BMO ETFs: Views from the Desk
Episodes
E241 – What to Expect from Interest Rates
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Might we see a jumbo rate cut from the Bank of Canada in October? In today’s episode, Portfolio Manager Matt Montemurro, and your host, Mckenzie Box...
E240 – A Deep Dive on Currency Strategies
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What is currency hedging? And why does it matter? In this special episode, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and your host, Zayla Saunders, take a deep dive i...
E239 – The Fed Cut. Now What?
26 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In its September meeting, the U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the first time in four years. How did markets react to the much-anticipated ...
E238 – Decoding Q3 Canadian Bank Earnings
19 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Bipan Rai, and Daniel Stanley take a deep dive into the third quarter earnings from Canada’s Big Six, brea...
E237 – BMO ETF Q3 Investment Strategy
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
As a shifting economic backdrop fans recession fears in the U.S., is a soft landing still on the table? In this episode, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and...
E236 – What Are ETF Flows Telling Us?
22 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and host, Erika Toth, delve into the latest ETF industry flows and the themes shaping markets amid recent b...
E235 – Dissecting Recession Risks
15 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, exam...
E234 – Fed Cut Could Be Coming. Here’s What to Expect
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 (Ti...
E233 – The Case for Global Equities, Today
25 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite several growing risks and ongoing volatility, opportunities persist. In this special episode, BMO Global Asset Management CIO Sadiq Adatia and...
E232 – Cathie Wood on Innovation Investing
18 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From AI to automation, a global technological transformation is underway. In today’s episode, special guests Cathie Wood, Kevin Prins, and your host...
E231 – An Economic Outlook
11 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, Eri...
E230 – A Deep Dive on AI and the Investment Cycle
27 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Are we entering a new Industrial Revolution? In today’s episode, special guest Jeremy Yeung, and your host, Mckenzie Box, dive into the booming worl...
E229 – Understanding Buffer ETFs
20 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Looking for a shock absorber for your portfolio? In this deep-dive episode, Portfolio Manager Chris McHaney, and your host, McKenzie Box, share how Bu...
E228 – Decoding Q2 Canadian Bank Earnings
17 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes, and Daniel Stanley break down the second quarter earnings from Canada’s “Big Six,” recap...
E227 – A Deep Dive on Factor ETFs
06 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this deep-dive episode, special guests Paul Riccardella, Richard Ho, and your host, Kevin Prins, provide a careful analysis of factor ETFs—from t...
E226 – BMO GAM’s House View
30 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
E225 – Trump vs. Biden: How the U.S. Election Could Impact Markets
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
With the 2024 U.S. presidential election just under six months away, headlines are heating up. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Chris Heakes, ...
E224 – ETF Industry Flows
09 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, Mcke...
E223 – Fed to Shrink Balance Sheet at Slower Pace
02 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The U.S. Federal Reserve made a big announcement—and it’s not about interest rates. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Matt Montemurro, Chri...
E222 – 'Higher for Longer' is Back
25 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The higher-for-longer narrative continues. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Matt Montemurro, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Mckenzie Box, a...
E221 – 2024 Federal Budget Highlights
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s deep-dive episode, John Waters, and your host, Erin Allen, discuss the key takeaways from Ottawa’s recently released 2024 federal budge...
E220 – A Divergence in Economic Strength
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
E219 – Gold’s Record-High Rally
04 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
What’s behind gold’s record-high rally? In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Chris Heakes, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Mckenzie Box, ide...
E218 – Fed Holds & Hints 3 Cuts to Come
21 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
E217 – A Deep Dive on Gold
14 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this deep-dive episode, we explore the glittering world of gold bullion. They discuss notable trends, including the macroeconomic backdrop and push...
E216 – Decoding Q1 Canadian Bank Earnings
12 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes and Daniel Stanley discuss the first quarter earnings from Canada’s “Big Six,” breaking d...
E215 – It’s Still ‘Too Early’ for Cuts
07 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, Portfol...
E214 – How Long Will Nvidia’s Reign Last?
29 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 (Tick...
E213 – Inflation Falls Within BoC Target. What’s Next?
22 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, portfol...
