BMO 2013 Corporate Bond Target Maturity ETF (TSX:ZXA) is now continuing its operations as an exchange traded short-term bond fund as originally provided for in its prospectus.
The changes, which took effect at the close of business January 3, enable investors to continue to hold their existing units as well as provides the opportunity for investors to purchase and sell units at their discretion instead of at a set termination date.
In addition, BMO BMO Asset Management Inc. (BMO AM) confirmed that the following changes have also taken effect:
> the name of the fund is now BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (TSX:ZST);
> the portfolio holdings of the focus on Canadian government and corporate bonds with a term of one year or less, and may also include high yield bonds with a term of one year or less, and floating rate investments and preferred shares with less than a year to reset;
> the management fee is 15 bps; and
> the units of fund are being consolidated on a one-for-four basis, which is expected to reduce trading costs.
“The changes will give investors a convenient vehicle to position portfolios around volatile interest rates,” explains Kevin Gopaul, senior vice president and chief investment officer, BMO AM.
“The focus of the portfolio is on Canadian investment grade credit, and the additional asset classes within BMO Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF are expected to enhance the overall yield while lowering the ETF’s sensitivity to interest rate risk. Additionally, the unit consolidation should make ZST even more appealing by making it more cost efficient to trade.”
Units of ZST will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange, under the new ticker symbol and on a consolidated basis, on January 6.