TOOL KIT Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) can help change the way you manage your investments. ETFs combine features of mutual funds and stocks, offering you diversified, efficient, cost-effective and transparent access to the world s financial markets. This investor tool kit has been designed to help you discover more about the potential benefits of using ETFs and how they can form a key part of your investment portfolio.
WHAT IS AN ETF? } A Great Way to Help You Meet Your Goals Exchange Trade Funds (ETFs) combine features of mutual funds and stocks. With low overall costs, access to a portfolio of securities and trading flexibility, ETFs can be powerful additions to your portfolio. Similar to mutual funds, ETFs are diversified mixes of securities such as stocks, bonds or other asset types that are managed by experienced professionals. The difference is that ETFs typically offer a few extra perks, including lower fees and the ability to buy and sell throughout the day as long as the market is open. Additional Resources: ETFs 101 PDF What is an ETF? STOCK ETFs MUTUAL TRADABLE DURING THE DAY DIVERSIFIED FUNDS THAT TRADE LIKE STOCKS FUND DIVERSIFIED
} ETF Structure Are all ETFs the same? No. Broadly speaking, there are 2 types of ETFs and the difference between them relates to what the ETF actually owns. Indexing Most ETFs use an investment strategy known as indexing that typically tracks the returns of a broad market index such as the S&P/TSX Composite Index or S&P U.S. Total Market Index, or more narrowly-defined benchmarks like the S&P/TSX Capped Financials index of Canada s biggest banks and life insurers. This type of approach is different than that utilized by most actively-managed mutual fund managers whose goal is to beat not match the performance or their targeted benchmark which over time has proven to be difficult. Index management is generally a lower cost option than active management and often provides better returns over longer time horizons. Physically Replicating ETFs } Percent of active equity funds that outperformed the index over 5 years Fund Category Comparison Index Five Years Canadian Equity S&P/TSX Capped Composite Total Return 20.00% Canadian Dividend and Income Equity S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Total Return 0.00% US Equity S&P 500 Total Return (CAD) 2.90% International Equity S&P EPAC LargeMidCap Total Return (CAD) 13.16% Source: Standard & Poor s S&P Indices versus Active Funds (SPIVA ) Canada Scorecard. Data as of year end 2014. Synthetic/Derivative Replicating ETFs } and beyond Some ETFs have evolved beyond their traditional parameters to incorporate elements of both active and index investing. This hybrid commonly known as smart beta remains low cost and transparent like traditional index strategies, but focuses on specific characteristics or factors that may be a source of incremental return or a way to manage risk more effectively.
Things that Set ETFs Apart ETFs are gaining populartity among investors of all types because they offer several key benefits. Why should you consider ETFs? } Efficiency and Access ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, so you can easily buy and sell your investments. They also come in a variety of exposures giving you access to the markets and assets classes best suited to your needs. Cost Effectiveness ETFs often have lower costs than traditional mutual funds. Transparency ETFs give you greater control of your investments and you know exactly what you re investing in. With ishares ETFs, you have daily visibility as to what securities the fund holds, how it s performing and costs. Diversified Products ETFs give you access to a diversified basket of securities just like mutual funds. This helps manage risk by limiting exposure to a single security.
5 Common ETF Myths 1. VOLATILE? More like flexible. } 2. LIMITING? Not at all. } } 3. DIVIDEND PAYING? Yes, in many cases. } 4. DAY TRADING? Only if you want to. } 5. RISKY? Depends. }
ishares CORE ETFs Build a solid foundation using ishares Core funds. ishares Core delivers 14 low-cost funds across four distinct asset classes, giving you the flexibility and control to customize a portfolio that meets your investment needs. With an ishares Core ETF portfolio at about one-tenth* the price of an average mutual fund portfolio, you can save on fees too. Canadian Equities Canadian Fixed Income XEI XIC XSQ XQB XLB XSH } U.S. Equities International Equities XUH XSP XAW XEC XUS XUU XFH XEF *Based on a comparison of (i) the average management expense ratio (MER) of the Series F Global Equity Balanced fund category in Canada of 1.33% (Source: Investor Economics, 2013 MER data) and (ii) a model portfolio consisting of a weighting of one third in each of XAW, XIC and XQB and assuming expected MERs as follows: XAW (0.22%), XIC (0.06%) and XQB (0.13%), which include an estimated blended HST rate of 10% on the management fee of each fund.
