BMO Strategic Equity Yield Fund – Biweekly Update
July 18, 2025
Portfolio Manager Commentary
As of July 14, 2025, the BMO Strategic Equity Yield Fund (BMO SEYF) reported a net asset value (NAV) of $9.50 and continues to deliver a compelling income profile with average yields in the 9.50% to 10.00% range.1 Structural buffers, active risk management, and a deliberate focus on capital preservation remain the foundation of our approach.
Positioning for Resilience in a Market Priced for Perfection:
Markets continue to climb, but the disconnect between price and fundamentals is widening. With valuations stretched and economic data softening, we remain cautiously optimistic—focused on income durability, capital preservation, and risk-adjusted returns. Structured products remain our preferred tool in this environment, offering attractive carry and embedded downside buffers.
Macro Landscape: Calm Headlines, Complex Undercurrents:
- U.S. equities have reached new highs, buoyed by resilient labor data and a temporary reprieve from tariff concerns. However, inflation pressures are expected to re-emerge as inventories normalize.
- Canada’s economy is cooling. Headline inflation softened to 1.7% YoY, and the BoC is expected to resume rate cuts in the fall. Labour markets remain tight but are showing signs of fatigue.
- Europe, while underrepresented in our portfolio, remains a region we are constructive on. Our lower allocation reflects structural product dynamics—specifically, lower equity volatility in European markets, which results in lower coupons on structured notes. This is a yield-driven decision rather than a reflection of our macro view. We continue to monitor European opportunities where fundamentals remain supportive.
- Volatility has normalized but yield curves are steepening and central banks are increasingly data-dependent— suggesting a more fragile backdrop than equity indices imply.
Portfolio Evolution: From Financials to Defensives:
Over the past six months, we’ve made meaningful shifts in the portfolio to reflect the evolving macro and volatility regime. We’ve reduced exposure to banks—particularly in Canada—while increasing allocations to pipelines, utilities, and insurance.2 These sectors offer more stable cash flows and defensive characteristics, aligning with our focus on yield durability and downside protection.
We’ve also modestly trimmed broad market exposures in both Canada and the U.S. in favor of more targeted sector allocations and structured notes with deeper capital buffers.
Outlook: Selectivity Over Sentiment:
While markets may continue to drift higher, we believe the next leg will be harder won. With passive flows fading and fundamentals likely to reassert themselves, we’re leaning into strategies that are selective, defensive, and income-focused.
We’re not chasing the rally—we’re preparing for what comes next.
1Source: BMO GAM July 14, 2025. Past Performance is not indicative of future results.
2Allocations are subject to change without.
Fund Snapshot
| Coupon Range | Buffer Level Range |
|---|---|
| 9.50-10.00% | 20%-25% |
Distributions
| Previous | Upcoming |
|---|---|
| June 16, 2025 | August 18, 2025 |
Fund Characteristics
| Series | Fund Codes | MER (%)* |
|---|---|---|
| Advisor (CAD) | BMO99290 | 1.64 |
| F (CAD) | BMO95290 | 0.51 |
| **Low to Medium risk rating by prospectus. |
Volatility 90 Day
Top 10 Trades
| Reference Asset | Annualized Coupon | % of Overall Fund | Distance to Payment Threshold | Distance to Call (Positive is in the Money) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Pipelines | 10.65% | 1.55% | 16.24% | -8.76% |
| Canadian Insurance | 10.35% | 1.55% | 18.28% | -6.72% |
| Canadian Utilities | 8.80% | 1.55% | 19.55% | -0.45% |
| Canadian Insurance | 10.00% | 1.55% | 18.97% | -6.03% |
| Canadian Utilities | 9.07% | 1.55% | 20.36% | 0.36% |
| Canadian Insurance | 10.50% | 1.55% | 19.79% | -5.21% |
| Canadian Utilities | 9.55% | 1.55% | 21.40% | 1.40% |
| Canadian Insurance | 9.85% | 1.40% | 18.99% | -6.01% |
| Canadian Utilities | 9.25% | 1.40% | 25.86% | 0.86% |
| Canadian Market | 9.20% | 1.40% | 26.27% | 6.27% |
Source: BMO GAM July 14, 2025.
