E302 – Unpacking BMO's New ETF Index Strategies

With the S&P 500 more concentrated than ever and international markets gaining momentum, how are investorsbuilding more resilient portfolios? In this episode, Roxanne Lapenna and Hilly Cutler join host Andrew Vachon to break down the latest ETF launches and what they could mean for income, diversification, and long-term returns.Andrew Vachon is Vice President of Product Marketing at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). He is joined on the podcast by Roxane Lapenna, Head of Retail Investment Specialists at BMO GAM and Hilly Cutler, Director, Portfolio Consulting and Senior Portfolio Consultant at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.ETFs mentioned:·  BMO MSCI Canada IMI High Dividend Yield Index ETF (Ticker: ZDIV)·  BMO MSCI USA Equal Weight Index ETF (Ticker: ZEQL)·  BMO MSCI EAFE Small-Mid Cap Index ETF (Ticker: ZESM) Sources:ETF Flows, according to the National Bank Report, December 2025Press Release - February 6, 2026 - BMO Launches New ETF Index Strategies 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. Investments should be evaluated relative to the individual’s investment objectives and professional advice should be obtained with respect to anycircumstance. Any statement that necessarily depends on future events may be a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statementsare 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.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 orsecurities 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. You cannot invest directly in an index. 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 ETFsbefore 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 by BMO Asset Management Inc., an investment fund manager, 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.