News Releases

Take a step back this RRSP season to ensure your investing portfolio suits your life stage

Take a step back this RRSP season to ensure your investing portfolio suits your life stage

- Over $19.1 million for local United Ways and other charities across North America

- Over 70 per cent of employees participated in campaign, through donations in addition to volunteering their time at hundreds of community charities

BMO's Paul Taylor, Jack Ablin and John Bathurst Host Call on January 26th, 2012

According to L. Jacques Menard, it's time to fight cynicism and give hope to young people

BMO's Paul Taylor, Jack Ablin and John Bathurst Host Call on January 26th, 2012

- Today at 11 a.m. ET (conference call)

- Panellists include: Andrew Busch, BMO Capital Markets (Chicago); Paul Taylor, BMO Harris Private Banking (Toronto); and Tony Cousins, Pyrford International (London)

- More than a third of Canadians don't know the difference between a TFSA and an RRSP

- 44 per cent of Canadians have a TFSA; more than 60 per cent have an RRSP

- Average annual TFSA contribution is $3,700, average RRSP contribution in 2010 was $4,700

- BMO offers tips on how both vehicles can work together

- Thursday, January 19, 11 a.m. ET (conference call)

- Panellists include: Andrew Busch, BMO Capital Markets (Chicago); Paul Taylor, BMO Harris Private Banking (Toronto); and Tony Cousins, Pyrford International (London)

More Locations Added in Rural Communities for Customers to Use Video Conferencing to Reach Financial Planners

- Making Money Make Sense "virtually" in over 50 locations in British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia

- BMO expands video conferencing service so more customers can now access financial planners, commercial and small business specialists, investment advisors

- Video conferencing offers timely access for TFSA and RRSP contributions

Frontier markets funds gaining traction among institutional investors

- Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) market grew by 13 per cent in 2011

- 2012 will see more product launches, innovation and increased price competition among providers

- Cost effectiveness, transparency and liquidity helping fuel ETF growth

Moving all investments under one roof can simplify your life as well as save you time and money

Get pre-approved and be guaranteed this rate for the next 90 days

- Almost 60 per cent of Canadians are confident in their ability to save for retirement versus fewer than 40 per cent of Americans

- Almost 90 per cent of Americans are concerned about the performance of their 401K, while approximately two-thirds of Canadians express similar concerns about their RRSP

- However, half of both Canadians and Americans say they have or may have to delay their retirement or work part-time because of a shortage of retirement savings

BMO Mutual Funds recognized for its leadership in customer service

- Including Boxing Day purchases, Canadians who shopped this holiday season spent an average of $1029 over the holiday season - approximately $300 less than planned

- Most Canadians indicated that holiday spending will not keep them from meeting financial obligations or goals in 2012

- Reducing overall household debt number one priority for Canadians heading into 2012

- Hear from the industry leading producers and service providers for unconventional oil and gas resource development in North America

- Keynote speakers include Porter Bennett, President of BENTEK and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Daniel Yergin

- 15 per cent of Boomers chose Victoria as top retirement destination in Canada

- Small-town Ontario, Montreal and Toronto area also popular

- Cost of living, local tax rates and access to health care key considerations when choosing where to retire

The Right Mortgage for Right Now

- Hear from the industry leading producers and service providers for unconventional oil and gas resource development in North America

- Keynote speakers include Porter Bennett, President of BENTEK and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Dr. Daniel Yergin

- Almost three-quarters of Ontarians plan on contributing the same amount or more to their RRSP during the 2011 tax year compared to 2010

- More than half are confident in their ability to save for their ideal retirement

- Given market volatility and the state of the economy, almost three-quarters of Ontarians are concerned about the performance of their RRSP

- 49 per cent feel that they are on track to realize their ideal retirement lifestyle

- More than a quarter have or will be making a contribution to an RRSP before the February 29, 2012 deadline

- Almost half feel either the same or more optimistic about the financial markets going into 2012 compared to last year

- However, one-third believe they will have to delay retirement or work part-time during retirement

- Residents in Manitoba and Saskatchewan lead country in RRSP adoption

- More than 40 per cent have or will be making a contribution to an RRSP this tax year

- Prairie Provinces are the most optimistic when it comes to their outlook for the financial markets

- However, more than three quarters are concerned about the performance of their RRSPs given current financial markets

- Three-in-five Albertans are confident in their ability to save for their ideal retirement lifestyle-making them among the most confident in Canada

- Yet, almost half of those surveyed do not plan to make an RRSP contribution this tax year

- Seventy-eight per cent of Albertans express concern over the performance of their RRSP, given market volatility and the state of the economy

- Almost 60 per cent of B.C. residents believe they are on the right path to realize their ideal retirement lifestyle

- However, 72 per cent are worried about the performance of their RRSPs given the current state of the economy