E212 – U.S. Inflation Up. When Are Rates Coming Down?
14 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
ETFs mentioned in the podcast: BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (Ticker: ZUT) BMO Equal Weight REITs Index ETF (Ticker: ZRE) BMO Low Volatility...
E211 – A Deep Dive on Buffer ETFs
08 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this deep-dive episode, Portfolio manager Chris McHaney, and your host, McKenzie Box, delve into Buffer ETFs—starting with the fundamentals, incl...
E210 – Unpacking the Latest U.S. Economic Data
01 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Federal Reserve left rates unchanged on Wednesday—hinting cuts aren’t coming soon. In today’s U.S.-centric episode, portfolio managers Winni...
E209 – Rates, Netflix & Trump
25 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Montem...
E208 – ETF Industry Outlook
18 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Despite turbulent markets in 2023, the ETF industry continues to thrive, providing Canadian Investors with new options for growth. Portfolio manager A...
E207 – 2024 BMO ETF Desk Update on Positioning
09 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, the team discusses the latest quarterly Portfolio Strategy Report (QSR) and Fixed Income Strategy Report (FISR), which examine intere...
E206 – A Year in Review
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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....
E205 – Decoding Q4 Canadian Bank Earnings
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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...
E204 – A Deep Dive on HISA ETFs
12 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a long-awaited ruling, Canada’s banking regulator cracked down on high-interest savings account ETFs at the end of October. Portfolio manager Mat...
E203 – Bank of Canada Ends Year with a Hold
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Disclosure: *AUM Flows for ZEB, source BMO Global Asset Management, as of November 30th, 2023. **ZEB Calendar Performance Source: Bloomberg as of Nove...
E202 – Bank Earnings: Hits & Misses
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s reporting season once again for the “Big Six” Canadian banks. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris McHaney, Charles-Lucien Myssie...
E201 – Earnings, Inflation & the “Magnificent Seven”
23 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the U.S. earnings season closes out, portfolio managers Alfred Lee, Omanand Karmalkar, and your host, Erika Toth, inspect companies’ report cards...
E200 – Is the End of Fed Rate Hikes in Sight?
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 ho...
E199 – Treasuries and Tax-Loss Selling
13 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 episo...
E198 – Places to Park Cash
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 V...
E197 – Interest Rates on Hold. What’s Next?
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In its latest announcement, the Bank of Canada held interest rates steady at 5%, opening the door to speculation. In today’s episode, portfolio mana...
BMO ETF Q4 Investment Strategy
23 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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. E...
E196 – Cash Rules. How to Play the Current Yield Environment
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bond yields continue to drive higher, creating volatility across markets, but also opening up opportunities for relatively risk-free returns on cash. ...
E195 – Stocks Plunge as Yields Surge
17 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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, portfol...
E194 – U.S. Government Shutdown, Explained
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Will the U.S. government find another last-minute resolution? In today’s episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Omanand Karmalkar, and your ho...
E193 – How to Play the Fed’s Higher for Longer Rate Path
21 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 he...
E192 – Decoding Q3 Canadian Bank Earnings
18 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Third quarter earnings season for Canada’s biggest lenders saw share prices slump amid rising loan-loss provisions and broader economic concerns. Ye...
E191 – Time to Consider Taking Profit, Rotating to Low-Vol Strategy
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
E190 – The Fed is ‘Navigating by the Stars Under Cloudy Skies’
31 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
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 P...
E189 – Is Inflation Making a Comeback?
24 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As Autum draws near, falling interest rates are nowhere in sight. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Alfred Lee, Winnie Jiang, and your host, Er...
E188 – Putting the Income Back Into “Fixed Income”
17 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The battle against inflation rages on, as the latest Canadian CPI numbers come in hotter than expected. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris...
E187 – Japan Tries to Pivot
03 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Last week, the Bank of Japan loosened its yield curve control in a move that shocked markets. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris McHaney, ...
E186 – What the Workplace Evolution Means for REITs
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Office vacancy rates continue to rise, as hybrid and work-from-home trends take hold. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Alfred...
