BlackRock Removes iShares ETFs from Bats and NYSE Arca Pilot Liquidity Incentive Programs

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BlackRock (NYSE: BLK) is removing its iShares ETFs from the Bats Competitive Liquidity Program (CLP) and the NYSE Arca ETP Incentive Program.

Both pilot programs are aimed at improving market quality and liquidity in less actively traded products. The decision to withdraw iShares ETFs follows assessments conducted by each of Bats, NYSE and iShares. The funds will be moving to the Lead Market Maker (LMM) programs at Bats and NYSE.

The following funds will be leaving the Bats Competitive Liquidity Program on July 1 2016:

iShares B – Ca Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTC)iShares Baa – Ba Rated Corporate Bond ETF (QLTB)iShares Emerging Markets Corporate Bond ETF (CEMB)iShares Emerging Markets High Yield Bond ETF (EMHY)iShares Global ex USD High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (HYXU)iShares Global High Yield Corporate Bond ETF (GHYG)iShares Ultra Short-Term Bond ETF (ICSH)iShares Morningstar Multi-Asset Income ETF (IYLD)iShares MSCI Denmark Capped ETF (EDEN)iShares MSCI Finland Capped ETF (EFNL)iShares MSCI Germany Small-Cap ETF (EWGS)iShares MSCI India Small-Cap ETF (SMIN)iShares MSCI Norway Capped ETF (ENOR)iShares MSCI United Kingdom Small-Cap ETF (EWUS)iShares Short Maturity Bond ETF (NEAR)iShares Convertible Bond ETF (ICVT)iShares Short Maturity Municipal Bond ETF (MEAR)iShares Edge U.S. Fixed Income Balanced Risk ETF (FIBR)iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Horizon ETF (EMHZ)

The following funds will be leaving the NYSE Arca ETP Incentive Program on July 1 2016:

iShares MSCI ACWI Low Carbon Target ETF (CRBN)iShares Asia/Pacific Dividend ETF (DVYA)iShares Interest Rate Hedged High Yield Bond ETF (HYGH)

Leaving the CLP program may have positive or negative effects on the price and liquidity of the funds, which could affect investors' purchases and sales. iShares works closely with all market participants and partners to ensure products trade in the most efficient way possible.

For more information on BlackRock’s participation in the liquidity incentive programs, please visit www.ishares.com/us/products/liquidity-incentive-programs.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients. At March 31, 2016, BlackRock’s AUM was $4.737 trillion. BlackRock helps clients around the world 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®. As of March 31, 2016, the firm had approximately 13,000 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in 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, 2016, 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.1

Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses which may be obtained by visiting www.iShares.com or www.blackrock.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

Shares of the iShares Funds may be bought and sold throughout the day on the exchange through any brokerage account. Shares are not individually redeemable from the Fund, however, Shares may be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares of an ETF will develop or be maintained.

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.

©2016 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other marks are the property of their respective own

1 Based on $4.737 trillion in AUM as of 3/31/16.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160628006665/en/

BlackRock
Melissa Garville, 212-810-5528
[email protected]
or
Paul Young, 212-810-8142
[email protected]

Source: BlackRock

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