(TSX: XCB)(TSX: XSB)(TSX: XBB)(TSX: XGB)(TSX: XLB)(TSX: XIG)(TSX: XHY)(TSX: XDV)(TSX: XRE)(TSX: XFN)(TSX: XTR)

BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited, an indirect subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced that, starting July 2010, 11 iShares® exchange traded funds will change from paying distributions on a quarterly basis to paying on a monthly basis.

"Income generation is a high priority for Canadian investors, and we believe these changes will greatly simplify investing for Canadians who need regular income from their portfolios," said Oliver McMahon, director of product management for iShares ETFs at BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

The ETFs that will be changing to a monthly distribution frequency are:


Fixed Income
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iShares DEX All Corporate Bond Index Fund ("XCB")
iShares DEX Short Term Bond Index Fund ("XSB")
iShares DEX Universe Bond Index Fund ("XBB")
iShares DEX All Government Bond Index Fund ("XGB")
iShares DEX Long Term Bond Index Fund ("XLB")
iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index Fund (CAD-Hedged) ("XIG")
iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index Fund (CAD-Hedged) ("XHY")

Equity
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iShares Dow Jones Canada Select Dividend Index Fund ("XDV")
iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index Fund ("XRE")
iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index Fund ("XFN")
iShares S&P/TSX Income Trust Index Fund ("XTR")

"At iShares we are constantly looking at ways to better serve our clients," added McMahon.

"Given that these enhancements affect both fixed income and select equity products, investors can practice diversification and take advantage of income-generating opportunities according to their risk profile and investment philosophy."

There are no other changes to any of the funds' investment objectives or strategies. In addition, previously announced distribution dates for June, September, and December 2010 will remain unchanged, with additional dates for July, August, October and November added for the 11 funds changing to monthly distributions. Ex-dividend and payment dates for the rest of 2010 are as follows:


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Month                     Ex Date                  Pay Date
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June                      25-Jun-2010              30-Jun-2010
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July                      27-Jul-2010              30-Jul-2010
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August                    26-Aug-2010              31-Aug-2010
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September                 27-Sep-2010              30-Sep-2010
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October                   26-Oct-2010              29-Oct-2010
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November                  24-Nov-2010              30-Nov-2010
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December                  24-Dec-2010              31-Dec-2010
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About BlackRock

BlackRock, Inc. ("BlackRock") is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At March 31, 2010, BlackRock's AUM was US$3.364 trillion. BlackRock offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet clients' needs, including active, enhanced and index strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including 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 March 31, 2010, the firm has approximately 8,500 employees in 24 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.

About iShares ETFs

iShares is the global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 410 funds globally across equities, fixed income and commodities, which trade on 16 exchanges worldwide3. The iShares funds 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. The iShares customer base consists of the institutional segment of pension plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of financial advisors.

Contacts: Contact for Media: Veritas Communications Lisa An 416-955-4587 or Cell: 647-292-2478 an@veritascanada.com

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