News Releases

TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - July 24, 2014) - Today BMO Global Asset Managment (BMO GAM) issued the Canadian ETF Outlook Update 2014. The report looks at key factors which have played a role in the growth of the Canadian Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) industry so far this year and expectations for future market trends for the remainder of this year and into next year.

At mid-year (as of June 30), the Canadian ETF industry sits at $70.1 billion in assets under management (AUM), up 11.1 per cent from year end 2013. So far this year, equity ETFs have had $529 million in inflows and fixed income ETFs saw impressive inflows of more than $2.5 billion. BMO GAM's ETF business recently surpassed $15 billion in AUM and currently consists of 58 funds.

"Capital markets are continuing to perform well and this has been reflected in the continued growth of the ETF industry in Canada," said Rajiv Silgardo, Co-CEO, BMO Global Asset Management. "Investors look to ETFs as portfolio construction tools used to access growth across sectors and geographies."

The report identified three key factors which have played a significant role in the ETF industry so far this year:

Competition and Growth: Continued growth results in more products being offered, and more competition. However, new strategies increase different forms of access to various asset classes. Additionally, the reduction of ETF management fees across major investment categories presents an opportunity for Canadians to invest very effectively in core broad market mandates.

International Efficiency: The use of Canadian ETFs for exposure to international markets will continue to gain popularity because of low fees and tax efficiencies compared to international products.

Smart Beta: Smart beta products which leverage alternative-weighting strategies, offer exposure based on various factors such as low volatility, momentum and quality. These products, targeting specific factors that provide specific investment outcomes over the long term, will continue to be successful.

Mr. Silgardo noted that providers have been focused on low volatility funds, which take advantage of rising markets while offering downside protection. Dividend-based products also offer some downside protection, while delivering higher and more tax efficient income from mature, stable companies.

Trends Moving Forward

According to the report, the substantial growth of ETF-based portfolios will continue, as these funds combine the efficiency, diversification and tradability of ETFs with professional active management.

As investors seek out income in the current low interest rate environment, option-based strategies that add income will expand globally and across sectors. Additionally, specialty solution ETFs will be in the spotlight as providers innovate to create products that will cater to specific investor needs.

ETFs have captured the attention of the market generally, but have been particularly significant for fixed income. Investors are reacting to market changes - specifically the ongoing American economic recovery - and are looking to position their bond portfolios in response to them. This could expand beyond Canadian bonds to U.S. and global fixed income ETFs.

"We expect the momentum into ETFs to continue at a rapid pace, as more investors use more ETFs to build better portfolios. This will result in more competition, innovation and benefits to users," added Mr. Silgardo.

To view the full report or for more information on ETFs, please visit: www.bmo.com/etfs.

About BMO ETFs

Since its inception in June 2009, BMO GAM's ETF business has grown to 58 funds; each offers numerous benefits to investors, including transparency, lower costs and tax efficiencies, while covering a number of diverse asset classes, sectors and regions.

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

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

BMO Global Asset Management comprises BMO Asset Management Inc., BMO Investments Inc., BMO Asset Management Corp. and BMO's specialized investment management firms.

^®"BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)" is a registered trade-mark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence.