TORONTO, June 29, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) (NYSE:BLK) today announced an update to the investment risk ratings of certain iShares exchange-traded funds (“iShares ETFs”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this press release have the meaning ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
Risk Rating Updates
BlackRock Canada has updated the investment risk ratings of the iShares ETFs, or class of the iShares ETF, as applicable, listed below, effective on or about June 29, 2023:
| iShares ETF Name | Ticker | Previous Risk Rating | Updated Risk Rating |
| iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio | XCNS | Low | Low to medium |
| iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio | GCNS | Low | Low to medium |
| iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF1 | XAW | Low to Medium | Medium |
| iShares MSCI World Index ETF | XWD | Low to Medium | Medium |
| iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio | XEQT | Low to Medium | Medium |
| iShares ESG Equity ETF Portfolio | GEQT | Low to Medium | Medium |
| iShares Emerging Markets Fundamental Index ETF | CWO | Medium to High | Medium |
| iShares Global Agriculture Index ETF | COW | Medium | Medium to High |
| iShares S&P Global Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | XCD | Medium | Medium to High |
| iShares S&P Global Industrials Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | XGI | Medium | Medium to High |
| iShares S&P U.S. Small-Cap Index ETF | XSMC | Medium | Medium to High |
| iShares India Index ETF | XID | High | Medium to High |
| iShares China Index ETF | XCH | Medium to High | High |
| iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index ETF | XIT | Medium to High | 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 1-866-474-2737, by emailing iSharesCanada_inquiries@blackrock.com, or by writing to BlackRock Canada at 161 Bay Street, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1.
About BlackRock
BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA
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 1300+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$3.07 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2023, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.
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.
Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (“TSX”). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock on behalf of the applicable ETFs. The Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BFA and by extension, BlackRock and the applicable ETFs. The ETFs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.
MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”). The ETFs are permitted to use the MSCI mark pursuant to a license agreement between MSCI and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., relating to, among other things, the license granted to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. to use the Index. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. has sublicensed the use of this trademark to BlackRock. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.
©2023 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:
Reem Jazar
Email: Reem.Jazar@blackrock.com
1 The investment risk rating change only applies to the CAD Units and not the USD Units of the iShares ETF.
