TORONTO, June 25, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (âBlackRock Canada“), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“Black rock“) (NYSE: BLK) today announced an update to the investment risk ratings of certain iShares exchange-traded funds (“IShares ETF), Changes to the names of certain iShares ETFs and semi-annual distributions for certain iShares ETFs. These changes are reflected in the prospectus of the iShares ETFs which was filed on or about June 25, 2021 (the âProspectus“). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this press release have the meanings given to them in the Prospectus.
Updates to Risk Ratings
BlackRock Canada updated the investment risk ratings for the iShares ETFs, or the iShares ETF Class, as applicable, listed below, on or about June 25, 2021:
Name of the iShares ETF | Previous risk Rating |
Updated risk Rating |
IShares MSCI World Index ETF | Way | Low to medium |
iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF1 | Way | Low to medium |
iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF2 | Way | Low to medium |
IShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF1 | Way | Low to medium |
IShares Global Water Index ETF | Way | Low to medium |
iShares MSCI Min Vol Emerging Markets Index ETF | Way | Low to medium |
IShares ETF US High Dividend Equity Index ETF | Low to medium | Way |
ETF iShares S & P / TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF | Low to medium | Way |
IShares S & P / TSX SmallCap Index ETF | Medium to high | High |
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1 The change in investment risk rating only applies to CAD Units and not to USD Units of the fund.
2 The change in investment risk rating only applies to USD Units and not to CAD Units of the fund.
A copy of the standardized risk classification methodology used by BlackRock Canada to identify the investment risk levels of iShares ETFs is available on request, toll free, by calling us at 1-855-255-5951 or by writing to BlackRock Canada at 161. Bay Street, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1.
Name changes
In addition, effective June 25, 2021, the iShares ETFs listed below have changed their names as follows:
Former name of the iShares ETF | New name for iShares ETF |
ETF iShares Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF | IShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF ETF |
ETF iShares Canadian Government Bond Index ETF | IShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF ETF |
ETF iShares ESG Canadian Aggregate Bond Index | ETF iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index |
ETF iShares ESG Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF | ETF iShares ESG Aware Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF |
Semi-annual distributions
BlackRock Canada announced today that for distributions beginning in 2022, the iShares ETFs listed below will shift from paying distributions on a quarterly basis to paying distributions on a semi-annual basis:
IShares Emerging Markets Fundamental Index ETF
ETF iShares S & P / TSX Global Base Metals Index ETF
IShares ETF S & P / TSX Global Gold Index ETF
In addition, for distributions beginning in 2022, the iShares ETFs listed below will shift from paying distributions on an annual basis to paying distributions on a semi-annual basis:
ETF iShares Global Agriculture Index
IShares Japan Fundamental Index ETF (hedged to Canadian dollars)
About BlackRock
BlackRock’s goal is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As an investor trustee and a leading provider of fintech, we help millions of people build savings for their lifetimes by making investing easier and more affordable. For more information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate
About iShares
iShares opens up opportunities in all markets to meet the changing needs of investors. With over twenty years of experience, a global lineup of over 900 exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and US $ 2.81 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2021, iShares continues to drive the financial industry forward. IShares funds are backed by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, known to manage more money than any other investment company.
IShares ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with an investment in the iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values ââchange frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Taxes, investments and all other decisions should be made, if any, only with the advice of a qualified professional.
MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (âMSCIâ). The ETF is authorized to use the MSCI trademark pursuant to a licensing agreement between MSCI and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, NA, relating, among other things, to the license granted to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, NA to use the index. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, NA has sublicensed the use of this mark to BlackRock. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representations, conditions or guarantees regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.
Standard & Poor’s® and S & P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (âS&Pâ). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (âTSXâ). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (âBFAâ), which in turn has licensed such marks to its subsidiary, BlackRock, on behalf of the relevant ETF. The Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and has been used under license by BFA and by extension, BlackRock and the applicable ETF. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively referred to as âS&P Dow Jones Indicesâ) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither the S&P Dow Jones Indices nor the TSX make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.
© 2021 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. All rights reserved. iPShare and BLACK ROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used with permission.
Media Contact:
Grace Christus
T-1 (646) 231-8710
Email: Grace.Christus@blackrock.com