News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 13, 2011) - On the heels of the second anniversary since it introduced its own line of Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)*, BMO Financial Group today announced that its ETF business has grown to $2.7 billion in assets under management – an increase of 35 per cent in only three months – and is fast approaching $3 billion.

"When you have a series of investment products that are innovative, transparent, and establish a number of industry firsts, it's really no surprise that we're seeing this kind of success," said Kevin Gopaul, VP & CIO, BMO Asset Management Inc. (BMO AM). "Over the past two years, we have successfully met the demands of Canadian investors by offering a product portfolio that not only meets their needs, but surpasses their expectations."

Since its inception in June 2009, BMO AM's ETF product portfolio has grown to 40 funds which offer numerous benefits to investors, including lower costs, diversity and tax efficiencies, while covering a number of asset classes, sectors and regions.

"The extensive experience of our ETF team has made it possible for us to offer a wide range of products that stand out within the industry," said Mr. Gopaul. "A large part of our success is in our approach to arming investors with education through accessible and convenient learning platforms."

Thinking of investing in ETFs for the first time? Mr. Gopaul offers the following advice:

• Take some time to research how ETFs work, including the basic principles and potential benefits of ETFs.

• Consider your investment objectives, risk tolerance and time horizons before choosing the ETFs that are most appropriate for your portfolio.

• Think about where you want to allocate your investments, including different asset classes, sectors and regions; make sure you are diversified among sectors.

• Speak with a financial professional. He/she will be able to help you identify the right ETFs for your investment portfolio.

*BMO ETFs are managed and administered by BMO Asset Management Inc., a portfolio manager and a separate legal entity from the Bank of Montreal.

Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in exchange traded funds. Please read the prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.

About BMO Financial Group

Established in 1817 as Bank of Montreal, BMO Financial Group is a highly-diversified North American financial services organization. With total assets of $413 billion as at April 30, 2011, and more than 38,000 employees, BMO Financial Group provides a broad range of retail banking, wealth management and investment banking products and solutions.