E284 – Understanding Long-Short Strategies

What exactly are long-shorts? And how do they differ from traditional ETFs? In this episode, special guest Lu Lin and host, Erika Toth, delve into the popular alternative strategy, answering frequently asked questions on benefits, portfolio construction, and more. Erika Toth is Director, Institutional & Advisory at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). Lu Lin is Head of Quantitative Investments at BMO GAM. Recorded live on Oct 1, 2025.ETFs mentioned in the podcast:BMO Long Short US Equity ETF (ZLSU) BMO Long Short Canadian Equity ETF (ZLSC)BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP)BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (ZCN)BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (ZLB)BMO Low Volatility US Equity ETF (ZLU) ZLSU, total returns as of 2025/08/31: 1 yr: 18.00%, SI: 22.53%ZLSC, total returns as of 2025/08/31: 1 yr: 13.25%, SI: 20.61% ZLSU & ZLSC Inception date: Sep 27, 2023ZSP, total returns as of 2025/08/31: 1 yr: 17.79%, 3 yr: 20.93%, 5 yr: 15.56%, 10 yr: 14.67%ZCN, total returns as of 2025/08/31: 1 yr: 25.76%, 3 yr: 17.40%, 5 yr: 14.92%, 10 yr: 10.79%Beta: A measure of the volatility, or systematic risk, of a security or a portfolio in comparison to the market as a whole. Usually, the market has a beta of 1.0. Stocks with betas higher than 1.0 are interpreted as more volatile than the market, and stocks with betas lower than 1.0 are interpretedas less volatile than the market.Risk: All investments involve risk. The value of an ETF can go down as well as up and you could lose money. The risk of an ETF is rated based on the volatility of the ETF’s returns using the standardized risk classification methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators. Historical volatility doesn’t tell you how volatile an ETF will be in the future. An ETF with a risk rating of ​“low” can still lose money. For more information about the risk rating and specific risks that can affect an ETF’s returns, see the BMO ETFs’ prospectus. Sharpe Ratio: A risk-adjusted return measure calculated by using standard deviation and excess return to determine reward per unit of risk. The higher the Sharpe Ratio, the better the portfolio's historical risk-adjusted performance.Disclaimers:Please visit for full disclaimersThis 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. Particular investments and/or trading strategies 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. 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.