News Releases

BMO recognized for its comprehensive wealth management services, array of local and global expertise and innovative investment and financial solutions

- Individuals 18-35 who open a Self-Directed account will receive 35 free trades, waived fees, a free Globe and Mail eBook and a chance to win a $3,500 cash prize

- Eighty-one per cent of young Canadians plan to begin investing online within the next five years

- This offer follows BMO InvestorLine's introduction of $9.95 flat-fee trading in February

- Friendlier job market, slightly higher incomes and more wealth have put young families in a better economic position today than thirty years ago

- However, high debts and housing costs still cause for concern

- Event features industry leaders from the agriculture and protein, food, fertilizer, retail distribution and supermarket sectors

- Keynote presentations by Dennis Gartman (The Gartman Letter) and Wayne Brownlee (CFO, Potash Corp)

- Eighty-three per cent of moms worry about not having enough money for retirement; 67 per cent are concerned about costs of post-secondary education

- Sixty per cent are optimistic about what the future has in store for the economy

- Ninety-six per cent of moms would be happy receiving attention from and quality time with their family on Sunday

Thousands of BMO employees, families and friends take to the streets in support of Kids Help Phone's Walk so Kids Can Talk presented by BMO

- Excellent strategic, financial and cultural fit

- Bolsters BMO Global Asset Management's scale, product set and distribution capabilities

- Stronger U.S. demand and a weaker Canadian dollar will be positive for exporters and manufacturers

- GDP growth of 1.7 per cent expected in 2014, 2.0 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Ontario's housing market continues to hold up well with a balanced resale market

- Manufacturers hard pressed to react to pace of change in fluctuating loonie

- GDP growth of 2.2 per cent expected in 2014, 2.4 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Agriculture production hit historic levels in 2013

- Oil production continues to increase reaching 18 million barrels

- GDP growth of 2.2 per cent expected in 2014, 2.4 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Jobless rate remains lowest in Canada; population growth fastest in nearly 60 years

- GDP growth of 2.4 per cent expected in 2014, 2.7 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Employment growth running at 4 per cent year-over-year; population growth is the fastest in more than 30 years

- GDP growth of 3.5 per cent expected in 2014, 3.0 per cent in 2014; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Provincial jobless rate well below past decade norms as wages inch higher

- GDP growth of 1.0 per cent expected in 2014, 0.8 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Provincial pillars of fishery and agriculture maintain pace while economy modernizes

- Aerospace, pharma and bioscience industries represent emerging economic engines combining for 300 per cent growth since 2007

- GDP growth of 1.3 per cent expected in 2014, 1.7 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Housing market has stabilized across the province since latest mortgage rules changes; U.S. demand for housing should bolster forestry industry

- GDP growth of 2.2 per cent expected in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

GDP growth of 1.6 per cent expected in 2014, 2.1 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- The province poised for a 2.1 per cent increase in public and private investment - a vast improvement over the previous two years

- Private capital spending set to grow for the first time since 2008

- GDP growth of 1.3 per cent expected in 2014, 1.7 per cent in 2015; Canada GDP growth expected to be 2.3 per cent in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- Regional data show Alberta leading the pack in the coming year

- Weakened Canadian dollar and strong rebound in U.S. economy provide Canadian business owners with opportunities to invest

- GDP growth of 2.3 per cent expected in 2014, 2.5 per cent in 2015

- More than 16,500 participants in four events and 90,000 spectators expected over race weekend

- BMO Power of Blue offers perks for BMO customers, including easy access for runners' race kit pick-up, discounted trolley rides and free massages

Five emerging sports marketing professionals honoured by top industry executives

Oil & Gas executives and investors from Europe, the Middle East and Africa to attend BMO's first London Energy Summit.

- May 2 event supports the Soldier On Afghanistan Relay from Trenton to Ottawa, honouring Canadians who served in Afghanistan and their families.

- Canadians encouraged to write messages to veterans on Walls Of Support at participating BMO branches along the Soldier On Afghanistan Relay route

- BMO will be announcing contribution to the Support our Troops Program

- As Canadian population ages, hearing loss, mobility and memory loss will be the most cited contributing causes of disability

- Wills ranked the top tool to improve the financial situation of those dealing with disabilities at 35 per cent, followed by powers of attorney at 32 per cent

- Sixty-three per cent of disabled Canadians want to see greater accessibility to company premises and more supportive policies and practices in the workplace

- Nine in ten first-time buyers plan to get pre-approved before purchasing a home

- Majority of pre-approved first-timers (94 per cent) gained a better idea of how much they could afford

- Three-year sponsorship and partnership will focus on educating individuals about the benefits of the Registered Disability Savings Plan (RDSP)

- BMO Bank of Montreal will be offering a $4 discount on monthly Everyday Banking Plans to BMO RDSP beneficiaries

- Almost 40 per cent feel they will not be able to afford their ideal wedding

- Sixty per cent of wedding costs will be covered by couples' investments; parents are expected to contribute 13 per cent of the budget

- Just 28 per cent are actively investing for their future wedding

- Earth Day is the largest, most celebrated environmental event worldwide

- BMO is committed to carbon neutrality

Firm recognized for its wide range of customized investment products and services, strong client relations and innovative tools and resources

- Almost 60 per cent of Canadians are unsure how capital gains and dividend income are taxed

- BMO offers a variety of tax smart investing options, including BMO SelectClass(R) Portfolios

- Fifty-four per cent state that charitable donation tax credits have little influence in their philanthropic contributions

- Talk With Our Kids About Money Day in participating schools in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Newfoundland

