NEW YORK, NEW YORK and TORONTO, ONTARIO and CALGARY, ALBERTA--(Marketwire - May 17, 2012) - The oil and natural gas markets are in flux. Natural gas prices are at 10-year lows and bloated inventories continue to weigh on the market. Meanwhile, the oil-to-natural gas price ratio in North America is running in the vicinity of 40, compared to a long-run average closer to ten. The European benchmark, Brent, is trading at a large premium to the U.S. benchmark, West Texas Intermediate (WTI), reversing their historical relationship, and Canadian oil prices are trading at a sharp discount to both.

With these forces shaping the North American energy industry, BMO Capital Markets will be hosting a media conference call to discuss the impact on stock markets, the economy and deal making.

On Friday, May 18 at 11:00 a.m. EDT, join BMO's Chief Investment Strategist, Brian Belski; Oil & Gas analyst, Randy Ollenberger; and Senior Economist, Earl Sweet, as they provide their outlook for the energy sector. Topics will include:

• What is the outlook for natural gas and oil prices?
• How are energy stocks faring compared to the broader market?
• How are low prices impacting access to financing for energy companies?
• Will this be a year of significant consolidation in the energy sector?

About BMO Capital Markets

BMO Capital Markets is a leading, full-service North American financial services provider, with 2,300 employees operating in 30 locations around the world including 17 in North America, offering corporate, institutional and government clients access to a complete range of investment and corporate banking products and services. BMO Capital Markets is a member of BMO Financial Group (NYSE:BMO)(TSX:BMO), one of the largest diversified financial services providers in North America with US$537 billion total assets and more than 47,000 employees as at January 31, 2012.

Contributing Sources

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Market Wire