Views from the Desk

The Case for Asset Allocation ETFs

Jan. 2, 2026

Asset allocation ETFs offer simplicity, diversification, and low fees — making them an increasingly popular choice for Canadian investors. But with more than 90 options on the market, finding the best fit can be challenging. In today’s episode, Alain Desbiens joins host Danielle Neziol to explore the unique benefits of these all-in-one solutions and highlight BMO ETFs that can help investors build wealth and manage income more effectively — whether starting out or planning for retirement.

Danielle Neziol is a Vice President of Direct Distribution at BMO Exchange Traded Funds. She is joined on the podcast by Alain Desbiens, Vice Chair of BMO Exchange Traded Funds. The episode was recorded live on Friday, December 122025.

ETFs mentioned:

ZBAL, total returns as of 2025/11/30: 1 yr: 12.68%, 3yr: 12.85%, 5 yr 8.16%, 10 yr: NA, SI 8.82%

ZGRO, total returns as of 2025/11/30: 1 yr: 15.93%, 3yr: 15.95%, 5 yr 11.13%, 10 yr: NA, SI: 11.24%

Source: ETF Flows, according to the National Bank Report, December 2025

Source: SIMA Monthly Investment Fund Statistics – October 2025

Largest and Most Liquid ETFs

2025 Canadian Fund Fee Study

SPIVA Canada Mid-Year 2025 Score Card

Press Release - June 2, 2025 - BMO Lowers Fees on Asset Allocation ETFs to Deliver Greater Value to Investors

AUM: Assets Under Management 

Duration: A measure of the sensitivity of the price of a fixed income investment to a change in interest rates. Duration is expressed as number of years. The price of a bond with a longer duration would be expected to rise (fall) more than the price of a bond with lower duration when interest rates fall (rise).

T series ETFs (“dot-T): These units are Fixed Percentage Distribution Units that provide a fixed monthly distribution based on an annual distribution rate of 6%. Distributions may be comprised of net income, net realized capital gains and/​or a return of capital. The monthly amount is determined by applying the annual distribution rate to the T Series Fund’s unit price at the end of the previous calendar year, arriving at an annual amount per unit for the coming year. This annual amount is then divided into 12 equal distributions, which are paid each month.

Yield to maturity (YTM): The total expected return from a bond when it is held until maturity – including all interest, coupon payments, and premium or discount adjustments.[OO1]

SIMA: Securities and Investment Management Association

SPIVA: The S&P Indices Versus Active

Disclaimers:

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Any statement that necessarily depends on future events may be a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Although such statements are based on assumptions that are believed to be reasonable, there can be no assurance that actual results will not differ materially from expectations. Investors are cautioned not to rely unduly on any forward-looking statements. In connection with any forward-looking statements, investors should carefully consider the areas of risk described in the most recent prospectus.

Distribution yields are calculated by using the most recent regular distribution, or expected distribution, (which may be based on income, dividends, return of capital, and option premiums, as applicable) and excluding additional year end distributions, and special reinvested distributions annualized for frequency, divided by current net asset value (NAV). The yield calculation does not include reinvested distributions. 

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The BMO ETFs or securities referred to herein are not sponsored, endorsed or promoted by MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”), and MSCI bears no liability with respect to any such BMO ETFs or securities or any index on which such BMO ETFs or securities are based. The prospectus of the BMO ETFs contains a more detailed description of the limited relationship MSCI has with BMO Asset Management Inc. and any related BMO ETFs.

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For a summary of the risks of an investment in the BMO ETFs, please see the specific risks set out in the BMO ETF’s prospectus. BMO ETFs trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at a discount to their net asset value, which may increase the risk of loss. Distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to change and/​or elimination.

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