Strengthen your portfolio. Lower your costs. ishares ETFs have low fees, which means more of your money is invested and can generate higher earnings over time. When compared to an average mutual fund portfolio, an ishares Core ETF portfolio is about one-tenth* the price. 1/1 th The potential difference in growth of a $50,000 investment. Additional Resources: Find Your ishares Core Portfolio $80,311.66 -$9,048.17 View 14 Core Funds $71,263.49 PDF ishares Core Brochure } *Assuming a 5% annual return over 10 years ishares Core Sample Portfolio Series F Global Equity Balanced Fund Category * Based on a comparison of (i) the average management expense ratio (MER) of the Series F Global Equity Balanced fund category in Canada of 1.33% (Source: Investor Economics, 2013 MER data) and (ii) an ishares Core Sample Portfolio consisting of a weighting of one third in each of XAW, XIC and XQB and assuming expected MERs as follows: XAW (0.22%), XIC (0.06%) and XQB (0.13%), which include an estimated blended HST rate of 10% on the management fee of each fund. The above graph illustrates a comparison between the weighted average management expense ratio ( MER ) of the ishares Core Sample Portfolio and the weighted average MER of a Series F Global Equity Balanced Fund as categorized by the Canadian Funds Standard Committee ( CIFSC ). The above graph assumes $50,000 invested over 10 years, a 5% rate of return on all portfolios and excludes trading commissions, taxes or other transaction costs. Source: MER data from Investor Economics Insight, as at July 2013.
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. We manage 700 funds globally across multiple asset classes and strategies and more than $1 trillion (USD) in assets under management as of September 30, 2015. trusted ETF Leader } Serves investors of all sizes: wealth managers, banks, asset managers, pensions, insurance, advisors and personal investors. } Brings you more than a decade of ETF innovation and expertise. } The scale of ishares benefits you through, breadth of choice, and greater liquidity. About BlackRock $4.51 trillion in assets under management More than 12,900 employees sustained record of performance } ishares have delivered strong performance by accurately replicating institutional-quality indices at low cost. 1 } The most comprehensive range of choices for your portfolio with 700+ funds globally. } ishares gives you versatility to build the core of your portfolio, help meet specific goals, and implement your market views. Offices in over 30 countries Over 700 ishares ETFs As of 9/30/15, all figures in USD. } POWERED BY BLACKROCK } Expert portfolio management actively seeks to optimize returns, risk and cost. } Risk-managed by Aladdin, BlackRock s industry-leading technology platform. Additional Resources: A History of ETFs 1 Based on $4.506 (USD) in AUM as of 9/30/15. PDF BlackRock: Creating a Better Financial Future
How do I buy ishares ETFs? Your financial advisor will be able to buy and sell ETFs on your behalf via a broker or their investment platform. They can also be purchased through an online broker if you are a self-directed investor. How do I find out more? Our ishares website contains all the information to help you create an investment strategy customized to your long-term financial objectives. We have an extensive educational section which explains more about the characteristics of ETFs and how ETFs can help you achieve your investment goals. We also provide detailed product information on our range of Canadian ishares ETFs. Additional Resources: PDF ishares ETF Education Centre Tips for Trading ETFs BlackRock Canada Blog www.ishares.ca }
Please call or go online for more information. 1-866-iSHARES (1-866-474-2737) www.ishares.ca ishares Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in ishares Funds. 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. Standard & Poor s and S&P are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor s Financial Services LLC ( S&P ). Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC ( Dow Jones ). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. ( TSX ). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. ( BTC ), which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited ( BlackRock Canada ), on behalf of the applicable fund(s). The index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BTC and by extension, BlackRock Canada and the applicable fund(s). The funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as S&P Dow Jones Indices ) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such funds. XQB, XSH, XLB and XSQ are not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FTSE International Limited, the London Stock Exchange Group companies, TSX Inc. and its affiliates, or FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Inc. (together the Licensor Parties ) and the Licensor Parties do not make any warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to the results to be obtained from the use of the FTSE TMX Canada Universe Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada All Corporate Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada FRN Index, FTSE TMX Canada All Government Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada HYBrid Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada Long Term Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada Liquid Universe Capped Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada Real Return Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada Short Term Bond Index, FTSE TMX Canada Universe + Maple Short Term Corporate Bond Index and FTSE TMX Canada Liquid Short Term Capped Bond Index ( the Indices ) and/or the figure at which the said Indices stands at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise. The Indices are compiled and calculated by FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Inc and all copyright in the Index values and constituent lists vests in FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Inc. None of the Licensor Parties shall be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Indices and the Licensor Parties shall not be under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein. FTSE is a trade mark of the London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used under licence. TMX is a trade mark of TSX Inc. and is used under licence. MSCI and EAFE are trademarks of MSCI, Inc. ( MSCI ). XEF, XEC, XAW and XFH are permitted to use the MSCI mark and, as applicable, the EAFE 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 indices. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. has sublicensed the use of these trademarks to BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. XEF, XEC, XAW and XFH are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in XEF, XEC, XAW and XFH. 2015 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. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. isc-2014-1115