Barclays Global Investors has launched the iShares Dow Jones EPAC Select Dividend Index Fund (ticker: IDV) on the NYSE Arca. The new ETF complements the iShares Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index Fund (ticker: DVY and comes with an expense ratio of 50 bps.

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Barclays Global Investors (BGI) announced today that the iShares Dow Jones EPAC Select Dividend Index Fund (ticker: IDV) began trading on the NYSE Arca. The new international dividend ETF complements the iShares Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index Fund (ticker: DVY), which was the first U.S. dividend ETF listed in the U.S. and has total assets under management of over $8.7 billion. The new fund's expense ratio is 0.50%.

"As investors increasingly seek income from their portfolios, they shouldn't be limited by borders," said Noel Archard, Head of U.S. iShares Product Development. "By utilizing a methodology similar to the iShares Dow Jones U.S. Select Dividend Index Fund, this new product enables investors to benefit from income-generating securities around the world."

The Dow Jones EPAC Select Dividend Index measures the performance of high dividend paying non-U.S. companies in developed markets (excluding REITs). Represented markets currently include Canada, Western Europe, Japan, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. To be included in the index, stocks must have a positive, three-year dividend-per-share growth rate; a dividend payout ratio of less than or equal to 1.5 times the five-year average payout ratio of the Dow Jones country index to which it belongs; and a three-month average daily dollar trading volume of at least $3 million.

The iShares Funds are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are attractive to many individual and institutional investors and financial intermediaries because of their relative low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account.

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, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-iShares or by visiting www.ishares.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Barclays Global Investors (BGI) is one of the world's largest asset managers(1) providing structured investment strategies such as risk-controlled active strategies and indexing. In the U.S., BGI is one of the largest active managers(2), set apart by its risk-controlled approach. BGI manages 65% of the world's 100 largest pension plans(3) and is a leader in assets and products in exchange traded funds (ETFs) through its iShares® brand with more than 190 ETFs globally. The firm managed over $1.8 trillion in assets as of 12/31/06, for more than 2,900 clients in 52 countries around the world. BGI is a majority-owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC.

There are risks involved with investing, including possible loss of principal. In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. There is no guarantee that dividends will be paid.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. (SEI). Barclays Global Fund Advisors (BGFA) serves as an advisor to the Funds. Barclays Global Investors Services (BGIS) assists in the marketing of the Funds. BGFA and BGIS are subsidiaries of Barclays Global Investors, N.A., which is a majority owned subsidiary of Barclays Bank PLC, none of which is affiliated with SEI.

© 2007 Barclays Global Investors. All rights reserved. iShares® is a registered trademark of Barclays Global Investors, N.A. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

(1) Source: "P&I/Watson Wyatt World 500," Pensions & Investments, September 4, 2006.

(2) Source: "Special Reports: Money Manager Directory," Pensions & Investments, May 29, 2006.

(3) Source: "P&I/Watson Wyatt World 300: Largest Pension Funds," Pensions & Investments, September 18, 2006.  

Edited by: Erin Kello


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