News Releases

BMO brings back 2.99 per cent rate on popular 5-year fixed mortgage with maximum 25-year amortization

- Canadians currently have an average of $10.22 worth of pennies; nearly half plan to cash them in at a bank

- $810,000 in pennies have been counted through BMO Coin Counters since the March 2012 announcement of the phasing out of the penny

- BMO encourages Canadians to invest their "piggy banks" into a high-interest savings account

- Sixty-three per cent have made or plan to make a contribution to their RRSP before today's deadline, up from last year

- Average contribution amount was $3,544, down $1,100 from last year

- Psychology of Saving for Retirement: sense of responsibility was top motivator for making an RRSP contribution this year

- Many of those expecting a tax refund plan to save or invest the money or put it towards bills

BMO releases report on outlook for economy and housing market in Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo

- Kitchener-Waterloo remains more affordable than Toronto

- Long-term construction of the LRT line to boost regional activity

- Condo building has taken a prominent role over detached homes in recent years

- BMO releases report on outlook for economy and labour market in Kitchener-Waterloo-Cambridge

- Local economy outperforming the Ontario average and its peers in southwestern Ontario

- Canadians currently have an average of $10.22 worth of pennies; nearly half plan to cash them in at a bank

- $810,000 in pennies have been counted through BMO Coin Counters since the March 2012 announcement of the phasing out of the penny

- BMO encourages Canadians to invest their "piggy banks" into a high-interest savings account

- Discussion on what is on the minds and hearts of women-led businesses in British Columbia

- Top tips and advice from entrepreneurial experts on how to start your own business

- Key sectors of the economy for business start-ups in 2013

- Report shows Canadian savers on average expect to save approximately $9,200 in 2013

- Residents of Quebec have the lowest average planned savings at $5,477

- No Fee BMO IGA AIR MILES Chequing and High Interest Savings Accounts offer cost savings, convenience and value

- Deadline for contributing to an RRSP is midnight on March 1

- Three-quarters of Canadians have made or plan on making a contribution before the deadline

- BMO offers multiple options for Canadians looking to contribute

- BMO media spokespeople available to provide last-minute tips on RRSPs, saving for retirement and how to create a financial plan

- Advisory group provides guidance for women entrepreneurs looking to take the next step and grow their enterprise into a million dollar plus business

- International Women's Week starts March 3rd, celebrating the achievements of women, including women-owned businesses that employ over 1.5 million Canadians

- A third have too many activities and too little time in which to do them

- One in three say that retirement is more expensive than they expected

- Tip to younger Canadians: start saving as much as possible from an early age to realize ideal retirement lifestyle

- Grand prize won by three BMO Ultimate Fans - one each from the Western Hockey League (WHL), the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) and the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), as part of BMO Ultimate Fan Appreciation Night Series

Financial Results Highlights:

First Quarter 2013 Compared with First Quarter 2012:

- Net income of $1,048 million, down 5%; adjusted net income(1) of $1,041 million, up 7%

- EPS(2) of $1.53, down 6%; adjusted EPS(1), (2) of $1.52, up 7%

- ROE of 14.9%, compared with 17.2%; adjusted ROE(1) of 14.8%, compared with 15.0%

- Provisions for credit losses of $178 million, compared with $141 million; adjusted provisions for credit losses(1) of $96 million, compared with $91 million

- Basel III Common Equity Ratio is strong at 9.4%

- Dividend Increased by $0.02 or 3% to $0.74 per Common Share

Announced as part of Global Finance's World's Best Investment Banks 2013 Awards

- BMO branch represents a $1.4 million investment in the community

- Offering customers extended banking hours, including Saturdays

- 'Making Money Make Sense' in three different languages

Industry leaders from 25 countries and six continents to attend one of the largest metals and mining investor conferences in the world

- Seventy-two per cent of Canadian RRSP holders say their portfolio includes mutual funds

- Mutual funds comprise almost a third of total RRSP holdings

- Canadians cite professional management and ability to diversify as top reasons for choosing mutual funds

- Investors currently favour income-generating mutual funds

Concerns of a nationwide housing bubble in Canada should begin to deflate

- Latest data suggest rising income and falling mortgage rates have offset effects of higher house prices in most markets

- Currently, mortgage payments on the average-priced house in Canada consume a moderate 28 per cent of household income

- However, the typical family is largely priced out of the detached property market in Vancouver, Toronto and Victoria