TORONTO, June 26, 2020 (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”), changes to the names of certain iShares ETFs, and a reduction of the annual management fee for iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged)(“XGGB”). These changes are reflected in the prospectus for the iShares ETFs that was filed on or about June 26, 2020 (the “Prospectus”). Capitalized terms not otherwise defined in this press release have the meaning ascribed to them in the Prospectus.
Risk Rating Update
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 26, 2020:
| iShares ETF Name | Previous Risk Rating | Updated Risk Rating |
| iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF | Low to Medium | Medium |
| iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF1 | Medium | Low to Medium |
| iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF2 | Medium | Low to Medium |
| iShares S&P U.S. Mid-Cap Index ETF3 | Medium | Medium to High |
| iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF | Low to Medium | Medium |
| iShares S&P U.S. Mid-Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | Medium | Medium to High |
| iShares S&P/TSX SmallCap Index ETF | Medium | Medium to High |
____________________
1 The investment risk rating change only applies to the CAD Units and not the USD Units of the fund.
2 The investment risk rating change only applies to the CAD Units and not the USD Units of the fund.
3 The investment risk rating change only applies to the USD Units and not the CAD Units of the fund.
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.
Name Changes
Additionally, effective June 26, 2020, the iShares ETFs listed below have changed their names as follows:
| Former iShares ETF Name | New iShares ETF Name |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Canada Index ETF | iShares MSCI Min Vol Canada Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index ETF | iShares MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | iShares MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Emerging Markets Index ETF | iShares MSCI Min Vol Emerging Markets Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Global Index ETF | iShares MSCI Min Vol Global Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol Global Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | iShares MSCI Min Vol Global Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF | iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) |
| iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor Canada Index ETF | iShares MSCI Multifactor Canada Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor EAFE Index ETF | iShares MSCI Multifactor EAFE Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor EAFE Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | iShares MSCI Multifactor EAFE Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) |
| iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index ETF | iShares MSCI Multifactor USA Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI Multifactor USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) | iShares MSCI Multifactor USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) |
| iShares Edge MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF | iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI USA Quality Factor Index ETF | iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor Index ETF |
| iShares Edge MSCI USA Value Factor Index ETF | iShares MSCI USA Value Factor Index ETF |
| iShares Core Canadian Short Term Corporate + Maple Bond Index ETF | iShares Core Canadian Short Term Corporate Bond Index ETF |
Management Fee Reduction
BlackRock Canada has implemented a reduction in the annual management fee of XGGB from 0.35% to 0.20% of NAV. This management fee reduction is effective as of June 26, 2020.
iShares Premium Money Market ETF
As a result of the current low interest rate environment, in the Prospectus BlackRock Canada has added disclosure clarifying its ability to voluntarily, in its sole discretion, temporarily waive a portion of the management fee of iShares Premium Money Market ETF (“CMR”), which if implemented, may result in a reduction in CMR’s management expense ratio. BlackRock Canada is not obligated to waive any portion of its management fee but may decide to do so in certain circumstances. BlackRock Canada may choose not to waive or may cease to waive fees at any time without notice. In addition, CMR generally will not pay a cash distribution in any month where it has no net income to distribute.
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, our clients turn to us for the solutions they need when planning for their most important goals. As of March 31, 2020, the firm managed approximately US$6.47 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | 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 900+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$1.85 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2020, 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$6.47 trillion in AUM as of 3/31/20
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.
The ETF is not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by the London Stock Exchange Group plc and its group undertakings (collectively, the “LSE Group”). The LSE Group does not accept any liability whatsoever to any person arising out of the use of the ETF or the underlying data.
“FTSE®” and “FTSE Russell®” are trademarks of the relevant LSE Group company and are used by any other LSE Group company under license.
MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”). The ETF is 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.
©2020 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