In this special episode, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and your host, Erika Toth, delve into the latest ETF industry flows and the top themes shaping markets amid recent bouts of volatility. They also explore several solutions to stay invested and keep calm when the market is not. The episode was recorded live on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. ETFs mentio…

Is the U.S. heading for a recession? In today’s episode, Portfolio Manager Chris Heakes, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and your host, Mckenzie Box, examine key economic indicators and historical trends. They also share defensive strategies to add to your investing toolkit. ETFs mentioned: BMO Short-Term US Treasury Bond Index ETF (Ticker: ZTS) BMO Mid-…

In today’s episode, the team scrutinizes the odds of a September Fed cut and discusses ways to get ahead of falling rates.BMO Gold Bullion ETF (Ticker: ZGLD)BMO Equal Weight Global Gold Index ETF (Ticker: ZGD)BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (Ticker: ZAG)BMO US Aggregate Bond Index ETF (Ticker: ZUAG)BMO US Equity Buffer Hedged to CAD ETF – October (Tic…

Despite several growing risks and ongoing volatility, opportunities persist. In this special episode, BMO Global Asset Management CIO Sadiq Adatia and your host, Mckenzie Box, make a case for global equities. They also discuss the value of an active approach and underscore the importance of asset allocation for long-term performance.ETFs mentioned …

From AI to automation, a global technological transformation is underway. In today’s episode, special guests Cathie Wood, Kevin Prins, and your host, Erika Toth, discuss what it could mean for your investments today—and in the future. They also explore adjacent industries positioned to benefit from disruptive innovation and recent developments from…

There’s no shortage of moving parts or risk factors in today’s environment. In this episode, BMO Senior Economist Jennifer Lee, and your host, Erin Allen, explore the trends to watch as we move forward in 2024—including monetary policy, China’s economy, and the housing market. They also reveal what they believe are the top three risks for do-it-you…

Are we entering a new Industrial Revolution? In today’s episode, special guest Jeremy Yeung, and your host, Mckenzie Box, dive into the booming world of artificial intelligence—touching on the innovative companies at the forefront of AI development, like Nvidia. They also share insights into the BMO Global Equity Team’s unique investment process an…

Looking for a shock absorber for your portfolio? In this deep-dive episode, Portfolio Manager Chris McHaney, and your host, McKenzie Box, share how Buffer ETFs can mitigate losses—helping you stay invested during market uncertainty. ETFs mentioned in the podcast:BMO US Equity Buffer Hedged to CAD ETF – October (Ticker: ZOCT)BMO US Equity Buffer Hed…

In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes, and Daniel Stanley break down the second quarter earnings from Canada’s “Big Six,” recapping the recent results and ongoing challenges. They also discuss loan-loss provisions, central bank policy, and reasons for a more optimistic outlook.Daniel Stanley is the Managing Director and Co-Head of …

In this deep-dive episode, special guests Paul Riccardella, Richard Ho, and your host, Kevin Prins, provide a careful analysis of factor ETFs—from their early history to how they are constructed. They also discuss MSCI’s unique methodology and several prudent ways to avoid value traps.Kevin Prins is the Managing Director and Head of Distribution fo…

As the U.S. economy appears stronger for longer, Canada prepares for potential interest rate cuts. In this deep-dive episode, BMO GAM CIO Sadiq Adatia and your host, Mckenzie Box, break down the latest House View and discuss portfolio positioning for the current environment.McKenzie Box is Vice President of Product Management and Strategy at BMO Gl…

With the 2024 U.S. presidential election just under six months away, headlines are heating up. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Chris Heakes, Matt Montemurro, and your host, Mckenzie Box, explore what the outcome could mean for your investments. They also discuss oil prices, opportunities outside of Canada, and the latest U.S. inflation print…

Equities continue to dominate Canadian ETF flows. Hear about this trend and more in today’s episode, as Erika Toth, David Cheng, and your host, Mckenzie Box, dive into the themes shaping markets this spring, including redemptions of HISA ETFs, rate cut expectations, the bounce back of balanced portfolios, and a retirement wave.McKenzie Box is Vice …

The U.S. Federal Reserve made a big announcement—and it’s not about interest rates. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Matt Montemurro, Chris McHaney, and your host, Erika Toth, explore changes to the Fed’s Quantitative Tightening, or QT, program. They also discuss results from the earnings season so far, Canadian GDP numbers, and Japan.Erika T…

The higher-for-longer narrative continues. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Matt Montemurro, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Mckenzie Box, analyze the rate-cut delays and where central bank policy expectations are diverging. They also discuss the Canadian dollar, oil, longer-duration bonds, and covered call strategies.ETFs mentioned in the …

In today’s deep-dive episode, John Waters, and your host, Erin Allen, discuss the key takeaways from Ottawa’s recently released 2024 federal budget, breaking down capital gains tax changes, measures affecting registered plans, and other notable proposals—and what it could mean for you. Erin Allen is Vice President of Online Distribution at BMO Exch…

