Last quarter, our mantra was “the best offence is a good defence.” Does it still make sense in today’s environment? In this episode, special guest Sohrab Movahedi, ETF and Alternatives Strategist Bipan Rai, and your host, Skye Collyer, provide a third-quarter update on the Big Six, discussing recent earnings results, key themes to watch, and their outlook for the months ahead. Skye Collyer is a Director of ETF Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management. She is joined on the podcast by Bipan Rai...
Sep 04, 2025•26 min
The early autumn has been accompanied in recent years by broad market weakness and heightened volatility, and this September appears to be no exception. Bipan looks at what’s driving the phenomenon, as well as other macro factors currently impacting financial markets. This episode was recorded live on September 2, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-outcry/id180461889...
Sep 03, 2025•19 min
Exchange-traded funds were once thought to be a passing fad in investing; now, 35 years later, the ETF industry is booming. In this special episode, Vice Chair of BMO ETFs Alain Desbiens, and your host, Erika Toth, take a look back at where it all began, the evolution of this Canadian invention—and what’s next. Erika Toth is a Director of Institutional and Advisory for Eastern Canada at BMO Global Asset Management. She is joined on the podcast by Alain Desbiens, Vice Chair at BMO Exchange Traded...
Aug 21, 2025•22 min
Do we really know AI? In this episode, Malcolm White, Bipan Rai, and host, Zayla Saunders, take a deep dive into artificial intelligence and the unknown limits to its potential. They also explore key trends, tech earnings, and the knowledge revolution. Zayla Saunders is a Senior Associate of Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Malcolm White, Portfolio Manager (Technology, Media and Communications), Global Equity at BMO GAM, and Bipan Rai, Head of ETF St...
Aug 14, 2025•33 min
Monetizing volatility through structured rate instruments has become a trusted income strategy, including for the BMO Strategic Fixed Income Yield Fund, sometimes called BMO’s “structured rates fund.” Portfolio manager Olivia Pei joins Bipan to discuss how the vehicle is constructed, the way it differs from comparable strategies such as covered calls and its use case as a diversified income generator for cash-focused portfolios. This podcast was recorded live on August 12, 2025. Show link (Spoti...
Aug 13, 2025•19 min
What’s next for U.S.-Canada trade? In this episode, ETF and Alternatives Strategist Bipan Rai, and host, Erika Toth, break down the current and potential implications of reciprocal tariffs and explore key data points to watch. Erika Toth is Director, Institutional & Advisory at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds at BMO GAM. Recorded live on August 6, 2025. Funds: BMO Equal Weight Industrials Index ETF (ZIN) BMO Canad...
Aug 07, 2025•25 min
The latest U.S. jobs report has sent tremors through financial markets, altering odds of when—and how quickly—the U.S. Federal Reserve will commence its cutting cycle. Ali Jaffery of CIBC Economics joins Bipan to break down the recent string data flow from south of the border, and what it means for investors. Ali also provides advice on fantasy football for the upcoming season. This podcast was recorded live on August 5, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IM...
Aug 06, 2025•28 min
Collateralized Loan Obligations are shaking up the Canadian investing landscape. Bipan is joined by BMO Global Asset Management’s private credit head, Mark Jarosz, to explore how these investments are structured and can be used to add diversified yield potential. This podcast was recorded live on July 29, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-open-outcry/id1804618898 Show...
Jul 30, 2025•23 min
In this episode, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and your host, Erin Allen, unpack the growing tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Fed Chair Jerome Powell, touching on how political pressures could reshape monetary policy expectations and sector performance—and what it all means for investors. Erin Allen is a Director of Direct Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds at BMO GAM. The episode was recorded...
Jul 28, 2025•15 min
Job market data and other official figures suggest the Canadian economy is on surprisingly steady ground, but other indicators are decidedly more bearish. Royce Mendes of Desjardins Capital Markets joins Bipan to discuss what it all means for upcoming interest rate decisions from the Bank of Canada while factoring in a fraught backdrop in U.S.-Canada trade relations. This podcast was recorded live on July 22, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK...
Jul 23, 2025•30 min
What are the side effects of higher pricing pressures and capital costs? In this episode, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and host, Michelle Allen, break down the potential implications for investors and why alternatives (alts) matter in the current environment. They also provide a third-quarter update on portfolio positioning. Michelle Allen is a Senior Associate, Online Distribution, BMO ETFs at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). Bipan Rai is Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds, at BMO G...
