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