Oil is high, volatility is low, and the Canadian dollar isn't behaving the way investors might expect. Bipan Rai welcomes Shaun Osborne, Chief FX Strategist at Scotiabank, to discuss the forces driving USD/CAD, the outlook for global currencies, and why the next big move in foreign exchange may be hiding in plain sight. This podcast was recorded on June 8, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple...
Jun 10, 2026•34 min
From Nasdaq and FTSE Russell to MSCI, the rules governing index inclusion are being rewritten in real time. In this episode, Matt Montemurro joins hosts Zayla Saunders and Hilly Cutler to unpack where the guardrails are bending, what SpaceX’s landmark IPO means for passive investors—and why the index you own may determine the exposure you get. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM) and Hilly Cutler is Director of Portfolio Consulting ...
Jun 09, 2026•23 min
In this episode, Darim Abdullah joins hosts Zayla Saunders and Hilly Cutler to unpack why not all US equity exposure is created equal—from the mechanics of concentration risk in market cap weighted indices, to how equal weighting canbroaden a portfolio’s return drivers and reduce reliance on a handful of mega cap names. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM) and Hilly Cutler is Director of Portfolio Consulting and Senior Portfolio Con...
Jun 02, 2026•22 min
Why are pensions, insurers and family offices increasingly turning to ETFs—not just tactically, but at the core of portfolio construction? Bipan Rai sits down with Daniel Stanley, head of institutional sales and services at BMO Global Asset Management, to discuss liquidity, “portable alpha”, fixed income ETFs and how institutions are revising the active-versus-passive debate. This podcast was record on May 27, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK...
May 28, 2026•17 min
In this episode, host Zayla Saunders and guest Sheldon Quan King from MSCI Canada explore why index choice is itself an investment decision—from how index construction methodology shapes investor outcomes, to the case for international small and mid cap equities, and the growing role of equal weight strategies in reducing concentration risk. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Sheldon Quan King, Vice President, In...
May 26, 2026•18 min
In this episode, Erika Toth and Hilly Cutler sit down with host Zayla Saunders to break down the rise of asset allocation ETFs in Canada: from their origins and evolution over the past decade to the fee innovations, flow trends, and real-world portfolio use cases shaping the space today. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Erika Toth, Director and Head of ETF and Portfolio Consulting at BMO GAM, and Hilly Cutler, ...
May 19, 2026•21 min
Canadian investors are facing a complicated macro setup: a softer labour market, sticky inflation risks, tariff uncertainty and a bond market still trying to price the Bank of Canada’s next move. In this episode, Bipan is joined by TD Securities’ Andrew Kelvin to unpack what the latest data means for portfolios, discuss the rates outlook, yield curve, fixed income currency risk and more. This podcast was recorded on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/5...
May 13, 2026•27 min
In this episode, Hilly Cutler joins host Zayla Saunders to unpack what ETF flows are revealing as we move through 2026 — the shift toward low-cost indexing, which Canadian sectors are leading the charge, and how rising yields are reshaping the bond landscape. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Hilly Cutler, Director of Portfolio Consulting and Senior Portfolio Consultant at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live...
May 12, 2026•17 min
Both the Bank of Canada and the U.S. Federal Reserve held rates steady last week — but the real story was in the details. In this episode, Saakshi Mehta and host, Zayla Saunders, unpack the messaging behind the holds, what the Fed's newleadership could mean for markets, and why a 60-20-20 portfolio approach is worth a closer look right now. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Saakshi Mehta, Vice President, ETF &am...
May 05, 2026•12 min
The federal deficit came in better than expected for fiscal 2025-26, but the path forward remains wide. Robert Kavcic,senior economist with BMO Capital Markets joins Bipan to break down the 2026 Spring Economic Update, including how Ottawa used its extra fiscal room, what the new sovereignwealth fund could mean in practice, and how Canada's fiscal position stacks up against its G7 peers. This podcast was recorded on May 1, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a...
