TORONTO, March 29, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) (NYSE:BLK) today announces an update to the investment risk ratings of the exchange-traded funds listed below (the iShares ETFs). These changes will be reflected in the prospectus for the iShares ETFs that will be filed on or about March 29, 2019.
| iShares ETF Name | Previous Risk Rating | Updated Risk Rating |
| iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF | Medium | Low to Medium |
| iShares S&P/TSX North American Preferred Stock Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium | Low to Medium |
| iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium | Low to Medium |
| iShares S&P U.S. Mid-Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares S&P/TSX SmallCap Index ETF | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares S&P Global Industrials Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares NASDAQ 100 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index ETF | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares S&P Global Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares China Index ETF | High | Medium to High |
| iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index ETF | High | Medium to High |
| iShares U.S. Small Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | High | Medium to High |
A copy of the standardized risk classification methodology used by BlackRock Canada to identify the investment risk levels of the iShares ETFs is available on request, at no cost, by calling us at 1-855-255-5951 or by writing to BlackRock Canada at 161 Bay Street, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1.
About BlackRock
BlackRock helps investors build better financial futures. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, our clients turn to us for the solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. As of December 31, 2018, the firm managed approximately US$5.98 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/ca | Twitter: @BlackRockCA | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com/can | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock.
About iShares
iShares® unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 800+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$1.7 trillion in assets under management as of December 31, 2018, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, trusted to manage more money than any other investment firm1.
1 Based on US$5.98 trillion in AUM as of 12/31/18
iShares ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.
©2019 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used with Permission.
Contact for Media:
Maeve Hannigan
T – 416-643-4058
Email: Maeve.Hannigan@blackrock.com