BlackRock® Canada Updates Risk Ratings for Certai

TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) (NYSE: BLK ) and manager of the BlackRock mutual funds listed below (the “BlackRock Funds”), today announces updates to the risk ratings of the BlackRock Funds. These changes will be reflected in the simplified prospectus for the BlackRock Funds that will be filed on or about September 22, 2017.

BlackRock Canada applied the new investment risk classification methodology set out in National Instrument 81-102 – Investment Funds , which came into force on September 1, 2017, to determine the risk rating of each Fund. There have been no changes to the investment objectives, investment strategies or management of the BlackRock Funds.

A copy of the standardized risk classification methodology used by BlackRock Canada to identify the risk ratings of the BlackRock Funds is available on request, at no cost, by calling us at 1-855-255-5951 or by writing to BlackRock Canada at 161 Bay Street, Suite 2500, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2S1.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients.  At June 30, 2017, BlackRock’s AUM was US$5.7 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 June 30, 2017, 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/ca | Twitter: @BlackRockCA | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com/can  

The BlackRock Funds are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in the BlackRock Funds. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The BlackRock 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.

© 2017 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.

Contact for Media: Maeve Hannigan T – 416-643-4058           C – 416-564-1540          

Email: Maeve.Hannigan@blackrock.com