E306 – Unpacking the Defensive Investing Toolkit

When markets turn, is your portfolio built to hold up? In this episode, Hilly Cutler and Bipan Rai join host, Tasha Konkin, to explore defensive investing — covering dividend, quality, low-volatility, and long-short strategies, and how they can help investors stay resilient in any market environment. Tasha Konkin is Director of ETFs for Western Canada at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Hilly Cutler, Director of Portfolio Consulting and Senior Portfolio Consultant at BMO GAM and Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. ETFs mentioned:· BMO US Dividend ETF (ZDY)· BMO Canadian Dividend ETF (ZDV)· BMO Low Volatility US Equity ETF (ZLU)· BMO Asset Allocation ETFs· BMO SPDR Energy Select Sector Index ETF (ZXLE)· BMO Broad Commodity ETF (ZCOM) · BMO S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF (ZCN) · BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP) · BMO Low Volatility Canadian Equity ETF (ZLB)· BMO Long Short Canadian Equity ETF (ZLSC) · BMO Long Short US Equity ETF (ZLSU)· BMO SPDR Select Sector Index ETFs Source: ETF Flows, according to the National Bank Report, February 2026Disclaimers: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 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.The S&P 500 Index is an unmanaged index of 500 common stocks that is generally considered representative of the U.S. stock market. The index is heavily weighted toward stocks with large market capitalizations and represents approximately two-thirds of the total market value of all domestic common stocks. The S&P 500 Index figures do not reflect any fees, expenses or taxes. An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses before investing. 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 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 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.