As the economy shows more signs of weakness, will the Bank of Canada be the first to cut rates? In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Chris McHaney, Chris Heakes, and your host, Mckenzie Box, examine the economic divergence between Canada and the U.S., and potential paths forward. They also discuss currency exposure, a large federal investment in …

What’s behind gold’s record-high rally? In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Chris Heakes, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Mckenzie Box, identify a few forces supportive of bullion in the short and longer-term. They also discuss three ways to manage market volatility and U.S.-dollar-denominated ETFs.ETFs mentioned in the podcast:BMO Gold Bullio…

As expected, the U.S. Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged for the fifth consecutive time, while maintaining cuts are likely still to come. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Winnie Jiang, Chris Heakes, and your host, Erika Toth, break down the latest announcement. They also discuss the path to rate normalization, alternatives t…

In this deep-dive episode, we explore the glittering world of gold bullion. They discuss notable trends, including the macroeconomic backdrop and push for de-dollarization, provide a use case for portfolio construction and introduce new BMO ETFs for Physical Gold.The episode was recorded live on Wednesday, March 13, 2024.ETFs mentioned in the podca…

In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes and Daniel Stanley discuss the first quarter earnings from Canada’s “Big Six,” breaking down the recent results and the macro trends impacting markets. They also examine rising loan-loss provisions and commercial real estate and look back on the U.S. regional banking crisis a year after it bega…

The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark rate at 5% for the fifth consecutive time, saying it’s “too early” for cuts. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Omanand Karmalkar, Matt Montemurro, and your host, Erika Toth, examine the dynamics of inflation and explore what the future could hold. They also discuss tailwinds in the Utilities sector, a barb…

BMO MSCI USA High Quality Index ETF (Ticker: ZUQ)BMO Nasdaq 100 Equity Hedged to CAD Index ETF (Ticker: ZQQ)BMO Nasdaq 100 Equity Index ETF (Ticker: ZNQ)**BMO Covered Call Technology ETF (Ticker: ZWT)BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (Ticker: ZWB)BMO Canadian Bank Accelerator ETF (Ticker: ZEBA)BMO Equal Weight Banks Index ETF (Ticker: ZEB)BMO Low…

Canada’s inflation rate fell within the Bank of Canada’s target range, easing to 2.9% in January. With potential rate cuts on the horizon, portfolio managers Chris McHaney, Chris Heakes, and your host, Mckenzie Box, make a case for duration and discuss how to manage reinvestment risk. They also explore long-short equity strategies and share their t…

ETFs mentioned in the podcast:BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (Ticker: ZUT)BMO Equal Weight REITs Index ETF (Ticker: ZRE)BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (Ticker: ZLB)BMO MSCI USA High Quality Index ETF (Ticker: ZUQ)BMO Short-Term US TIPS Index ETF (Hedged Units) (Ticker: ZTIP)ZJAN - BMO US Equity Buffer Hedged to CAD ETF – January (Tick…

In this deep-dive episode, Portfolio manager Chris McHaney, and your host, McKenzie Box, delve into Buffer ETFs—starting with the fundamentals, including how they work and where they fit into portfolios. They also provide comprehensive scenarios for various market conditions.The episode was recorded live on Wednesday, February 7, 2024.ETFs mentione…

The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged on Wednesday—hinting cuts aren’t coming soon. In today’s U.S.-centric episode, portfolio managers Winnie Jiang, Chris McHaney, and your host, Erika Toth, analyze the latest economic data. They also discuss the upcoming presidential election, fixed income positioning and factor exposures.Erika Toth is a Direc…

In the Bank of Canada’s latest announcement, the tone seems to have shifted in a new direction. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Chris Heakes, and your host, McKenzie Box, explore what’s next for monetary policy. They also discuss Tech stocks, volatility and what another Trump term could mean for markets.McKenzie Box is Direc…

Despite turbulent markets in 2023, the ETF industry continues to thrive, providing Canadian Investors with new options for growth. Portfolio manager Alfred Lee and your host, McKenzie Box, take a deep dive into the themes driving demand and the benefits ETFs have to various user types. Read the episode summary.McKenzie Box is Director of Product an…

In this episode, the team discusses the latest quarterly Portfolio Strategy Report (QSR) and Fixed Income Strategy Report (FISR), which examine interest rate expectations, the Technology sector, U.S. and Canadian banks, a barbell strategy to add duration, and portfolio positioning for 2024. The episode was recorded live on Thursday, December 21, 20…

As the year draws to a close, Portfolio Manager Alfred Lee, and your host, McKenzie Box, look back on the industry trends and themes that shaped 2023. In today’s episode, they discuss fixed income’s comeback, inflation, AI, gold, Canadian banks and cash. McKenzie Box is Director of Product and Strategy at BMO Global Asset Management. She is joined …

In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes and Daniel Stanley take a deep dive into the fourth quarter earnings from Canada’s “Big Six,” discussing the highs and lows from recent results. They also explore tax loss selling, a potential mortgage renewal crunch, accelerator ETFs, earnings per share (EPS) estimates, and proposed regulatory…

