About BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF
BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF (ZWU.TO) is a covered call etf listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). It is managed by BMO and falls within the utilities sector of the Canadian income ETF landscape.
BMO Covered Call Utilities ETF uses a covered call option writing strategy on its underlying holdings. The fund sells call options against positions it owns, collecting option premiums that are then distributed to unitholders as income. This approach typically generates higher current income than holding the underlying stocks directly, though it may limit participation in significant upside moves. Distributions from covered call ETFs tend to be variable from month to month, as option premiums fluctuate with market volatility.
ZWU pays distributions monthly — 12 times per year. Monthly distributions are popular among Canadian income investors because they align with regular monthly expenses and make income planning straightforward.
ZWU focuses on the utilities sector, which includes electric, gas, and water utilities. Utilities are traditionally defensive holdings known for stable cash flows and consistent dividends, making them a common choice for income-focused portfolios.
Canadian dividend investors who hold ZWU can use EarnedWhileYouSlept to track their income from this and other holdings. The app auto-fills distribution data for ZWU.TO, calculates projected annual income, and shows which of your real expenses are covered by your passive income. Whether ZWU is a core holding or a satellite position, tracking its contribution to your overall income picture helps you see your progress toward financial independence.