⁠E303 –⁠ Going Global: International Equities in Focus

February 26
17 mins

Episode Description

For Canadian investors eyeing opportunities abroad, the question isn't just where — it's how. In this episode, Hilly Cutler joins host Saakshi Mehta to unpack international equities, covering the hedged versus unhedged debate, the regions and trends worth watching, and key trading practices for foreign market ETFs.

Saakshi Mehta is Vice President of ETF & Alternatives Strategy at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Hilly Cutler, Director, Portfolio Consulting and Senior Portfolio Consultant at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.


ETFs mentioned:

· BMO Asset Allocation ETFs

· BMO All-Equity ETF (Ticker: ZEQT) 

· BMO MSCI EAFE Index ETF (Ticker: ZEA) 

· BMO MSCI EAFE Hedged to CAD Index ETF (Ticker: ZDM)

· BMO MSCI EAFE Small-Mid Cap Index ETF (Ticker: ZESM)

· BMO International Dividend ETF (Ticker: ZDI)

· BMO Low Volatility International Equity ETF (Ticker: ZLI)

· BMO MSCI All Country World High Quality Index ETF (Ticker: ZGQ)

· BMO MSCI Europe High Quality Hedged to CAD Index ETF (Ticker: ZEQ)

 

Sources:

ETF Flows, according to the National Bank Report, December 2025

Press Release - February 6, 2026 - BMO Launches New ETF Index Strategies

 

EAFE: Developed markets in Europe, Australasia, and the Far East.

Emerging markets: Major economies and many smaller countries such as China, India, Brazil, South Korea, Taiwan, and South Africa. 

Magnificent 7: A group of seven high‑performing U.S. technology and tech‑adjacent companies — Alphabet, Amazon, Apple, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and Tesla.

 

Disclaimers:

 Please visit for full disclaimers

This 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 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 willnot 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 ofrisk described in the most recent prospectus.

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.

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