
TSE:ZEB
This summary was created by AI, based on 11 opinions in the last 12 months.
The BMO EQUAL WEIGHT BANKS INDEX ETF (ZEB) has garnered mixed feedback from various experts. Many see it as a strong long-term performer, particularly due to its excellent dividend yields and stable fundamentals backed by Canada's well-capitalized banks. However, there are concerns regarding overvaluation and potential underperformance in the face of an economic slowdown or recession. While some experts suggest the ETF remains a good hold, they advise against adding new investments at the moment. Overall, they recommend a cautious approach, emphasizing the importance of buying on dips while recognizing the ETF’s exposure to both real estate and the expanding resource sector due to AI advancements.
We would be quite comfortable owning Canadian banks today. The Canadian financial space continues to be one of the more robust across the globe, and their lending standards are considered to be quite high. While challenging economic events are putting downward pressure on earnings, we feel that an eventual turnaround in the macro outlook will be a benefit to these names down the road. Canadian banks continue to pay high dividend yields and have long track records of returning value to shareholders. While there may be some near-term or intermediate downward price pressure on these names, for an investor with a long-term timeframe, we would be comfortable owning the Canadian banks here.
Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free
Banks now may not be star performers as in the last 30 years. Interest rates are rising now and could stay this way for a while. Loan loss provisions will increase in a weakening economy. But of this class, he likes ZEB and ZWB (a covered call one for income) which he prefers, because he expects banks to be sideways and the covered call will enhance returns. You could buy a combination of the two.
This renown ETF from BMO holds the big six banks (including National Bank) evenly. ZEB charges an 0.55% MER, but pays a 4.62% dividend. To compare, Royal Bank pays 4.39% and CIBC 6.05% on the high end. Its beta is a low, stable 0.84 and the PE stands at 9.57x. So, you're asking, why buy banks? Why buy them when they're down 10%? Why after they all just reported earnings misses and lowered their guidance? When they warned of increasing loan-loss provisions? When the economy faces a possible recession?