- Program provides resources for teachers and families to help start and continue conversations on money matters

- New report shows Canadians would much rather talk to their kids about the facts of life than finances; parents have concerns about their childrens' financial future

- Buying Intentions: Intent to buy surges in Montreal; softens in the GTA

- Price expectations: Homeowners' expectations of price gains reasonable as appreciation begins to slow

- Mortgage affordability: Number of mortgage holders dipping into savings to afford payments continues to decrease

- Pullback in confidence reflects the economic slowdown due to inclement weather - BMO Economics

- More than half of Canadian business owners expect 2014 will be a better year for business; 44 per cent anticipating business growth

- Business confidence varies for B.C., Alberta, Prairies, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada

- Reduction of Series F management fees will provide access to lower cost mutual funds within fee-based accounts

- Thirty-three new discount Series D mutual funds now available exclusively to BMO InvestorLine self-directed clients

- Almost 80 per cent feel their children are prepared to handle their inheritance

- Two-thirds spend time talking to their kids about finances

- Just one-quarter believe their kids will be better off financially than them; 41 per cent believe they will be worse off

BMO releases report on outlook for economy, labour market and housing market in the Greater Toronto Area

- Gradual rise in mortgage rates and increased condo supply should temper future growth in house prices

- GTA's manufacturing and tourism sectors set to see a boost from weaker dollar

- Sturdy Canadian financial sector along with business and personal services industry will continue to provide a stable employment base

Autism Ontario welcomes elementary and secondary schools to participate and 'Raise the Flag' in support of raising autism awareness in Ontario

- One-quarter of all Canadians have already filed their tax returns

- Canadians feel very knowledgeable about how their income is taxed, but much less knowledgeable about how specific types of investment income, such as capital gains and dividend income are taxed

- Of those expecting a refund for the 2013 tax year, 37 per cent plan to use the money to pay household bills and/or reduce their overall debt load

- BMO Harris Private Banking is recognized for the fourth consecutive year

- Firm acknowledged for excellent wealth management solutions, strong client relations and highly personalized and innovative products and services

BMO's private banking operations in Asia acknowledged for innovative products and services, ability to meet client and business needs, and comprehensive financial and investment solutions

- Amount of first timers expecting parents to help with the purchase increases significantly

- Majority of respondents say their home-buying timeline has been delayed

- One third of first timers willing to break their budget for the right home

- More than $22 million raised for local United Ways and other charities across North America

- More than 84 per cent of BMO employees supported campaign through donations along with volunteering their time at hundreds of community charities

Winners from Western Hockey League (WHL), Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) headed to 2014 MasterCard Memorial Cup

- Eighty-five per cent of Canadians feel the financial sector has made strides addressing gender equity issues in the last 20 years

- More than half feel that there is still a glass ceiling for women pursuing a career in financial services

- Almost two-thirds believe male clients are treated in a preferential manner compared to female clients

Leading market experts from BMO Capital Markets and BMO Private Bank look at the financial parameters of the unfolding situation in Crimea

- BMO employees across Canada will walk in support of Kids Help Phone

- Kids Help Phone celebrates 25th anniversary as the only national professional counselling service supporting kids 24/7/365

- One-in-three Canadians willing to enter a bidding war when the time comes to buy with competition highest in Toronto and Vancouver

- Current homeowners visited an average of 9.5 homes before buying

- According to BMO Economics, the average transaction price is up nearly 10 per cent year-over-year as of January

- BMO recommends house hunters get pre-approved before setting out on the home buying journey

- Forty-nine per cent invested in mutual funds within their RRSP, 35 per cent chose GICs

- More than half think they contributed as much as they could, two-thirds wish they had been able to contribute more

- Of those expecting a tax refund from their RRSP contribution, 36 per cent plan to save or invest the money and 26 per cent plan to pay down debt

- BMO to become the OSM's season partner for the next five seasons

- The OSM and BMO are a good fit culturally and make a distinct contribution to Montreal's vitality

- Of the seventy-two per cent of Canadians who do plan to travel, 61 per cent will travel within Canada

- Forty-four per cent are worried about having an accident or getting sick while on vacation

- Bad weather, losing something of value while away are also among the top concerns of spring breakers

- To mark International Women's Day, senior executives from across BMO Wealth Management will share their insights on women and the financial services industry

- BMO will also be releasing the results of a new study examining how women feel about the financial sector in Canada

- With the busy home buying season on the horizon, BMO offers tips for house hunters on how to build the biggest down payment possible

- In advance of International Women's Day, BMO hosts a discussion on how women in finance have succeeded in B.C.

- Media will also be provided with the results of a new study on women and the financial services sector

Financial Results Highlights:

First Quarter 2014 Compared with First Quarter 2013:

- Net income of $1,061 million, up 2%; adjusted net income(1) of $1,083 million, up 5%

- EPS(2) of $1.58, up 5%; adjusted EPS(1,2) of $1.61, up 7%

- ROE of 14.2%, compared with 14.9%; adjusted ROE(1) of 14.5%, compared with 14.8%

- Provisions for credit losses of $99 million, compared with $178 million; adjusted provisions for credit losses(1) of $99 million, compared with $96 million

- Basel III Common Equity Ratio is 9.3%

- Canadians are 10 times more likely to rely on research than emotion

- However, only one in three relies completely on research and just 28 per cent report being in control of their emotions at all times

- Optimism, anticipation and confidence are the most common feelings associated with investing

- Canadians are upbeat about investing opportunities in Canada, but less optimistic about the loonie and interest rates