Co-op members found it easy to beat professional money managers over the past 5 years.

All you had to do was follow our recommended list (blush) of best index ETFs from iShares or Claymore and you went straight to the head of the class.And not only did you beat the managers but you outperformed all of their clients as well; the vast majority of investors in Canada.

Here is how it breaks down for the past 5 years ending Dec. 31, 2010:

Canadian Equity:  recommended index ETF beat 87% of mutual fund managers

Fixed Income:      recommended index ETF beat 83% of mutual fund managers

Money Market:    recommended index ETF beat 90% of mutual fund managers (1yr)

US Equity:           recommended index ETF beat 84% of mutual fund managers

Global Equity:      recommended index ETF beat 89% of mutual fund managers

And it is easy to do. Transfer your assets to a lowest cost discount broker like Questrade, sell all your mutual funds, and substitute the recommended ETFs. All you need is a calculator, paper, pencil, and some patience. After that it is just a matter of rebalancing every 6 months and relaxing, knowing you have the safest, simplest, and lowest cost portfolio. More on ETFs in the Member Area.

sources: iShares, Claymore, Globe Interactive. ETF fees included