News Releases

- Sixty per cent of Canadian investors have target dates in mind to reach their financial goals

- However, only half feel their investments are aligned to support their key life events such as marriage, the purchase of a home and retirement

- BMO LifeStage Class Mutual Funds and Corporate Bond Target Maturity Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) help address this by reducing the risk as a key life event approaches

BMO encourages couples to be open when it comes to dollars and cents

- The overwhelming majority of Canadians agree that couples need to be on the same page financially

- Despite this, less than half have discussed key financial matters prior to marriage, including debt, savings goals and establishing a financial plan

- Over half of married or engaged couples have already bought or are planning to purchase a home in the next two years

Report combines expertise from BMO's Economists with on-the-ground anecdotal information from BMO's Commercial Bankers

- Five of six Canadians said there were no surprises on their January credit card statement - their balance was what they expected.

- Two-thirds (67 per cent) said they would pay off their January credit card balance in full.

- Reducing overall household debt is number-one priority for Canadians in 2012.

- Men will carry a higher credit card balance into February than women.

However, economic uncertainty and slow job growth may restrain consumers.

- Most Canadians say 'I love you' with candy, flowers or jewellery.

- The love struck may be dining in this Valentine's Day.

- Saskatchewanians most romantic Canadians or just biggest spenders?

Funds Will Support Purchase of Medical Equipment for Growing Day Surgery Program

- Industry leaders from 28 countries and six continents will attend one of the largest metals and mining investor conferences in the world

- Emerging markets are a key driver of commodity prices

- Precious metals including gold and platinum to see strong 2012

BMO offers tips and advice on next steps for pre-approved house hunters

Bank partners with Kids and Company, a national quality day care provider, to provide emergency Back-up Child Care for employees with children.

- Studies consistently show the inability to balance work and family is linked to reduced work performance, greater stress, poor morale and higher employee turnover.

- Only 20 per cent of young Canadian children today have access to a regulated day care space; long waiting lists are the rule in most communities.

- An estimated 45% of working parents miss at least one day of work every six months due to child care breakdowns.

- Canadians spend an average of 10 per cent of disposable income on food

- With heightened retail competition, consumers are likely to face somewhat lower food costs in 2012

- BMO study finds 86 per cent of consumers believe, despite recent price increases, it is important to purchase food products made in Canada

Canadian couples not discussing key retirement planning details

- More than half of Canadian couples have not discussed their desired retirement lifestyle, when or where to retire or the amount of money they'll need

- Almost one-third do not have detailed insight into how much their partner has saved for retirement

- For Canadian couples retirement planning is more stressful than Valentine's Day

Join BMO's Tina Di Vito for a Live Online Discussion and Q&A at theglobeandmail.com

- The majority worried about more market turmoil in the year ahead; unsure of where to invest in the meantime

- Seven in ten Canadians believe fixed income investments play important role in protecting against market volatility

- Safe investment options, such as GICs and bonds, provide protection amid uncertain market conditions

Leading auto expert Maryann Keller to offer insights into the road ahead