U.S. consumers and rising interest rates

U.S. retail sales have staged a strong recovery since the 2008-2009 global financial crisis. Rising employment and greater consumer confidence have helped to lift consumer spending. Still, future increases will in large part depend on how quickly and how high interest rates move up.
The U.S…. Read More

Utilities vs. rising interest rates

Traditionally, the utilities sector suffers when interest rates rise. That’s because many of its companies carry lots of debt. Higher rates make it more expensive to raise money and refinance that debt.
As well, their shares, which typically offer high yields, compete with fixed-income instruments for… Read More

This ETF’s high yield comes with higher risk

This ETF’s 6.8% dividend yield looks very appealing, but it conceals several risks for investors.

The fund’s currency hedging only favours investors under certain conditions, and the ETF’s need to buy covered call options can run up brokerage commissions and diminish overall returns.

Turn the key… Read More

Q: Hello. I am a new member. Could you please give me your opinion of ZWE—an exchange-traded fund listed on Toronto. This ETF has a high yield of 6.8%. Thank you for your response.

A: BMO Europe High Dividend Covered Call Hedged to CAD ETF, $21.18, symbol ZWE on Toronto (Units outstanding: 33.9 million; Market cap: $718.0 million; www.bmo.com/gam/ca/investor/products/etfs), holds mostly high-quality European stocks. These include Swiss Re AG, HSBC Holdings plc, Zurich Insurance Group, BMW, Total SA, Teliasonera… Read More