TSE:ZWB

BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB.TO)

31.25
+0.20 (0.64%)
as of Jul 24, 2026, 7:54:39 pm Market Open.
328 watching
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Investor Insights
star iconJul 26, 2026, 12:00 am

This summary was created by AI, based on 8 opinions in the last 12 months.

The BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB) has received mixed reviews from experts, emphasizing its appeal for those seeking income through covered call strategies. With a management expense ratio (MER) of 71 basis points and a yield around 5.6%, it has performed well over the past year, though it has underperformed compared to its equal-weight counterpart, ZEB. Experts caution against adding new funds at this stage given potential economic headwinds, stating that while the ETF provides defensive qualities through covered calls, it sacrifices some upside potential. The concentration in the Canadian banking sector and exposure to broader market fluctuations are significant considerations for investors. Additionally, comparisons with U.S. banks suggest a possible advantage for more innovative and diversified investments in that sector.

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Consensus
Cautious
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Valuation
Fair Value
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ZEB
BUY

Owns a lot of this. Pays a good return. However, buy ZEB (no covered call) if you believe the banks will recover.

HOLD

Investors should be prepared for weakness in economy. Mortgage rates could add weakness to consumers. Would wait to buy this product. 

BUY

Would recommend buying in tranches to reduce risk. Good investment if believe bottom in banks. Could be a good time to start nibbling. 

BUY ON WEAKNESS

Getting close to price that offers value to investors.
Recent share price weakness a good time to buy.
Quality names in Canadian banking sector.

BUY

If volatility is high - good to own.
If bullish on economy - better to own pure play bank stocks.
Economic weakness ahead, so better to own ZWB. 

HOLD

Covered call writing strategy.
No leverage.
Beneficial to get professional advice on sophisticated product.
Vague on buying strategy.

BUY
Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

Our favourite covered call ETFs involve underlying assets that have a history of appreciating over time. For that reason, we like is the BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF (ZWB). It has a 7.5% distribution yield, a higher AUM of $2.9B, and over the past 10 years it has returned 8.1% annually with distributions reinvested.

For investors seeking monthly income, covered calls can be a good approach, however, for the average investor we do not typically like the cap on price appreciation that covered call ETFs have, and for an uptrending market, we would prefer to own the underlying assets outright rather than covered calls.
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PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 19/22, Down 5%)

Canadian banks are a core holding for him. Covered call boosted the yield in his portfolio.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

PAST TOP PICK
(A Top Pick May 23/23, Down 2.5%)Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

Our PAST TOP PICK with ZWB has triggered its stop at $17.50.  To remain disciplined, we recommend covering the position at this time.  This will result in a net investment loss of 6%, when combined with our previous recommendations.   

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We reiterate ZWB as a TOP PICK.  This low MER ETF holds equal weighting of the six big Canadian banks, which offers a good yield in itself.  Layered on top is a call option selling strategy that further enhances the yield.  We continue to recommend a stop-loss at $17.50, looking to achieve $22.00 -- upside potential of 20%.  Yield 7.4%  

BUY
A Canadian bank ETF?

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.

HOLD

Average decline in the underlying stocks not offset by extra divided yield.
Poor market is reason for falling share price.
Good product for defensive investors.
Good product for exposure to Canadian banks.

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly

We again reiterate ZWB, an ETF of Canadian banks with dividends enhanced by the use of writing covered calls managed by BMO, as a TOP PICK.  Canadian banks are a safe haven during periods of market volatility and will respond well when the economy stabilizes. The yield enhancement gives some additional premium to holding the banks. We recommend maintaining the stop loss at $17.50, looking to achieve $22 -- upside potential of 12%. Yield 6.8%

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Curated by Michael O'Reilly since 2020.
1550+ opinions with 4.81 rating (one of the best performing expert).

TOP PICK
Stockchase Research Editor: Michael O'Reilly We reiterate this ETF of Canadian banks with dividends enhanced by the use of writing covered calls managed by BMO as a TOP PICK during this period of market uncertainty. Canadian banks are a safe haven during periods of market volatility. This gives some additional premium to holding the banks. We recommend trailing up the stop loss (from $16.00) to $17.50, looking to achieve $22 -- upside potential of 18%. Yield 7.1%
Unspecified
It is a large ETF with competitive fees. If you want to sell calls, having professionals do it is worth the cost. You can buy if you want to be in Canadian financials.
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