Jul 17, 2025•18 min
What are the advantages of investing in gold? In this special episode, Portfolio Managers Jonathan Lau and Olivia Li, and your host, Erika Toth, explore this safe-haven asset. They also introduce a new way to get exposure to the price of gold bullion while generating monthly cash flow. Erika Toth is a Director of Institutional and Advisory at BMO Global Asset Management. She is joined by Jonathan Lau and Olivia Li, Portfolio Managers at BMO Exchange Traded Funds. Recorded live on May 28, 2025. A...
Jul 10, 2025•14 min
In this episode, your host, Erika Toth, sits down with special guest Brian Belski, to get his sought-after market outlook for the months ahead and introduce five brand new Belski ETFs. Erika Toth is a Director of Institutional & Advisory, Eastern Canada, at BMO Global Asset Management. She is joined by Brian Belski, Chief Investment Strategist and leader of the Investment Strategy Group, BMO Capital Markets. Recorded live on June 9, 2025. Funds: BMO Canadian Core Plus US Balanced ETF (ZBCB) ...
Jun 26, 2025•26 min
A new floor price for world oil prices as well as rising forecasts for gold are two among many implications traders are weighing as tensions simmer between Iran, Israel as well as the United States. Bipan is joined by TD Securities strategist Daniel Ghali to discuss what impact the conflict has had on commodity and energy price expectations. This podcast was recorded live on June 24, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts...
Jun 25, 2025•21 min
In this episode, special guest Sohrab Movahedi, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and your host, Skye Collyer, take a deep dive into Canada’s Big Six banks, from recent earnings results to key themes to watch throughout the second half of 2025. Skye Collyer is a Director of ETF Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management. She is joined on the podcast by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds, at BMO Global Asset Management, and Sohrab Movahedi, Managing Director of Financials Research at...
Jun 19, 2025•29 min
A part of the new U.S. tax bill (Section 899) holds potentially sweeping implications for Canadian investments in the United States. Leila Ross from BMO Global Asset Management joins Bipan to break down what the current proposals are, their possible impact on Canadians, and what could change before the legislation is passed. This podcast was recorded live on June 17, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://p...
Jun 18, 2025•18 min
Will 2025 be another record year for the ETF industry? In this episode, Bipan Rai, Matt Montemurro, and host, Erika Toth, look at the latest trends and flows in Canada. Erika Toth is a Director of Institutional & Advisory, Eastern Canada, at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds, BMO GAM, and Matt Montemurro, Head of Fixed Income & Equity Index ETFs, Exchange Traded Funds. Recorded live on June 10, 2025. Funds: BMO ...
Jun 12, 2025•26 min
Bipan Rai and BMO Global Asset Management Chief Investment Officer Sadiq Adatia discuss the monthly House View outlook from Sadiq and team for June, dissecting the group’s shift to a neutral posture across asset classes, with the intent of being opportunistic. This podcast was recorded live on June 5, 2025. For BMO GAM’s latest monthly House View report, visit: https://bmogam.com/ca-en/insights/monthly-house-view/ Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK...
Jun 11, 2025•19 min
From sidewalks to skyscrapers, Bipan Rai, Massimo Bonansinga, and host, Andrew Vachon, drill down on the critical role infrastructure plays in economic growth and recovery. They also discuss how the sector has been impacted by the global trade war and share potential opportunities. Andrew Vachon is VP of Product Marketing, BMO Global Asset Management (GAM). He is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, ETFs, BMO GAM, and Massimo Bonansinga, Portfolio Manager (Industrials & Utilities), Glo...
May 29, 2025•19 min
U.S. House Republican tax legislation backed by President Trump holds potentially significant implications for foreign investors, including Canadians. Bipan Rai sits down with Chris Krueger, Managing Director with TD Cowen’s Washington Research Group to pore over the details, and discuss the potential market impact. This podcast was recorded live on May 27, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://podcasts.app...
May 28, 2025•23 min
In today’s episode, special guest Mark Jarosz, and your host, Zayla Saunders, take us to the top of the cash flow waterfall to provide must-know answers to your collateralized loan obligation, or CLO, questions. Zayla Saunders is a Senior Associate of Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (GAM). She is joined on the podcast by Mark Jarosz, Lead, Private Credit, Alternatives, at BMO GAM. Recorded live on Wed, May 21, 2025. ETFs: BMO AAA CLO ETF (ZAAA) BMO AAA CLO ETF (Hedged Units) (...
