Inspired by Edelman Financial Services with
an Index Designed and Constructed by Morningstar
Provides Exposure to Transformational Firms
at the Forefront of Innovation
BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) announced today that its iShares
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) business, the world’s largest manager
of ETFs, has launched the iShares Exponential Technologies ETF
(NYSEArca:XT). The new ETF, which began trading on March 23rd, is
based on an idea from Edelman Financial Services, one of the
nation’s largest independent financial planning and investment
management firms, and seeks to track the Morningstar® Exponential
Technologies Index.
XT is designed to provide global exposure to companies
identified as leaders across key areas of technological
transformation – from big data and analytics to nanotechnology and
bioinformatics. These companies, which also cross industry sectors
such as manufacturing, financial services and health care, have the
potential to profoundly transform society and may offer substantial
investment growth opportunities.
Hollie Fagan, Head of BlackRock’s dedicated Registered
Investment Advisor business, commented: “We are thrilled
for the opportunity to collaborate with Edelman and Morningstar.
BlackRock is committed to client-led innovation, working to bring
liquid, transparent investment opportunities previously unavailable
to most investors. This ETF is testament to BlackRock’s willingness
to create innovative products when requested by a member of the
financial community and a continuation of our commitment to
democratize access to markets for all investors.”
Ric Edelman, Chairman and CEO of Edelman Financial Services,
commented: “We believe exposure to exponential technologies is
an important part of a globally diversified portfolio, and we are
excited that our clients will have efficient access to some of the
leading companies in this area through this ETF. BlackRock’s
leadership position in the ETF marketplace, Morningstar’s research
and index-building capabilities, and the outstanding reputation and
high fiduciary standards of both firms give us additional
confidence in this investment opportunity. We are especially
pleased that BlackRock is making this investment opportunity
available to investors by developing it in an ETF.”
Edelman was three times ranked the nation’s #1 Independent
Financial Advisor by Barron’s.1
To develop the index, Morningstar’s Equity Research team
identified companies that are at the forefront of nine technology
trends that are likely to disrupt a range of established
industries. The trends include: 3-D Printing, Big Data and
Analytics, Bioinformatics, Energy and Environmental Systems,
Financial-Services Innovation, Medicine and Neuroscience,
Nanotechnology, Networks and Computer Systems, and Robotics.
Sanjay Arya, Head of Morningstar Indexes, commented: “The
Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index leverages our equity
analysts’ abilities to identify trends and businesses that will
lead the next wave of innovation and combines it with our index
construction capabilities. Exponential technologies move beyond the
traditional definition of technology to include entirely new
categories such as bioinformatics, financial innovation, energy,
and environmental systems.”
The Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index is equally
weighted and Morningstar’s Equity Research team reassesses both the
exponential technology trends and constituents annually.
Morningstar is one of the largest providers of independent equity
research, with more than 100 equity analysts around the world
covering approximately 1,500 individual companies.
Although inspired by Ric Edelman, neither he nor Edelman
Financial Services has received or will receive compensation from
BlackRock or Morningstar in connection with the development or
operation of XT or the index.
About BlackRock
BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management
and advisory services for institutional and retail clients
worldwide. At December 31, 2014, BlackRock’s AUM was $4.652
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 December 31,
2014, the firm had approximately 12,200 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 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 December 31, 2014,
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.2
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.
International investing involves risks, including risks related
to foreign currency, limited liquidity, less government regulation
and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse
political, economic or other developments. These risks often are
heightened for investments in emerging/developing markets and in
concentrations of single countries. Funds that concentrate
investments in specific industries, sectors, markets or asset
classes may underperform or be more volatile than other industries,
sectors, markets or asset classes and than the general securities
market. Technology companies may be subject to severe competition
and product obsolescence.
The Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC
(together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).
“Morningstar” and the “Morningstar Exponential Technologies
Index” are trademarks and services marks of Morningstar, Inc. These
marks, along with the underlying index with which they are
associated, have been licensed by BlackRock, Inc., for certain
purposes. The Morningstar Exponential Technologies Index serves as
the tracking index for the iShares Exponential Technologies ETF.
This ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by
Morningstar or any of its affiliates (collectively, "Morningstar"),
and Morningstar makes no representation regarding the advisability
of investing in this ETF.
©2015 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iSHARES and
BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other
marks are the property of their respective owners.
iS-15046-0315
1 According to Barron’s, “The formula used to rank advisors has
three major components: assets managed, revenue produced and
quality of the advisor’s practice. Investment returns are not a
component of the rankings because an advisor’s returns are dictated
largely by each client’s risk tolerance. The quality-of-practice
component includes an evaluation of each advisor’s regulatory
record.” Only advisors who apply are ranked. “The Top 100
Independent Financial Advisors” was published Aug. 27, 2012; Aug.
28, 2010; and Aug. 31, 2009. Ric Edelman is Chairman and CEO of
Edelman Financial Services, a Registered Investment Adviser, and
CEO, President and a Director of Pinnacle Summer Investments Inc.
He offers advisory services through EFS and securities through
Sanders Morris Harris Inc., an affiliated broker/dealer, member
FINRA/SIPC.
2 Based on $4.652T in AUM as of 12/31/14
BlackRock, Inc.Jessica Greaney,
212-810-5498Jessica.Greaney@blackrock.comorDiane Henry,
415-670-4567Diane.Henry@blackrock.com
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