Two new ETFs for Canadian investors

Article Excerpt

This month we discuss two new ETFs that aim to use derivative instruments to target specific investment outcomes. The BMO U.S. Equity Buffer ETF promises upside potential along with limited downside protection against U.S. market declines. The Harvest Industrial Leaders Income ETF plans to supplement the dividend income of a portfolio of U.S. industrial companies with the sale of call options. BMO U.S. EQUITY BUFFER ETF $31.28 (NEO symbol ZAPR) invests in U.S. equities and uses derivative structures to offer some downside protection. The ETF launched on March 25, 2024, and holds $17.7 million in assets. The MER is 0.73%. The ETF invests in the BMO S&P 500 Index ETF Hedged to CAD (symbol ZUE) combined with put and call options. This combination aims to offer investors upside participation capped at 10% in the S&P 500 Index and downside protection for the first 15% decline in that index. All in all, the downside protection comes at a cost—and given that we see the outlook for the U.S….