BMO EQUAL WEIGHT BANKS INDEX ETF (ZEB.TO)

The profitability of banks is net interest margins. The steepening of the yield curve has led to banks being more profitable. A flattening yield curve is a headwind. We are not there yet. When the yield curve starts to flatten. ZEB is good to capture upside, and ZWB for when it will go sideways to down.

ZEB is equal weight where as ZWB is equal weight banks with a covered call overlay. When you think the markets will go sideways or down, covered calls will perform better. However, the covered call gives away some of the upside potential so if you are bullish on growth, forego the covered call.

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. Banks remain attractive, especially for their valuation and dividends. The banking sector rallied strongly in November but the ETF is still a fine buy. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free

Canadian banks are much better run and offer good dividend yields compared to elsewhere in the world. There is some risk in the housing sector and some challenges to growth. He would favour ZWB right now. Once markets correct 10-15%, get out of the ZWB and get ZEB for the growth.

There is still some economic risk, such as mortgage forbearance that has not hit Main Street yet. It's not his favourite area. The Canadian banks came back more than American ones so there is probably more value than other areas. As investors move from growth to value, banks could see some upside. Be cautious and he would prefer the ZWB to get into the Canadian banks.

ZWB-T vs. ZEB-T. If your view on the banks is sideways to down a little bit, then ZWB-T is the better holding but if you are bullish on the banks then you don’t want the covered calls. He prefers ZEB-T right now because he wants all the price capture upside when the banks recover.

Canada has a branding problem now--money isn't flowing into Canada. Look at Teck Resources yesterday withdrawing a massive project. We have no catalyst to turn things around, though he hopes things do turn around. The yield of this is alright though, so you are paid to wait. Look abroad for better returns like South Korea, which should bounce back.