BMO ETFs: Views from the Desk

E295 – The Case for Asset Allocation ETFs


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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 by Alain Desbiens, Vice Chair of BMO Exchange Traded Funds. Recorded live on December 12, 2025. 

ETFs: 

  • BMO Asset Allocation ETFs 

  • BMO Conservative ETF (ZCON) 

  • BMO Balanced ETF (ZBAL) 

  • BMO Growth ETF (ZGRO) 

  • BMO All-Equity ETF (ZEQT) 

  • BMO Discount Bond Index ETF (ZDB)  

  • BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (ZAG) 

  • BMO Growth ETF (Fixed Percentage Distribution Units) (ZGRO.T) 

  • BMO Balanced ETF (Fixed Percentage Distribution Units) (ZBAL.T) 

  • BMO All-Equity ETF (ZEQT)  

  • BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP) 

  • BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (ZCN) 

  • BMO MSCI EAFE Index ETF (ZEA) 

  • BMO MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF (ZEM) 

  • BMO Balanced ESG ETF (ZESG) 

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  

Disclaimers: 

Please visit for full disclaimers 

This podcast is for information purposes. The viewpoints expressed by the speakers represent their assessment of the markets at the time of publication. Those views are subject to change without notice at any time. The information contained herein is not, and should not be construed as investment, tax or legal advice to any party. Investments should be evaluated relative to the individual’s investment objectives and professional advice should be obtained with respect to any circumstance.  

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. 

Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in exchange-traded funds. Please read the ETF Facts or prospectus of the BMO ETFs before investing. Exchange-traded funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. 

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. 

BMO ETFs are managed and administered by BMO Asset Management Inc., an investment fund manager and a portfolio manager, and a separate legal entity from Bank of Montreal. 

BMO Global Asset Management is a brand name under which BMO Asset Management Inc. and BMO Investments Inc. operate. 

“BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence. 

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BMO ETFs: Views from the DeskBy BMO Exchange Traded Funds


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