BMO ETF Q3 Investment Strategy
27 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Are the central banks winning the battle against inflation? While the latest Canadian CPI print suggests we are moving in the right direction, it’s ...
E185 – Is It Time to Buy International Equities?
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
A shift toward international equities is seemingly underway, but what is the catalyst for this movement? In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chri...
E184 – Bank of Canada Won’t Rule Out Future Rate Hikes
13 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Following back-to-back increases, the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate now sits at 5%—the highest level in 22 years. On today’s episode, portf...
E183 – Canada’s Inflation Slows, but Will It Prevent a Hike?
29 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Canada’s annual inflation rate cooled to 3.4% in May—still, further monetary tightening is widely expected. On today’s episode, portfolio manage...
E182 – Listening to the Yield Curve
22 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Historically, an inverted yield curve has preceded every recession in the past 50 years. On today’s episode, portfolio managers Alfred Lee, Chris He...
E181 – ‘Diversification Is the Only Free Lunch’ in Investing
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this week, the Federal Reserve left its policy rate unchanged for the first time in over a year, as expected. On today’s episode, portfolio ...
E180 – Decoding Q2 Canadian Bank Earnings
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes and Daniel Stanley take a deep dive into second quarter earnings from Canada’s “Big Six,”...
E179 – Bank of Canada Hikes Again
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week, the Bank of Canada lifted its conditional pause, raising the key interest rate to 4.75%—a 22-year high. On today’s episode, portfolio m...
E178 – Nvidia’s Rise & AI Euphoria
01 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The artificial intelligence boom is here. But will it soon bust? On today’s episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Chris Heakes and your host,...
E177 – Q2 Bank Earnings a Mixed Bag
25 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As second quarter earnings results trickle in, two Canadian banks fell short of analysts' expectations. On today’s episode, portfolio managers Alfre...
E176 – Are Rate Hikes Back on the Table?
18 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian CPI came in above expectations for April, prompting speculation about an end to the Bank of Canada’s pause on rate hikes. On today’s epis...
E175 – Markets May Be Too Optimistic on Rate Cuts
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
U.S. inflation eases to 4.9% in April, its lowest rate in two years. On today’s special episode, portfolio managers Matt Montemurro, Vishal Bhatia a...
E174 – Will the Fed ‘Hike in May and Go Away?’
04 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In a recent announcement, the Federal Open Market Committee raised rates by 25 basis points in its 10th consecutive hike. On today’s special episode...
E173 – Markets Brace for Debt Ceiling Standoff
27 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
As the default rate ticks higher, refinancing risk sits on the horizon. In today’s special episode, portfolio managers Alfred Lee, Matt Montemurro, ...
E172 – What Clues Do Bank Earnings Hold?
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian inflation cools to the lowest level since 2021, reaffirming the Bank of Canada’s pause. In today’s special episode, portfolio managers Ch...
BMO ETF Q2 Investment Strategy
18 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Recent market events have taken investors on a walk down memory lane, as elements of the banking crisis look eerily similar to the challenges faced in...
E171 – The Last Push is Always the Hardest
13 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Earlier this week, Chicago Fed President Austan Goolsbee said the right monetary approach calls for prudence and patience, all while the pressure moun...
E170 – Playing Defense as Regional Bank Risks Persist
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Investor sentiment is divided on whether or not the liquidity crunch that hit U.S. regional lenders in early March is over, or there are still more ri...
E169 – Opportunity to Buy Canadian Banks on Sale
23 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Investors have sold off Canadian banks alongside global peers in recent weeks amid Credit Suisse’s fire sale and broader financial-system concerns. ...
E168 – What the Silicon Valley Bank Collapse Means for Investors
15 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In the wake of Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse, investors are left wondering: what’s next? On today’s special episode, portfolio managers Alfred ...
E167 – Decoding Q1 Canadian Bank Earnings
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes and Daniel Stanley dive into first-quarter results from Canada’s “Big Six,” discussing ho...
E166 – Wave of Downgrades Hits High-Yield Bonds
10 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Bond markets are once again grappling with the spectre of higher interest rate increases from the Fed, with high-yield issuers facing the fastest pace...
