth to market insights and provides a more comprehensive picture of the broader economy.
What Is the TSX Completion Index?
The TSX Completion Index is essentially the remainder of the S&P/TSX Composite Index, once the TSX 60 constituents are removed. It features around 180–200 companies that are still publicly listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange but don’t rank among the top 60 in terms of market capitalization and liquidity. By focusing on these smaller yet still significant firms, the index offers exposure to a broader set of sectors and industries within Canada.
While the TSX 60 focuses on banking, energy, and telecommunications giants, the TSX Completion Index often includes sectors like technology, healthcare, industrials, and consumer goods — giving it a distinct diversification advantage. This structure allows for a clearer view of how various components of the Canadian economy are performing outside of the most dominant players.
Importance and Utility
One of the core benefits of tracking the TSX Completion Index is the insight it provides into the middle tier of publicly traded companies in Canada. These businesses are often in growth phases, striving for greater market share or innovation. Some may eventually grow to be included in the TSX 60, while others offer stable niche performances within specific sectors.
For observers and analysts, the index can be a vital tool for understanding which industries are expanding or contracting beyond the heavyweight stocks. It gives a real-time view of mid-cap momentum, sectoral changes, and emerging business trends within Canada’s dynamic economic landscape.
The TSX Completion Index also helps in balancing the perception that Canada’s economy is dominated solely by its big banks and energy firms. By looking at this index, one can appreciate the diverse makeup of the country's publicly listed businesses.
Sector Composition and Performance
The index tends to have a different sector weighting compared to the Composite or TSX 60. For instance, while financials still play a role, there’s greater representation from areas like information technology, real estate, industrial goods, and even smaller energy players. This variance in sector exposure can lead to differentiated performance during various market cycles.
For instance, during times when tech and industrials outperform, the TSX Completion Index may show stronger results relative to indices that are heavily tilted towards financials and energy. On the other hand, in a commodities-driven boom, it might lag slightly behind the broader TSX Composite Index.
The sector diversity helps mitigate concentration risks and provides a balanced perspective on Canada’s business environment. It also highlights the presence of competitive and globally recognized firms outside the largest corporations.
Conclusion
The TSX Completion Index plays a critical role in offering a more complete view of the Canadian stock market. It reflects the performance of mid- and smaller large-cap companies that contribute meaningfully to the nation’s economy, albeit without the spotlight enjoyed by the biggest firms.
By understanding and following the TSX Completion Index, one gains access to broader sector insights, emerging corporate trends, and a deeper appreciation of Canada's economic landscape beyond its top-tier institutions.

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