RBC iShares Expands Asset Allocation ETF Offering with the Introduction of Three iShares ETFs

Today, RBC iShares expanded its asset allocation exchange traded fund (“ETF”) lineup with the launch of three iShares Core ETF Portfolios. The three ETFs are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange today; the new funds will be managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc.

Pat Chiefalo, Managing Director, Head of iShares, BlackRock Canada: 

“We know investing can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Since launching our iShares Core ETF Portfolios, Canadian investors and advisors have shown tremendous enthusiasm for our one-ticket multi-asset ETF solutions. Recognizing that each investor is unique, we’re excited to add three ETFs to the suite, to help meet the range of investors' goals and risk profiles. ETFs were originally created to help simplify the investment process, these ETF portfolios build upon that idea, by providing a low-cost, diversified investment solution in one simple package.”

Simple is Smart

To help enable investors reach their financial goals by providing more choice for different risk profiles, today’s announcement expands the iShares Core ETF Portfolio offering to now include five funds in the multi-asset suite; the new ETFs now offer equity, income balanced and conservative balanced strategies, each in one simple package. Leveraging BlackRock’s expertise, each ETF is designed to allow investors and advisors to gain low-cost exposure to a portfolio of iShares ETFs, that is broadly diversified by asset class and region, and is regularly monitored and rebalanced, as needed, to maintain its respective asset class targets.

Fund Name	Ticker	Management Fee
iShares Core Income Balanced ETF Portfolio	XINC	0.18%
iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio	XCNS	0.18%
iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio	XEQT	0.18%

For more information about the RBC iShares ETF suite, investors and advisors are invited to visit rbcishares.com.

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, 2019, the firm managed approximately US$6.84 trillion in assets on behalf of investors worldwide. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit  www.blackrock.com/ca | Twitter: @BlackRockCA | 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 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2019, 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$6.84 trillion in AUM as of 6/30/19

About RBC Global Asset Management RBC Global Asset Management (RBC GAM) is the asset management division of Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) and includes institutional money managers BlueBay Asset Management and Phillips, Hager & North Investment Management. RBC GAM is a provider of global investment management services and solutions to institutional, high-net-worth and individual investors through separate accounts, pooled funds, mutual funds, hedge funds, exchange-traded funds and specialty investment strategies. The RBC GAM group of companies manage approximately $430 billion in assets and have approximately 1,400 employees located across Canada, the United States, Europe and Asia.

RBC iShares ETFs are comprised of RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. ETFs 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.

® / TM Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. iSHARES is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used under licence. © 2019 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited and RBC Global Asset Management Inc. All rights reserved.

For more information, please contact:

Maeve Hannigan, BlackRock Communications, 416-564-1540