News Releases

- 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

Industry leaders from 27 countries and six continents to attend one of the largest metals and mining investor conferences in the world

- Panelists included some of the firm's top investing experts from around the world

- Comments made during the call were based on a just-released report, Secular Outlook 2014-2019

Industry leaders from 27 countries and six continents to attend one of the largest metals and mining investor conferences in the world

- Majority believe that balancing risk and the long-term rate of return are the most important things to consider in this market environment

- Eighty per cent report that they require help determining their risk tolerance and finding well-suited investments

- Eighty-six per cent say they would use an investment product designed specifically to maximize returns for their given risk level

Industry leaders from 27 countries and six continents to attend one of the largest metals and mining investor conferences in the world

Industry leaders from 27 countries and six continents to attend one of the largest metals and mining investor conferences in the world

- New equity and fixed income ETFs give investors opportunities for income and growth

- Non-currency hedged and currency hedged products provide investors with more choice

- Since its introduction in 2009, BMO AM's ETF business has expanded to 58 funds and more than $12 billion in AUM

- Both men and women in relationships think they are in charge of key retirement decisions

- Eighty-seven per cent of couples report having had a conversation about retirement, yet only a quarter of couples have had a detailed discussion

- Conflict over finances identified as the #1 potential threat to a happy marriage

- BMO Economists and Financial Experts available for commentary and analysis

- What impact will the budget have on retirement, housing, small businesses and personal investing?

- Self-Directed clients will now pay a flat fee of only $9.95 per equity trade with no minimum account balance or trade activity requirements

- Until March 10, 2014, open a new account and invest $100,000 to get $300 cash back and 300 free trades

- Better growing conditions have yielded sharply lower feed prices

- Hog and cattle prices expected to remain elevated throughout 2014, supporting producer margins

- Gen X and Y are upbeat about their ability to purchase a home, send their kids to university and live a comfortable retirement

- However, spiralling real estate markets, delaying parenthood and a lack of retirement savings are some of the factors that have changed the landscape for these cohorts

- Opening and contributing to various savings vehicles early will help ensure financial expectations are met

- New websites offer clients account management services and the ability to execute trades in Traditional Chinese

- Chinese-Canadian population is set to more than double by 2031

- To mark the Lunar New Year, BMO InvestorLine is offering Chinese-speaking clients an $88 cash bonus when they open a new account and deposit $25,000 or more

- BMO releases report on outlook for economy, labour market and housing market in Ottawa

- Diverse economy a major strength for Canadian capital

- Federal finances on improving track

- BMO has created a new division for Eastern Ontario with its headquarters in Ottawa

- Almost one-third of respondents plan to rely 'heavily' on the CPP/QPP, despite the fact that the average CPP payout is less than $600 a month

- Eighty-eight per cent will look to personal savings, including RRSPs, to play a role in covering the costs of retirement

- Thirty-four per cent are hoping to win the lottery to come up with the money they need for their retirement years

- Third consecutive year auto sales have grown, up 10 per cent since 2011

- Innovation in auto manufacturing fueling consumer demand

- Canadian ETF industry assets currently stand at $63.1 billion, an increase of almost 12 per cent over year-end 2012

- BMO S&P/TSX Laddered Preferred Share Index ETF was the top selling individual ETF in Canada last year

- In 2014, ETF providers will focus on launching fixed income alternatives, unhedged products and funds that offer innovative exposure options

Excellent strategic, financial and cultural fit

Ten BMO mutual funds and ETFs awarded FundGrade A+ Rating for 2013

- Canadians saved an average of $8,764 last year; set savings target higher at $9,635 for 2014, an increase of 10 per cent

- Report reveals a significant annual drop in the percentage of Canadians who did not save anything

- According to Statistics Canada, the household saving rate rose to 5.4 per cent in Q3 of 2013 from 5.0 per cent in 2012

Leading food experts from Willard Bishop and BMO Capital Markets provide insights on industry prospects

BMO achieves highest ranking among financial institutions from North America

- Seventy-three per cent feel that technology has helped them become more informed investors

- Financial news websites, real-time stock websites and online brokerages ranked as the top technology platforms for receiving information

- Eighty-seven per cent of Canadians feel that personalized advice is a top influencer when looking to make informed investment decisions

- This amount is two and a half times more than the average of what Canadians as a whole feel they need for retirement

- Ninety-five per cent of high-net worth Canadians are optimistic about their ability to save for retirement, versus 69 per cent of all Canadians

- Eighty-six per cent of the country's affluent are upbeat about their investments

BMO now provides corporate retirement services to companies with operations in both the U.S. and Canada

- Low dollar benefits manufacturing, tourism, retailers

- Opens a growing number of emerging markets permitting Canadian companies to make exports part of a comprehensive and diversified business strategy

- BJ Rogi from De Winton, AB and Olivia Whissell from Calgary, AB named winners of the BMO Junior Reporters Contest

- Braden Lunn from Calgary, AB and Brett Moravec from Airdrie, AB named BMO Kids Blue Line Experience winners; will join Team Cherry and Team Orr in pre-game skate

- Four-in-ten employees expect the size of their workforce to increase this year

- Low interest rates and improving U.S. economy creating attractive investment opportunities

- Over one-third of Canadian workers telecommute

- Among those who have already contributed, 64 per cent have contributed at least $2,000 and 40 per cent $5,000

- Canadians contributed an average of $3,544 to their RRSPs last year

- Only one-in-three with an RRSP usually contribute the maximum

- Hear from 29 leading North American oil and gas companies focused on the development of unconventional oil and natural gas resources

- Keynote speaker E. Russell "Rusty" Brazile, President & Principal Energy Markets Consultant, RBN Energy

- Eighty per cent of Canadians will be making at least one resolution for 2014

- More than one-third of all resolutions made will be related to personal finances

- Sixty per cent who have made financial resolutions in the past have kept them

- Eighty per cent of Canadians will be making at least one resolution for 2014

- More than one-third of all resolutions made will be related to personal finances

- Sixty per cent who have made financial resolutions in the past have kept them

- Fifty-two per cent plan on giving money this holiday season; 49 per cent will donate food/other items; 23 per cent will volunteer

- Seventy-seven per cent of Canadians donated in 2013

- Average donation amount in 2013 was $580, up from $557 in 2012