Mr. Brandon Dorey of RBC Global Asset Management reports

THE RBC ISHARES ALLIANCE LAUNCHES THREE NEW ETF SERIES OF ALTERNATIVE INVESTMENT STRATEGY FUNDS

The RBC iShares alliance has launched three new ETF series of RBC funds, expanding its suite of alternative investment solutions for Canadian investors and advisers. The new ETF series are managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and are expected to begin trading on Cboe Canada today.

Expanded suite of alternative investment solutions

The new ETF series are an extension of the suite of alternative investment solutions currently offered by RBC GAM Inc. As each ETF series aims to increase potential returns by employing leverage at approximately 25 per cent of each fund's net asset value, the ETF series offers medium- and long-term investors convenient and cost-effective access to leveraged solutions with daily liquidity.

"Canadian investors and advisers are continually looking for new solutions to help address portfolio construction challenges during times of heightened market volatility," said Stephen Hoffman, managing director of exchange-traded funds, RBC Global Asset Management. "Increasingly, they are drawn to alternative investments due to the unique benefits they can bring to their portfolios. By introducing the RBC enhanced funds in ETF series, we are expanding our suite of alternative investment solutions to make sophisticated investment strategies accessible for Canadians who prefer to invest using ETFs."

RBC Enhanced North American Value Fund -- ETF series: The fund invests primarily, directly or indirectly, in undervalued Canadian and/or U.S. companies offering long-term growth potential. The fund invests primarily in ETF series units of RBC North American Value Fund, which has over $10-billion in assets under management. The fund also uses leverage at approximately 25 per cent of the fund's net asset value to enhance returns.

RBC Enhanced Quant Canadian Dividend Leaders Fund -- ETF series: The fund invests primarily, directly or indirectly, in a portfolio of high-quality Canadian equity securities that aim to provide regular dividend income and have the potential for long-term capital growth. The fund invests primarily in units of RBC Quant Canadian Dividend Leaders ETF, which has over $400-million in assets under management. The fund also uses leverage at approximately 25 per cent of its net asset value to enhance returns.

RBC Enhanced Quant U.S. Dividend Leaders Fund -- ETF series: The fund invests primarily, directly or indirectly, in a portfolio of high-quality U.S. equity securities that aim to provide regular dividend income and have the potential for long-term capital growth. The fund invests primarily in units of RBC Quant U.S. Dividend Leaders ETF, which has over $900-million in assets under management. The fund also uses leverage at approximately 25 per cent of its net asset value to enhance returns.

The RBC iShares alliance aims to help clients achieve their investment objectives by empowering them to build efficient portfolios and take control of their financial futures. The RBC iShares alliance is committed to delivering a truly differentiated ETF experience and positive outcomes for clients.