In a long-awaited ruling, Canada’s banking regulator cracked down on high-interest savings account ETFs at the end of October. Portfolio manager Matt Montemurro, and your host, McKenzie Box, take a deep dive into the stricter liquidity rules and what could happen when the new requirements take effect in January.McKenzie Box is Director of Product a…

Disclosure:*AUM Flows for ZEB, source BMO Global Asset Management, as of November 30th, 2023.**ZEB Calendar Performance Source: Bloomberg as of November 30 2023.An investor that purchases Units of a Structured Outcome ETF other than at starting NAV on the first day of a Target Outcome Period and/or sells Units of a Structured Outcome ETF prior to t…

It’s reporting season once again for the “Big Six” Canadian banks. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris McHaney, Charles-Lucien Myssie, and your host, McKenzie Box, break down the earnings hits and misses so far. They also discuss Technology’s reign and outlook, the high-yield space, and when to add duration. Read the episode summary.McKenz…

As the U.S. earnings season closes out, portfolio managers Alfred Lee, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Erika Toth, inspect companies’ report cards—putting the “Magnificent Seven” under the microscope. They also discuss dividend strategies, Canada’s inflation rate, Energy, and U.S. dollar-denominated ETFs. Read the episode summary.Erika Toth is th…

Has the latest U.S. CPI print cemented the end to Fed rate hikes? In our 200th episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Chris McHaney, and your host, McKenzie Box, analyze this small, but important, improvement on the inflation front. They also discuss what’s trending in BMO ETFs, the outlook for the U.S. dollar and commercial real estate.McKen…

Treasuries are back on investors’ minds this week, this time with many looking for a tactical trade at the long end of the curve. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris Heakes, Matt Montemurro, and your host, McKenzie Box, explore the upside of a barbell approach as interest rates continue to plateau. They also discuss getting back into divid…

Canada’s banking regulator cracked down on HISA ETFs in a long-awaited ruling. In today’s episode, our portfolio managers, and your host, Andrew Vachon, digest OSFI’s decision and provide places to park cash. They also discuss the latest Fed and Treasury announcements, the likelihood of a technical recession, and developments from the Bank of Japan…

In its latest announcement, the Bank of Canada held interest rates steady at 5%, opening the door to speculation. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Mckenzie Box, discuss the central banks’ downgraded outlook and when it could reach its 2% inflation target. They also explore a barbell strategy,…

Higher interest rates for longer are creating volatility, yet also an opening for investors to earn attractive yields on the front end of the curve. Erika Toth discusses the latest quarterly Portfolio Strategy Report (QSR) and Fixed Income Strategy Report (FISR), which examine the latest market dynamics, and portfolio positioning across asset class…

Bond yields continue to drive higher, creating volatility across markets, but also opening up opportunities for relatively risk-free returns on cash. On today’s episode, our portfolio managers and your host Mckenzie Box, discuss money market strategies and other cash options, while tracking the early returns on Q3 earnings season. They also discuss…

As yields soar to multi-decade highs, the Federal Reserve’s higher-for-longer rates narrative is beginning to sink in. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Winnie Jiang, Charles-Lucien Myssie, and your host, Mckenzie Box, discuss prudent ways to play defense in an uncertain environment. They also discuss equity portfolio positioning, Structured O…

Will the U.S. government find another last-minute resolution? In today’s episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Mckenzie Box, explore the potential repercussions of the latest political standoff. They also discuss India as an attractive emerging market, mortgage-back securities and secular growth trends in He…

Inflation on both sides of the border is edging higher, forcing central banks to strike a more hawkish tone, while rising oil threatens to keep the heat turned up on consumer prices. On today’s episode, BMO Global Asset Management portfolio managers Chris Heakes and Alfred Lee, and your host Mckenzie Box, discuss the latest North American Consumer …

Third quarter earnings season for Canada’s biggest lenders saw share prices slump amid rising loan-loss provisions and broader economic concerns. Yet amid the gloom, our experts parse out reasons why Canadian banks are a wise investment for long-term investors. On this episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes, and your host Daniel Stanley, dissect th…

The risks posed by higher rates, still-stubborn inflation as well as small but growing cracks in the overall economy—notably in Canada—suggest a rotation into low-volatility strategies may be prudent. On today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris McHaney, Matt Montemurro and your host Mckenzie Box discuss options for investors looking to de-risk a p…

Has the Fed lost its bearings? In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris Heakes, Chris McHaney, and your host, Erika Toth, reflect on Fed Chair Powell’s colourful speech at Jackson Hole. They also discuss equities as an inflation hedge, the BRICS Nations historic expansion and factor ETFs. Read the episode summary.Erika Toth is a Director of Ins…

As Autum draws near, falling interest rates are nowhere in sight. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Alfred Lee, Winnie Jiang, and your host, Erika Toth, examine what this new era of elevated rates could mean for investors and the economy. They also discuss the rare yield curve phenomenon known as a bear steepener, Canadian and U.S. banks, corp…

The battle against inflation rages on, as the latest Canadian CPI numbers come in hotter than expected. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris Heakes, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Kevin Prins, explore fixed income positioning as bond yields edge higher. They also discuss what to expect heading into earnings season, U.S. banks and oil and…