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  5. ZWB: How would you compare these two, HMAX has a DY 0f 12. [BMO Covered Call Canadian Banks ETF]
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Investment Q&A

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Q: How would you compare these two, HMAX has a DY 0f 12.57% and ZWB is 5.38%. They have similar MER's. Is HMAX more 'risky?'. They appear to be in similar investments.
Asked by Graham on April 10, 2026
5i Research Answer:

HMAX is a covered call ETF with about 70% exposure to the Big 6 banks (the remaining is insurance), and the covered call strategy allows its distribution yield to be high at 12.7%. 

ZWB is also a covered call ETF on the Canadian banks, but it does not hold insurance names like HMAX. 

The difference in yield between the two is how they use covered calls. ZWB uses out-of-the-money covered calls, which generate lower premiums than at-the-money covered calls that HMAX uses. The trade-off is that HMAX will likely have a lower ceiling on its price, whereas ZWB can see better price appreciation. Most of this comes down to individual investor preference between yield and capital appreciation.

Authors of this answer, directors, partners and/or officers of 5i Research and/or affiliated companies have a financial or other interest in ZWB.