EWK | iShares MSCI Belgium ETF

EWK ISSUER

The BlackRock-advised Funds, specifically the EWK issuer, aims to mirror the performance of the MSCI Belgium IMI 25/50 Index, which encompasses large, mid, and small-cap segments of the Belgian equity market. To achieve this, the fund utilizes an indexing approach, focusing on representative sampling to match the investment profile of the underlying index. By investing in a selection of securities with similar characteristics to those in the index, the fund seeks to mitigate the risks associated with active management while aiming for lower costs and improved after-tax performance. The fund typically invests at least 80% of its assets in the component securities of the underlying index and may allocate up to 20% in futures, options, swaps, cash equivalents, and securities not included in the index. Additionally, the fund may engage in securities lending, with a limit of up to one-third of the fund's total assets. It adheres to an industry concentration policy aligned with the composition of the underlying index, ensuring a diversified portfolio while maintaining a focus on the Belgian market.

EWK DIVIDEND

K dividend refers to the distribution of earnings by the BlackRock-advised Funds, specifically the EWK issuer, which seeks to replicate the performance of the MSCI Belgium IMI 25/50 Index. As with any dividend-paying investment, the amount and frequency of dividends from EWK are subject to various factors, including the performance of the underlying index, the dividend policies of the companies within the index, and expenses incurred by the fund. Investors in EWK may receive dividends periodically, typically reflecting the dividends earned by the constituent securities held within the fund's portfolio. These dividends can provide investors with a source of income and may contribute to overall investment returns. However, it's essential to note that dividend payments are not guaranteed and may fluctuate over time based on market conditions and other factors affecting the underlying securities.

EWK TRACKING

The tracking of the EWK issuer, a BlackRock-advised Funds product, is designed to closely follow the performance of the MSCI Belgium IMI 25/50 Index. This tracking is achieved through a meticulous indexing strategy, wherein the fund invests in a representative sample of securities that collectively mirror the characteristics of the underlying index. By aligning its investment profile with that of the index, EWK aims to replicate its investment results before fees and expenses. This tracking approach helps investors gain exposure to the Belgian equity market while minimizing the risks associated with active management. However, it's important to recognize that while the fund seeks to track the index as closely as possible, there may be slight deviations due to factors such as transaction costs, cash holdings, and market movements. Overall, the EWK issuer endeavors to provide investors with an efficient and transparent means of participating in the performance of the Belgian equity market.

EWK CORRELATION

The correlation of the EWK issuer, part of the BlackRock-advised Funds, pertains to its relationship with the MSCI Belgium IMI 25/50 Index. As a fund designed to track the performance of this specific index, EWK's correlation is expected to be strong, aiming to replicate the movements and returns of the index as closely as possible. Investors typically look for high correlation between a fund and its benchmark index as it indicates that the fund is effectively capturing the market movements. However, it's crucial to note that while EWK strives for a high correlation with the MSCI Belgium IMI 25/50 Index, there may still be variations due to factors such as tracking errors, expenses, and market conditions. Despite potential minor divergences, maintaining a robust correlation with the index is essential for EWK to fulfill its objective of providing investors with exposure to the Belgian equity market's performance.

EWK SECTOR

The sector allocation of the EWK issuer, managed by BlackRock-advised Funds, reflects its investment in the Belgian equity market as represented by the MSCI Belgium IMI 25/50 Index. As of the latest available data, EWK exhibits significant exposure to sectors such as consumer staples, financials, and healthcare, which are prominent components of the Belgian equity landscape. This sector allocation is in line with the composition of the underlying index and provides investors with diversified exposure to various segments of the Belgian economy. By investing across multiple sectors, EWK aims to mitigate concentration risk and capture opportunities for growth and stability within the Belgian equity market. It's important for investors to monitor the sector allocation of EWK to ensure alignment with their investment objectives and risk tolerance.

EWK EXPOSURE

The exposure of the EWK issuer, managed by BlackRock-advised Funds, encompasses its investment positioning within the Belgian equity market, mirroring the MSCI Belgium IMI 25/50 Index. With a focus on tracking the performance of this index, EWK offers investors comprehensive exposure to the diverse spectrum of Belgian stocks across various market capitalizations. Through its representative sampling indexing strategy, EWK seeks to replicate the investment characteristics of the underlying index, including sector composition and individual stock weights. This exposure provides investors with an opportunity to participate in the potential growth and performance of the Belgian equity market while mitigating specific risks associated with individual stock selection. Monitoring EWK's exposure ensures investors stay informed about their portfolio's alignment with the Belgian equity market and their overall investment objectives.