E165 – Positioning for US Dollar Strength in Near Term
02 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
With inflation data diverging, odds are growing that monetary policy will follow suit with the Fed forced to continue tightening rates while the Bank ...
E164 – Canadian CPI Underscores Steady Rate Outlook for Canada
23 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Canadian investors breathed a small sigh of relief following January inflation data that showed a continued cooling in consumer prices. In today’s e...
E163 – Inflation Risks Re-Acceleration in Coming Months
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The latest U.S. consumer-price data came in hotter than expected, with core inflation proving more resilient than economists were forecasting in Janua...
E162 – Credit Spreads Signal Buying Opportunity in Fixed Income
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Markets kicked off the year with a January rally, but stocks have since wavered as inflation concerns and the risk of a downturn later in 2023 have sh...
E161 – Investors Believe Fed Likely Close to Finished Hiking Rates
02 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Fed delivered on an expected rate hike at its latest meeting this week, but in the central bank’s accompanying commentary was far less transpare...
E160 – Time to Look at Duration as BoC Signals Steadier Rate Path
26 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Bank of Canada has sent a pretty clear indication that rate hikes are on pause until further notice, opting to evaluate how the latest – and per...
E159 – China’s Reopening Shifts Focus to Emerging Markets
19 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After a strong run, the U.S. dollar rally is fading as emerging-markets and gold stage respective comebacks after slumping through 2022. In today’s ...
E158 – U.S. Inflation Data Trending in the Right Direction
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The latest U.S. inflation print points toward a continued deceleration in consumer prices, likely providing the Fed the evidence it needs to reduce or...
2023 BMO ETF Investment Outlook: Back to the Old Normal
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
2022 was a challenging time in the markets, which had investors riding the waves of uncertainty. As we enter the new year, are inflation and interest ...
E157 – Decoding Q4 Canadian Bank Earnings
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In this special episode, Sohrab Movahedi, Chris Heakes, and Daniel Stanley dive into fourth quarter results from Canada’s “Big Six,” discussing ...
Central Banks Update and Outlook for 2023
21 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In its final policy decision of the year, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced a half-point hike, raising interest rates to the highest level in 15 year...
E156 - Look to Infrastructure as Hedge Against Recession Risk
15 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Consumer prices continued to decelerate in the United States in November, providing investors more relief that central banks are getting inflation und...
E155 – Investors Rotating to Stocks with Rate Cycle Nearing Peak
08 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bank of Canada’s latest trend-setting interest rate hike of half a percentage point marks perhaps its last in the current cycle. In today’s ep...
E154 – Canadian Banks Put Pandemic Cash Cushions to Use
01 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
RBC’s blockbuster bid for HSBC, the country’s seventh-largest lender, has capped a wave of Canadian bank M&A. In today’s episode, portfolio mana...
E153 – Markets on Edge Following FTX Scandal
24 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fears of contagion momentarily gripped markets in the wake of FTX’s meltdown and bankruptcy filing. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Winnie ...
E152 – Tax-Loss Selling for 2022 Year-End
17 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s special episode, Kevin Prins, John Waters and Mark Raes talk taxes. After a challenging time in the markets, our experts dive into tax-lo...
E151 – From ‘Red Wave’ to Ripple
10 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As votes are counted in the U.S. midterm elections, Republicans are projected to win the House. In today’s episode, portfolio managers Chris Heakes,...
Quarterly Portfolio Strategy Q4 2022: The Fed in the Driver’s Seat
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As hikes slowly work their way into the financial system, higher rates continue to be a primary market concern. How can investors combat these persist...
E150 –Timing the Market vs. Time in the Market
03 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Are rate hikes here to stay? In today’s episode, portfolio managers Alfred Lee, Chris McHaney, and your host, McKenzie Box, anticipate the Federal R...
E149 – Is the Bank of Canada Slowing Pace of Rate Hikes?
27 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The Bank of Canada delivers a smaller-than-expected hike, raising its key interest rate by half a percentage point. In today’s episode, portfolio ma...
E148 – Canada’s CPI is Hot Off the Press
20 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Canada’s consumer price index eased slightly to 6.9% in September. Will inflation continue to tick down? In today’s episode, portfolio managers Al...