May 04, 2026•24 min
In this episode, host Zayla Saunders sits down with Roxane Lapenna to break down the mechanics behind the covered call ETF shelf: from option premium and cash flow generation to the realities of NAV erosion and what it all means for your portfolio. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Roxane Lapenna, Head of Retail Investment Specialists at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on April 27, 2026. ETFs mentioned: ...
Apr 28, 2026•16 min
Private credit is under pressure—but how concerned should investors be? Bipan is joined by Mark Jarosz, head of credit alternatives at BMO Global Asset Management, to break down default data, liquidity and retail flows. They explore why institutional capital remains steady, how today’s market differs from the Global Financial Crisis, and what’s actually driving volatility beneath the headlines. This podcast was recorded on April 22, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54...
Apr 24, 2026•22 min
In this episode, Matt Montemurro joins host Zayla Saunders to pull back the curtain on BMO’s asset allocation ETF suite —from benchmark methodology and portfolio construction to the tax efficiency decisions often overlooked by everyday investors. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Matt Montemurro, Head of Fixed Income and Equity Index ETFs at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on April 17, 2026. ETFs mention...
Apr 23, 2026•17 min
From shifting macro regimes to growing stagflation risks, the investment landscape continues to change. In this episode, special guest Bipan Rai and hosts Zayla Saunders and Hilly Cutler discuss central bank divergence, the evolving role of commodities, and what it all means for portfolio construction and positioning in the year ahead. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Hilly Cutler, Director of Portfolio Consult...
Apr 16, 2026•26 min
What's really moving credit markets in 2026? In this episode, Mark Jarosz joins host Acushla Vestby to cut through the headlines — breaking down where the opportunities lie, what risks to watch, and how credit alternatives fit into today's portfolios. Acushla Vestby is Head of Structured Solutions and National Accounts at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Mark Jarosz, Head of Credit Alternatives at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on Friday, March 27, 2026. ETFs ment...
Apr 09, 2026•15 min
From energy shocks and bond market tension to the surprising behaviour of gold and global equities, Bipan is joined by Brent Joyce, chief investment strategist for BMO Private Wealth to explore how investors can stay grounded when markets are moving seemingly minute-by-minute. The pair discuss how disciplined portfolio construction beats reactive decisions, carrying investors through the uncertainty. This podcast was recorded on Monday, April 6, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spoti...
Apr 08, 2026•28 min
What are ETF flows revealing as Q1 draws to a close? In this episode, Bipan Rai and Matt Montemurro join host, Erika Toth, to break down the latest industry and positioning data — and what it all means for investors looking to stay ahead of the curve. Erika Toth is Director and Head of ETFs and Portfolio Consulting at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds at BMO GAM, and Matt Montemurro, Head of Fixed Income and Equity Inde...
Mar 26, 2026•21 min
The Iran energy crisis will have an uneven impact on an already fragile Canadian economy. Royce Mendes, head of macro strategy at Desjardins Capital Markets, joins Bipan to discuss where risks are most acute, and how central bank policymakers may respond. This podcast was recorded live on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-outcry/id1804618898 S...
Mar 25, 2026•27 min
When markets turn, is your portfolio built to hold up? In this episode, Hilly Cutler and Bipan Rai join host, Tasha Konkin, to explore defensive investing — covering dividend, quality, low-volatility, and long-short strategies, and how they can help investors stay resilient in any market environment. Tasha Konkin is Director of ETFs for Western Canada at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Hilly Cutler, Director of Portfolio Consulting and Senior Portfolio Consultant at BMO G...
Mar 19, 2026•25 min
What might recent AI developments mean for your investment portfolio? In this episode, Malcolm White joins host Zayla Saunders to explore the pace of innovation and the potential spending shifts emerging from the most recent earnings season — and why the ripple effects may be worth paying attention to, wherever you're invested. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Malcolm White, Director and Portfolio Manager of Gl...
Mar 12, 2026•23 min
After a muted initial reaction to the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran and risk that the conflict may rapidly widen, energy markets have started pricing in darker scenarios. In this episode, Bipan is joined by TD Securities commodities strategist Daniel Ghali, where the pair discuss the extent to which crude prices may rise further, as well as implications for the broader global commodities complex. This episode was recorded live on March 4, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/sho...
