BlackRock® Canada Announces Change in Index of the iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF

Rhea-AI Summary

BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited announced that effective December 1, 2020, the iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF will change its tracking index from the MSCI USA Momentum Index to the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index. Both indices aim to provide exposure to U.S. equity securities exhibiting positive momentum characteristics. Notably, the new index will implement a staggered approach for index changes, contrasting with the previous single-day rebalancing method. This adjustment follows MTUM's decision to track the new index.

Positive

• The new index maintains similar exposure to U.S. equity securities as the previous index.
• Staggered implementation of changes may enhance efficiency in index rebalancing.

Negative

• The transition to a new index could lead to temporary confusion among investors.
• Changing indices may impact ETF performance if the new index performs differently than the current one.

TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (BlackRock Canada), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (BlackRock) (NYSE:BLK) today announces that effective on or about December 1, 2020 the index that the iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF (the “iShares ETF”) seeks to replicate will change as follows:

Current Index	New Index
MSCI USA Momentum Index	MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index

Both the Current Index and the New Index seek to provide exposure to U.S. equity securities identified by MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”) as exhibiting positive momentum characteristics. The Current Index and the New Index will generally invest in the same equity securities. The Current Index and the New Index are generally rebalanced semi-annually, but each month may be rebalanced if the volatility of MSCI USA Index has increased above a threshold specified by MSCI; however, the New Index will employ a staggered implementation approach to index changes driven by a rebalance, over a three-day period, as opposed to single-day rebalancing.

Currently, the iShares ETF obtains its investment exposure by investing in the iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor ETF (“MTUM”), a U.S.-listed index ETF. This change is being made as a result of the announcement by MTUM that beginning on or around December 1, 2020 it will track a new index, the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index, and will cease to track the MSCI USA Momentum Index.

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 June 30, 2020, the firm managed approximately US$7.32 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA | Blog: https://www.blackrockblog.com/ | 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$2.16 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 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.

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.

MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. XMTM 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. XMTM is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in XMTM.

©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.

¹ Based on US$7.32 trillion in AUM as of 6/30/20

Contact for Media:
Maeve Hannigan
T – 416-643-4058                
Email: Maeve.Hannigan@blackrock.com

FAQ

What is the change in the iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF effective December 1, 2020?

The iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF will change its tracking index from the MSCI USA Momentum Index to the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index.

How does the new MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index differ from the previous index?

The new index employs a staggered implementation approach for rebalancing, as opposed to the previous single-day approach.

Why is BlackRock changing the index for the iShares ETF?

The change is a result of the announcement by MTUM, which will also begin tracking the MSCI USA Momentum SR Variant Index.

What are the implications of the new index for BLK shareholders?

The transition could create temporary confusion among investors and may impact ETF performance based on the new index's characteristics.