- B.C. residents most likely in Canada to contribute less to their RRSP than last tax year

- One-in-three lack confidence in their ability to save for retirement - twice as many as during the 2010 tax year

- More than two-thirds express concern over the performance of their RRSP, given market volatility and the state of the economy

- Almost 70 per cent of Canadians plan on contributing more or the same amount to their RRSP this tax year compared to last

- In 2010 the average RRSP contribution was $4,700

- Almost two-thirds of Quebecers feel confident in their ability to save for their ideal retirement lifestyle

- Forty per cent have or will be making a contribution to an RRSP before the February 29, 2011 deadline - above the national average

- More than half either feel the same or are more optimistic about the markets compared to last year

- However, more than 60 per cent are concerned about the performance of their RRSPs

- Fewer than 20 per cent of Canadians believe employers will invest in training and development-down from 33 per cent in 2010.

- Only 17 per cent think employers will hire new talent in 2012 compared to almost 30 per cent last year.

- Canadians expectations for workforce investments are significantly lower than employers' stated intentions for the New Year.

- Extended family members can play an important role in helping ensure the long-term financial well-being of a Canadian with a disability

- The holiday season is an excellent time for family to discuss the long-term financial needs of a relative with a disability

- BMO Holiday Spending Survey shows consumers are better prepared for holiday shopping now than in 2010, with most planning weeks or months in advance

- However, 11 per cent of Canadians still consider themselves last-minute shoppers

- Men more likely to leave gift shopping until the last minute (13 per cent vs 8 per cent of women)

Canadian spending showing serious signs of life

- 94 per cent of Canadians believe it's important to buy locally grown produce and wine on a regular basis

- Agricultural sector accounts for approximately eight per cent of Canada's total Gross Domestic Product

- Canadians will donate an average of $487 in 2011

- Charitable donations usually spike during the holiday season and so do fraudulent charity schemes

- It's critical for Canadians to do their due diligence before making a donation

- Canadians expect to spend $1397 this holiday season

- Gift giving spend decreases while holiday entertaining spending accounts for the biggest year-over-year increase - up by more than $100

- Albertans set to spend the most on average on gifts

- BMO study finds that most grandparents give approximately $100 a year in gifts to each of their grandkids

- A holiday gift of $100 a year from each set of grandparents to an RESP can provide a child with up to $11,000 for their post-secondary education

- Current cost of a four-year degree can be up to $60,000; it could be as high as $140,000 for a child born in 2011

- BMO offers advice on how to maximize education savings

Writing a story on retirement or investing? Need some background, a quote, a different perspective?

Call the BMO RRSP Media Hotline at 1-866-298-8385 or e-mail Rachael McKay at rachael.mckay@bmo.com

Paying down household debt and holiday gifts top uses for year-end bonuses

- 29 per cent of working Canadians expect to receive a year-end bonus

- 79 per cent of those who anticipate receiving a bonus believe it will be the same or more than last year

- Over half of Canadians who expect to receive a year-end bonus will use the money to pay down household debt

- Over 78,000 franchises across Canada employ more than 1 million people

- Franchising accounts for over 10 per cent of Canada's GDP

- Franchised businesses account for over 40 per cent of all retail sales

BMO Reiterates that the 25 Year Amortization is the Right Mortgage for Right Now

- Only 37 per cent of Canadian parents have appointed a guardian

- 80 per cent of parents would look to family when choosing a guardian

- Majority don't know how much money they would leave to a guardian to cover additional expenses

- The holiday season is an excellent time to begin discussing guardianship with family and friends

- UBC Dairy Education & Research Centre in B.C.'s Fraser Valley receives BMO Financial Group gift

- Research key to the sustainability and productivity of the Canadian dairy industry

- Agriculture sector to grow 2 per cent in 2012, 2 to 3 per cent in subsequent years

Pledge to Fund State-Of-The-Art Equipment at Royal Jubilee Hospital's New Patient Care Centre

- Douglas Porter, Andrew Busch, and Paul Taylor take a look back at 2011 and provide forecast for the year to come

- First bank to introduce RDSP recommends lifetime contribution limit increase to $500,000

- Proposes changes to 10-year rule for accessing funds

- Annual contribution deadline is December 31

- 57 per cent of employers will be hosting an employee holiday party

- 21 per cent of Canadians will be purchasing gifts for co-workers, and

- 6 per cent will be buying a gift just for their boss

- BMO Ultimate Fan contest for Windsor Spitfires will provide fans a chance to win a trip for two to the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup

- Community celebration to kick off four-year partnership with BMO

- Windsor one of 41 communities across Canada where local celebrations will take place

- December 31st deadlines loom for Canadians who want to minimize taxes on their investments

- BMO survey finds that three-quarters of Canadians don't consider tax implications when investing; 40 per cent are not confident they're taking advantage of all tax incentives

