Underlying Index or in depositary receipts representing securities in its
Underlying Index. The Fund may invest the remainder of its assets in certain futures, options and swap contracts, cash and cash equivalents, including money market funds advised by BFA or its affiliates, as well as in securities not included in the
Underlying Index, but which BFA believes will help the Fund track the Underlying Index.
The Fund may lend securities representing up to one-third of
the value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of the collateral received).
The Underlying Index is sponsored by an organization (the
“Index Provider”) that is independent of the Fund and BFA. The Index Provider determines the composition and relative weightings of the securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the market value of the
Underlying Index. The Fund’s Index Provider is MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”).
Industry Concentration Policy.
The Fund will concentrate its investments (
i.e.
, hold 25% or more of its total assets) in a particular industry or group of industries to
approximately the same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities) and repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government
securities are not considered to be issued by members of any industry.
Summary of Principal Risks
As with any investment, you could lose all or part of your
investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance could
trail that of other investments. The Fund is subject to the principal risks
noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value per share (“NAV”), trading price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective.
Asset Class Risk.
Securities in the Underlying Index or in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in comparison to the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Concentration Risk.
To the extent that the Fund's investments are concentrated in a particular issuer, market, industry or asset class, the Fund may be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences affecting that issuer,
market, industry or asset class.
Consumer
Discretionary Sector Risk.
The consumer discretionary sector may be affected by changes in domestic and international economies, exchange and interest rates, competition, consumers' disposable
income and consumer preferences, social trends and marketing campaigns.
Consumer Staples Sector Risk.
The consumer staples sector may be affected by marketing campaigns, changes in consumer demands, government regulations and changes in commodity prices.
Equity Securities Risk
.
Equity securities are subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other asset classes.
Healthcare Sector Risk
.
The healthcare sector may be affected by government regulations and government healthcare programs, increases or decreases in the cost of medical products and services and product liability claims,
among other factors. Many healthcare