TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 09/19/14 -- (TSX: XCH)
BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited ("BlackRock Canada"), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), has been advised by FTSE International Limited ("FTSE"), the provider of the FTSE China 25 Index (the "Index") which iShares China Index ETF ("XCH") seeks to replicate, that FTSE is enhancing the Index to become a 50 stock index effective after the close of trading on September 19, 2014. In connection with the enhancement, FTSE will change the name of the Index to "FTSE China 50 Index".
Since the Index was first launched in 2001, there has been a substantial increase in the number of Chinese stocks in the eligible universe of companies that are freely accessible to international investors. FTSE is enhancing the Index in response to this market evolution. As part of the increase in constituent stocks to 50, FTSE will also be enhancing the existing capping methodology applied to the Index and aligning the foreign exchange rates source used in the official closing Index values with that of FTSE's global indices.
Further information on the enhancements to the Index can be found at www.FTSE.com.
Further information on XCH can be found at www.iShares.ca.
About BlackRock
BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At June 30, 2014, BlackRock's AUM was US$4.594 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 June 30, 2014, the firm had approximately 11,600 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 BlackRock's website at www.blackrock.com.
About iShares ETFs
The iShares business is a global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 600 funds globally across equities, fixed income and commodities, which trade on 20 exchanges worldwide. The iShares funds are bought and sold like common stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares funds are attractive to many individual and institutional investors and financial intermediaries because of their relative low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell securities through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer base consists of the institutional segment of pension plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of financial advisors and individual investors.
iShares Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.
Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares Funds. 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.
© 2014 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.
Contacts:
Contact for Media:
Maeve Hannigan
416-643-4058
Maeve.Hannigan@blackrock.com
