value of the Fund's total assets (including the value of the collateral
received).
The Underlying Index is sponsored by an
organization (the “Index Provider”) that is independent of the Fund and BFA. The Index Provider determines the composition and relative weightings of the securities in the Underlying Index and publishes information regarding the market
value of the Underlying Index. The Fund’s Index Provider is MSCI Inc. (“MSCI”).
Industry Concentration Policy.
The Fund will concentrate its investments (
i.e.
, hold 25% or more of its total assets) in a particular industry or group of industries, which may
include large-, mid- or small-capitalization companies, to approximately the same extent that the Underlying Index is concentrated. For purposes of this limitation, securities of the U.S. government (including its agencies and instrumentalities) and
repurchase agreements collateralized by U.S. government securities are not considered to be issued by members of any industry.
Summary of Principal Risks
As with any investment, you could lose all or part of your
investment in the Fund, and the Fund's performance could trail that of other investments. The Fund is subject to the principal risks noted below, any of which may adversely affect the Fund's net asset value per share (“NAV”), trading
price, yield, total return and ability to meet its investment objective.
Asset Class Risk.
Securities in the Underlying Index or in the Fund's portfolio may underperform in
comparison to the general securities markets or other asset classes.
Concentration Risk.
To the extent that the Fund's investments are concentrated in a particular issuer, region, country, market, industry or asset class, the Fund may be susceptible to loss due to adverse occurrences
affecting that issuer, region, country, market, industry or asset class.
Currency Risk
.
Because the Fund's NAV is determined in U.S. dollars, the Fund's NAV could decline if the currency of a non-U.S. market in which the Fund invests depreciates against the U.S. dollar.
Custody Risk
.
Less developed markets are more likely to experience problems with the clearing and settling of trades and the holding of securities by local banks, agents and depositories.
Energy Sector Risk.
The value of securities issued by companies in the energy sector may decline for many reasons, including, without limitation, changes in energy prices, government regulations, energy conservation
efforts and potential civil liabilities.
Equity
Securities Risk
.
Equity securities are subject to changes in value and their values may be more volatile than other asset classes.
Financial Sector Risk
.
Performance of companies in the financial sector may be adversely impacted by many factors, including, among others, government regulations, economic conditions, credit rating downgrades, changes in
interest rates, and decreased liquidity in credit markets. This sector has experienced significant losses in the recent past, and the impact of more stringent capital requirements and of recent or future