The Bank of Canada kept its benchmark rate at 5% for the fifth consecutive time, saying it’s “too early” for cuts. In today’s episode, Portfolio Managers Omanand Karmalkar, Matt Montemurro, and your host, Erika Toth, examine the dynamics of inflation and explore what the future could hold. They also discuss tailwinds in the Utilities sector, a barbell strategy to add duration, and Japan’s market outlook. Erika Toth is a Director of ETF Distribution at BMO ETFs. She is joined on the podcast by Omanand Karmalkar and Matt Montemurro, Portfolio Managers and ETF Specialists at BMO Global Asset Management. The episode was recorded live on Wednesday, March 6, 2024. ETFs mentioned in the podcast: BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF (Ticker: ZWU) BMO Equal Weight Utilities Index ETF (Ticker: ZUT) BMO Aggregate Bond Index ETF (Ticker: ZAG) BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (Ticker: ZST) BMO Long Federal Bond Index ETF (Ticker: ZFL) BMO Japan Index ETF (Hedged Units) (Ticker: ZJPN.F) BMO Japan Index ETF (Ticker: ZJPN) BMO MSCI EAFE Index ETF (Ticker: ZEA) ZWU, total returns as at 2024/02/29: 1yr: -2.09%, 3yr: 2.59%, 5yr: 2.19%, 10yr: 3.19%, SI: 3.71% ZUT, total returns as at 2024/02/29: 1yr: -8.56%, 3yr: -3.74%, 5yr: 6.00%, 10yr: 6.75%, SI: 6.27% ZST, total returns as at 2024/02/29: 1yr: 5.37%, 3yr: 2.53%, 5yr: 2.26%, 10yr: 1.88%, SI: 1.95% Nikkei hit a record high on Feb 22, 2024. Disclosure: Annualized Distribution Yield: This yield is calculated by taking the most recent regular distribution, or expected distribution, (excluding additional year end distributions) annualized for frequency, divided by current NAV. The yield calculation does not include reinvested distributions. Weighted Average Yield to Maturity: The market value weighted average yield to maturity includes the coupon payments and any capital gain or loss that the investor will realize by holding the bonds to maturity. The viewpoints expressed by the Portfolio Manager 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. 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 simplified prospectus. This podcast is for information purposes. 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. ®/™Registered trademarks/trademark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence.