NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) plans to make benchmark — and in some cases
name — changes to four iShares ETFs based on an ongoing process to
review its product lineup and ensure it meets the evolving needs of its
clients.
Investors in the ETFs do not have to take any action and no capital
gains distributions are expected as a result of the transition.
iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE):
Effective on/around August 31, 2015, the iShares MSCI USA Value Factor
ETF (VLUE) will seek to track the MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index. There
will be no change to its fund name, ticker or investment objective.
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Current
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New
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Fund Name
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iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF (VLUE)
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No change
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Underlying Index
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MSCI USA Value Weighted Index
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MSCI USA Enhanced Value Index
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Investment Objective
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The iShares MSCI USA Value Factor ETF seeks to track the performance
of an index that measures the performance of U.S. large- and
mid-capitalization stocks with value characteristics and relatively
lower valuations.
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No change
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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL):
Effective on/around August 31, 2015, the iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor
ETF (QUAL) will seek to track the MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index.
There will be no change to its fund name, ticker or investment objective.
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Current
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New
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Fund Name
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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF
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No change
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Underlying Index
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MSCI USA Quality Index
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MSCI USA Sector Neutral Quality Index
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Investment Objective
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The iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (the “Fund”) seeks to track
the investment results of an index that measures the performance of
U.S. large- and mid-capitalization stocks as identified through
three fundamental variables: return on equity, earnings variability
and debt-to-equity.
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No change
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iShares MSCI USA ETF (EUSA):
Effective on/around August 31, 2015, the iShares MSCI USA ETF (EUSA)
will seek to track the MSCI USA Equal Weighted Index and will change its
name to iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF. It will keep the same
ticker, EUSA. The fund’s investment objective will change to seeking to
track the investment results of an index composed of equal weighted U.S.
equities.
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Current
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New
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Fund Name
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iShares MSCI USA ETF (EUSA)
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iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF (EUSA)
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Underlying Index
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MSCI USA Index
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MSCI USA Equal Weighted Index
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Investment Objective
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The iShares MSCI USA ETF seeks to track the investment results of an
index composed of U.S. equities.
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The iShares MSCI USA Equal Weighted ETF seeks to track the
investment results of an index composed of equal weighted U.S.
equities.
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iShares Japan Large-Cap ETF (ITF):
Effective on/around September 4, 2015, the iShares Japan Large-Cap ETF
(ITF) will seek to track the JPX-Nikkei Index 400 and will change its
name to iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF. The fund’s investment objective will
change to seeking to track the investment results of a broad-based
benchmark composed of Japanese equities.
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Current
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New
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Fund Name
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iShares Japan Large-Cap ETF (ITF)
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iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF (ITF)
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Underlying Index
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S&P/TOPIX 150 Index
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JPX-Nikkei Index 400 Index
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Investment Objective
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The iShares Japan Large-Cap ETF seeks to track the investment
results of an index composed of large-capitalization Japanese
equities.
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The iShares JPX-Nikkei 400 ETF seeks to track the investment results
of a broad-based benchmark composed of Japanese equities.
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About BlackRock
BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and
advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At
March 31, 2015, BlackRock’s AUM was $4.774 trillion. BlackRock helps
clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of
products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares®
(exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock
also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system
services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock
Solutions®. Headquartered in New York City, as of March 31, 2015, the
firm had approximately 12,300 employees in more than 30 countries and a
major presence in key global markets, including North and South America,
Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional
information, please visit the Company’s website at www.blackrock.com
| Twitter: @blackrock_news | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com
| LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock
About iShares
iShares is a global leader in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with more
than a decade of expertise and commitment to individual and
institutional investors of all sizes. With over 700 funds globally
across multiple asset classes and strategies and more than $1 trillion
in assets under management as of March 31, 2015, iShares helps clients
around the world build the core of their portfolios, meet specific
investment goals and implement market views. iShares funds are powered
by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, trusted to
manage more money than any other investment firm*.
*Based on $4.77T in AUM as of 3/31/15.
Carefully consider the iShares Funds’ investment objectives, risk
factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other
information can be found in the Funds’ prospectuses and, if available,
summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-iShares
(1-800-474-2737) or by visiting www.iShares.com.
Read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. International
investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign currency,
limited liquidity, less government regulation and the possibility of
substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other
developments. These risks often are heightened for investments in
concentrations of single countries.
There can be no assurance that performance will be enhanced for funds
that seek to provide exposure to certain quantitative investment
characteristics ("factors"). Exposure to such investment factors may
detract from performance in some market environments, perhaps for
extended periods. In such circumstances, a fund may seek to maintain
exposure to the targeted investment factors and not adjust to target
different factors, which could result in losses.
The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC
(together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).
The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted
by MSCI Inc., nor does this company make any representation regarding
the advisability of investing in the Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated
with MSCI Inc.©2015 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK
are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other marks are the property
of their respective owners. iS-15991-0715.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20150702005864/en/
BlackRock, Inc.
Melissa Garville, 212-810-5528
Melissa.Garville@blackrock.com
Paul
Young, 212-810-8142
Paul.Young@blackrock.com
Source: BlackRock, Inc.