May 22, 2025•16 min
In today’s episode, special guest Jeremy Fehr, and your host, Erika Toth, dive into the history of SIA Wealth and explore its innovative approach to tactical investing through relative strength technology. Erika Toth is a Director of Institutional and Advisory at BMO Global Asset Management. She is joined on the podcast by Jeremy Fehr, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, SIA Wealth Management & SIACharts. The episode was recorded live on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. ETFs mentioned: BMO SIA Focu...
May 15, 2025•32 min
With the Federal Reserve and Bank of Canada (BoC) travelling on what appear to be different policy trajectories, Jason Daw, head of North American rates strategy for RBC Capital Markets, joins Bipan Rai to discuss what that means for North American bonds. The pair also discuss the latest Financial Stability Report from the BoC. This podcast was recorded live on May 13, 2015. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Podcasts): https://p...
May 14, 2025•22 min
Bipan Rai is joined by Alex Singh, alternatives partnerships lead for BMO Global Asset Management to discuss the benefits of hedge funds in an overall portfolio, as well as talk about the new partnership between BMO GAM and Goldman Sachs Asset Management to launch a multi-strategy fund for Canadian investors. Note: the investment product mentioned in this podcast is only available to BMO Nesbitt Burns and BMO Private Investment Counsel advisors to date. This podcast was recorded live on May 1, 2...
May 09, 2025•26 min
In today’s episode, Bipan Rai, Matt Montemurro, and your host, Erika Toth, break down the recent federal election results. They discuss the Liberal government’s priorities, interprovincial trade barriers, the economic outlook—and what it all means for investors. Recorded live on May 6, 2025. ETFs: BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (ZST) BMO Money Market Fund ETF Series (ZMMK) BMO Target 2027 Canadian Corporate Bond ETF (ZXCO) BMO AAA CLO ETF (ZAAA) BMO AAA CLO ETF (Hedged Units) (ZAAA.F) BMO Long Fe...
May 08, 2025•23 min
Trump’s trade wars are creating ripple effects that are being felt far and wide. In today’s episode, ETF Strategist Bipan Rai, and your host, Zayla Saunders, discuss which sectors are bracing for impact or flying under the radar. Recorded live on April 30, 2025. ETFs: BMO US Equity Buffer Hedged to CAD ETF - April (ZAPR) BMO MSCI EAFE Index ETF (ZEA) BMO Gold Bullion ETF (ZGLD) BMO Global Infrastructure Index ETF (ZGI) Read Bipan Rai’s April sector report Disclaimers: The viewpoints expressed by...
May 01, 2025•22 min
A post-election special from BMO ETFs and alternatives strategist Bipan Rai and guest Ali Jaffery, executive director and senior economist at CIBC. Housing, infrastructure and defence spending are top priorities for the newly elected Liberal government. However, the pair discuss how rising trade and recession risks could upend that agenda and force new stimulus measures instead. This podcast was recorded live on April 29, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6...
Apr 30, 2025•23 min
In this episode, Jonathan Lau, Olivia Li, and host, Skye Collyer, take a deep dive into covered call ETFs—discussing how they work and strategies to utilize them for portfolio positioning in today’s marketplace. Skye Collyer is a Director of ETF Distribution at BMO Global Asset anagement (BMO GAM). She is joined by Jonathan Lau and Olivia Li, Portfolio Managers at BMO Exchange Traded Funds. Recorded live on Tues, April 15, 2025. ETFs: BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB) BMO Covered Call Te...
Apr 24, 2025•25 min
A volatile U.S. dollar amid broader trade uncertainty has many Canadian investors questioning whether to add or pare their FX hedges. Bipan Rai, managing director of ETF and structured solutions strategy at BMO ETFs, provides a brief history of the dollar’s evolution as the global reserve currency, and his view on where the greenback goes from here. This episode was recorded live on April 22, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple...
Apr 23, 2025•13 min
Tariff risk is a significant challenge for the Canadian economy—but it’s certainly not the only one confronting policy makers and the private sector. Benjamin Tal, deputy chief economist for CIBC joins Bipan Rai, director of ETF strategy at BMO ETFs to discuss how to handle Trump’s tariff shock, as well as other economic risk factors facing Canada. This episode was recorded live on April 10, 2025. Show link (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/54bsOfP7M4a6IMujUzRyBK Show link (Apple Po...
Apr 16, 2025•21 min