Schools, businesses and universities rally behind robotics to promote student success and engage youth in learning

- New BMO branch in the Aspen Landing Shopping Centre represents a $1.1 million investment into the community

- Offers customers extended banking hours, including Sundays

- 'Making Money Make Sense' in four languages

- New program offers simple and cost effective way to buy and hold physical gold

- Allows investors to hold gold in a custodial account or arrange for home delivery

- BMO to hold celebrations in 41 Canadian communities to kick off four-year partnership with the Canadian Hockey League

- BMO launches national Ultimate CHL Fan Contest, providing a lucky fan in each of the Ontario Hockey League, Western Hockey League and Quebec Major Junior Hockey League a chance to win a trip for two to the 2012 MasterCard Memorial Cup

BMO study shows 80 per cent of Canadian households say the female head will do the majority of the holiday shopping.

- 43 per cent of women are shopping online this season (up from 34 per cent in 2010)

- 89 per cent of Canadian shoppers used a credit card to shop online last year

- Deadline for fee-free delivery of online orders is December 15

- New BMO branch represents a $1.2 million investment into the community

- 'Making Money Make Sense' in nine different languages

- Offering customers extended banking hours, including Saturdays and Sundays

- Celebration features complimentary hors d'oeuvres, prizes and donation presentation to the YWCA Edmonton

- Program helps farmers mitigate risk and manage cash flow

- BMO AgriInvest account allows farmers to increase their savings through market-leading rate

- Almost two-thirds of Quebecers feel confident in their ability to save for their ideal retirement lifestyle

- Forty per cent have or will be making a contribution to an RRSP this year above the national average

- More than half are either more optimistic or feel the same about the financial markets compared to last year

- However, more than 60 per cent are concerned about the performance of their RRSPs

- Almost three-quarters of Ontarians plan on contributing the same amount or more to their RRSP compared to last year

- More than half are confident in their ability to save for their ideal retirement

- Given market volatility and the state of the economy, almost three-quarters of Ontarians are concerned about the performance of their RRSP

- Residents in Manitoba and Saskatchewan lead country in RRSP adoption

- More than 40 per cent have or will be making a contribution to an RRSP this year

- Prairie Provinces are the most optimistic when it comes to their outlook for the financial markets

- However, more than three quarters are concerned about the performance of their RRSPs given current financial markets

- Almost 60 per cent of B.C. residents believe they are on the right path to realize their ideal retirement lifestyle

- However, 72 per cent are worried about the performance of their RRSPs given the current state of the economy

- B.C. residents most likely in Canada to contribute less to their RRSP than last year

- 49 per cent feel that they are on track to realize their ideal retirement lifestyle

- More than a quarter have or will be making a contribution to an RRSP this year

- Almost half are either more optimistic or feel the same about financial markets this year compared to last year

- However, one-third believe they will have to delay retirement or work part-time during retirement

- Three-in-five Albertans are confident in their ability to save for their ideal retirement lifestyle- making them among the most confident in Canada

- Yet, almost half of those surveyed do not plan to make an RRSP contribution this year

- Seventy-eight per cent of Albertans express concern over the performance of their RRSP, given market volatility and the state of the economy

- One-in-three lack confidence in their ability to save for retirement - twice as many as last year

- More than two-thirds express concern over the performance of their RRSP, given market volatility and the state of the economy

- Almost 70 per cent of Canadians plan on contributing more or the same amount to their RRSP this year compared to last year

- In 2010 the average RRSP contribution was $4,700

- Growth rebounded in Q3, leading to growth of 2.3 per cent for 2011

- Resource-based provinces leading the way

- Growth of 2.0 per cent expected in 2012

Rory Buchalter Appointed Director and Senior Credit Analyst; Bobby Missar Joins Firm as Analyst

- Population growth tops 2 per cent year-over-year

- Real GDP growth of 1.7 per cent in 2011; 1.4 per cent in 2012 (Canada's at 2.3 per cent in 2011; 2.0 per cent in 2012)

- Housing starts to climb above 2010 levels: 68,000 in 2011 and 64,000 in 2012

- Robust condo construction continuing

- Real GDP growth of 2.1 per cent in 2011; 1.9 per cent in 2012 (Canada's at 2.3 per cent in 2011; 2.0 per cent in 2012)

- Irving shipbuilding contract worth $25 billion through 2030

- Natural gas exports to increase

- Real GDP growth of 1.6 per cent in 2011; 1.8 per cent in 2012 (Canada's at 2.3 per cent in 2011; 2.0 per cent in 2012)

- High oil prices strengthening energy sector and driving labour market

- Real GDP growth of 3.3 per cent in 2011; 2.8 per cent in 2012 (Canada's at 2.3 per cent in 2011; 2.0 per cent in 2012)