For Canadian investors, choosing between hedged and unhedged ETFs is a key decision when building global portfolios. In this episode, Bipan Rai and Jennifer Li join host Erika Toth to discuss how these preferences have evolved in recent years, how advisors can align hedging decisions with clients' investment policies, and the foreign exchange dynamics shaping Canada's ETF market. Erika Toth is Director and Head of ETF and Portfolio Consulting at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM). She is joined by Bipan Rai, Head of ETF Strategy, Exchange Traded Funds at BMO GAM, and Jennifer Li, Director, Institutional ETF Sales at CIBC Capital Markets. This podcast was recorded live on Wednesday, January 28, 2026. ETFs mentioned: · BMO S&P 500 Index ETF (ZSP) · BMO S&P 500 Hedged to CAD Index ETF (ZUE) Sources: ETF Flows, according to the National Bank Report, December 2025 FX Hedging Behaviours in the Canadian ETF Space – Research study by Sarah Ying, Executive Director and Head of FX Strategy, Global Markets at CIBC Capital Markets 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 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 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or its affiliates (“SPDJI”), and has been licensed for use by the Manager. S&P®, S&P 500®, US 500, The 500, iBoxx®, iTraxx® and CDX® are trademarks of S&P Global, Inc. or its affiliates (“S&P”) and Dow Jones® is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”), and these trademarks have been licensed for use by SPDJI and sublicensed for certain purposes by the Manager. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by SPDJI, Dow Jones, S&P, their respective affiliates, and none of such parties make any representation regarding theadvisability of investing in such product(s) nor do they have any liability for any errors, omissions, or interruptions of the Index. 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.