Reference Asset Exposure and Regional Exposure3
3 Reference Asset and Regional Exposure refer to the underlying benchmark exposure from the Total Return Swaps held by the Fund. Source BMO June 30, 2025. Holdings are subject to change without notice
Performance (total return) data as of June 30th, 2025.
Inception Date BMO SEYF: June 16, 2023. Inception Date BMO SFIYF: July 10, 2024
1 mo |
3 mo |
6 mo |
YTD |
1 yr |
SI |
|
BMO Strategic Equity Yield Fund Class A |
2.51 |
5.46 |
4.34 |
4.53 |
8.03 |
8.42 |
1 mo |
3 mo |
6 mo |
YTD |
1 yr |
SI |
|
BMO Strategic Equity Yield Fund Class F |
2.60 |
5.74 |
4.89 |
5.09 |
9.23 |
11.65 |
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Commissions, trailing commissions (if applicable) , management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the fund facts or simplified prospectus of the relevant mutual fund before investing. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns for the period indicated including changes in unit value and reinvestment of all distributions and does not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or optional charges or income taxes payable by any unitholder that would have reduced returns. Mutual funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Distributions are not guaranteed and are subject to change and/or elimination.
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*Portfolio holdings and allocations are subject to change without notice.
**All investments involve risk. The value of a Mutual Fund can go down as well as up and you could lose money. The risk of a Mutual Fund is rated based on the volatility of the Mutual Fund’s returns using the standardized risk classification methodology mandated by the Canadian Securities Administrators. Historical volatility doesn’t tell you how volatile a Mutual Fund will be in the future. A Mutual Fund with a risk rating of “low” can still lose money. For more information about the risk rating and specific risks that can affect a Mutual Fund’s returns, see the BMO Mutual Fund’s simplified prospectus.
***As the fund is less than one year old, the actual Management Expense Ratio (MER) will not be known until the fund financial statements for the current fiscal year are published. The estimated MER is an estimate only of expected fund costs until the completion of a full fiscal year, and is not guaranteed.
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“BMO (M-bar roundel symbol)” is a registered trademark of Bank of Montreal, used under licence.
BMO Global Asset Management is a brand name under which BMO Asset Management Inc. and BMO Investments Inc. operate. Certain of the products and services offered under the brand name, BMO Global Asset Management are designed specifically for various categories of investors in a number of different countries and regions and may not be available to all investors. Products and services are only offered to such investors in those countries and regions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. BMO Financial Group is a service mark of Bank of Montreal (BMO).
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Exchange traded funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated.
BMO Mutual Funds are managed by BMO Investments Inc., which is an investment fund manager and a separate legal entity from Bank of Montreal.
Commissions, trailing commissions (if applicable), management fees and expenses all may be associated with mutual fund investments. Please read the ETF facts, fund facts or prospectus of the relevant mutual fund before investing. Mutual 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 Mutual Funds, please see the specific risks set out in the prospectus. ETF Series of the BMO Mutual Funds 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.
Distribution yields are calculated by using the most recent regular distribution, or expected distribution, (which may be based on income, dividends, return of capital, and option premiums, as applicable) and excluding additional year end distributions, and special reinvested distributions annualized for frequency, divided by current net asset value (NAV). Distributions are not guaranteed, may fluctuate and are subject to change and/or elimination. Distribution rates may change without notice (up or down) depending on market conditions and net asset value (NAV) fluctuations. The payment of distributions should not be confused with a BMO Mutual Fund’s performance, rate of return or yield. If distributions paid by a BMO Mutual Fund are greater than the performance of the investment fund, your original investment will shrink. Distributions paid as a result of capital gains realized by a BMO Mutual Fund, and income and dividends earned by a BMO Mutual Fund, are taxable in your hands in the year they are paid. Your adjusted cost base will be reduced by the amount of any returns of capital. If your adjusted cost base goes below zero, you will have to pay capital gains tax on the amount below zero.
Distributions, if any, for all series of securities of a BMO Mutual Fund (other than ETF Series) are automatically reinvested in additional securities of the same series of the applicable BMO Mutual Fund, unless the securityholder elects in writing that they prefer to receive cash distributions. For further information, see the distribution policy for the applicable BMO Mutual Fund in the simplified prospectus.
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