Mar 06, 2026•22 min
In this episode, Bipan Rai, Sohrab Movahedi, and your host, Skye Collyer, unpack Canada's ‘Big Six’ banks' Q1 2026 earnings — cutting through the noise on tariffs, growth drivers, and what resilience looks like in an uncertain macro environment. Skye Collyer is a Director of ETF Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds at BMO GAM, and Sohrab Movahedi, Managing Director of Financials Research at BMO Capital Mark...
Mar 05, 2026•22 min
For Canadian investors eyeing opportunities abroad, the question isn't just where — it's how. In this episode, Hilly Cutler joins host Saakshi Mehta to unpack international equities, covering the hedged versus unhedged debate, the regions and trends worth watching, and key trading practices for foreign market ETFs. Saakshi Mehta is Vice President of ETF & Alternatives Strategy at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Hilly Cutler, Director, Portfolio Consulting and Senior P...
Feb 26, 2026•17 min
With the US market continuing to draw investor attention, Bipan surveys the current state of play, covering what the latest US data means for Fed policy and positioning, why AI's productivity gains may benefit a narrow set of market participants rather than the broader economy, and where he sees hedging opportunities in the US dollar moving forward. This podcast was recorded live on February 18, 2026. FOMC: Federal Open Market Committee Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bs...
Feb 26, 2026•17 min
With the S&P 500 more concentrated than ever and international markets gaining momentum, how are investorsbuilding more resilient portfolios? In this episode, Roxanne Lapenna and Hilly Cutler join host Andrew Vachon to break down the latest ETF launches and what they could mean for income, diversification, and long-term returns. Andrew Vachon is Vice President of Product Marketing at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). He is joined on the podcast by Roxane Lapenna, Head of Retail Investme...
Feb 19, 2026•17 min
What happens when an aging population reshapes an entire nation’s financial future? In this episode, Alain Desbiens joins host Michelle Allen to unpack how Canada’s demographic shift is transforming retirement planning, creating new challenges—and long‑term opportunities—for today’s investors. Michelle Allen is Senior Associate, Online Distribution at BMO Exchange Traded Funds and Alain Desbiens is Vice Chair of BMO Exchange Traded Funds. This episode was recorded live on Tuesday, February 10, 2...
Feb 12, 2026•18 min
In this episode, Bipan Rai and Matt Montemurro join host, Esther Choi to unpack the latest trends in global commodity markets, exploring how broad-based commodity ETFs can streamline access to multiple futures exposures and offer investors a simple, cost-efficient approach to portfolio diversification. Esther Choi is Vice President, ETF Specialist, BMO ETFs at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds at BMO GAM, and Matt Monte...
Feb 05, 2026•21 min
Two simmering forces have helped drive historic swings in gold and silver prices in recent weeks: further erosion in the U.S. dollar’s global reserve currency status, as well as a shift among several governments to prioritize the stockpiling of resources and industrial production. Bipan is joined by Daniel Ghali, senior commodity strategist at TD Securities, to discuss the outlook for the precious metals as well as copper in the wake of the remarkable price action. This podcast was recorded live...
Feb 04, 2026•19 min
Gold’s surge past $5,000 (U.S.) an ounce amid policy rate pauses from both the Federal Reserve and Bank of Canada have given macroeconomic watchers much to discuss. Bipan is joined by RBC Capital Markets’ Jason Daw to talk about what they expect for yields, term premia, trade risks and more. This podcast was recorded live on January 29, 2026. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the...
Jan 30, 2026•25 min
For Canadian investors, choosing between hedged and unhedged ETFs is a key decision when building global portfolios. In this episode, Bipan Rai and Jennifer Li join host Erika Toth to discuss how these preferences have evolved in recent years, how advisors can align hedging decisions with clients' investment policies, and the foreign exchange dynamics shaping Canada's ETF market. Erika Toth is Director and Head of ETF and Portfolio Consulting at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is join...
Jan 29, 2026•29 min