⁠E328 –⁠ Yield vs. Total Return: What Matters More?

What’s the difference between yield and distribution rate—and why does it matter? In this episode, hosts Zayla Saunders and Hilly Cutler sit down with Kiran Navaratnam to unpack how covered call strategies generate yield, how that yield differs from what a fund actually distributes, and why total return can provide a more complete picture than headline numbers alone. Zayla Saunders is Vice President of ETF Online Distribution at BMO Global Asset Management (BMO GAM) and Hilly Cutler is Director of Portfolio Consulting and Senior Portfolio Consultant at BMO GAM. They are joined by Kiran Navaratnam, Non-Linear Solutions Vice President & Portfolio Manager at BMO GAM. This episode was recorded live on Monday, August 24, 2026.   **ETFs mentioned:** ·  BMO Covered Call ETFs **Sources:** Morningstar Direct, BMO Global Asset Management as at July 24, 2026 BMO’s Monthly Covered Call and Enhanced Income Report **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 recording. 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. 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. The indicated rates of return are the historical annual compounded total returns including changes in unit value and reinvestment of all dividends or distributions and do not take into account sales, redemption, distribution or optional charges or income taxes payable by any unitholder that would have reduced returns. 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.