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 new leadership 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 & Alternative Strategy at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on Monday, May 4, 2026.
Saakshi Mehta
Vice President, ETF & Alternatives Strategy
Saakshi Mehta joined BMO Global Asset Management in October 2025 and currently serves as Vice President, ETF and Alternatives Strategy. Her work focuses on macroeconomic trends and their implications for ETF markets, including analysis of monetary policy, fiscal developments, and market structure across asset classes. Prior to joining BMO GAM, Saakshi was part of the Portfolio Strategy team at Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan. She holds a Master of Financial Economics from the University of Toronto and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Psychology from the University of British Columbia.
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Performance and Strategy Updates
All prices, returns and portfolio weights are as of market close on June 30, 2026, unless otherwise indicated.
All prices, returns and portfolio weights are as of market close on March 31, 2026, unless otherwise indicated.
Ever been to a really good party that you didn’t want to end? Remember that feeling you get when the lights start to come back on, the bar is closing and the music is winding down? There’s a slight wistfulness that the fun is over and it’s time to go home – even if you feel like it’s still a bit too early and want to keep dancing.
Sector/Commodity ETFs
Broader market leadership is emerging, but with concentration risks lingering, we favour selective sector exposure led by an overweight in Materials.
Strong earnings continue to power equities higher, but sector leadership is shifting beneath the surface of the rally.
Q1 2026 earnings season has been off to a strong start. As of Monday (April 27), nearly 30% of the S&P 500 companies have reported, with roughly 80% beating expectations. Despite persistent macro noise, markets are increasingly rewarding earnings delivery rather than reacting to headlines, pushing equities to record highs in April.