Mr. Stephen Hoffman reports

THE RBC ISHARES ALLIANCE EXPANDS LINEUP WITH THE LAUNCH OF FIVE NEW EXCHANGE-TRADED FUNDS

The RBC iShares alliance has expanded the suite of RBC Target Maturity Bond exchange-traded funds with the launch of RBC Target 2032 Canadian Government Bond ETF, RBC Target 2032 Canadian Corporate Bond ETF and RBC Target 2032 U.S. Corporate Bond ETF. In addition, the RBC iShares alliance has introduced two new actively managed equity ETFs, RBC Canadian Equity ETF and RBC U.S. Large-Cap Equity ETF. The five new ETFs are managed by RBC Global Asset Management Inc. and are expected to begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange today.

Expansion of the suite of RBC Target Maturity Bond ETFs

The RBC iShares alliance has expanded its fixed-income lineup with the launch of three new RBC Target Maturity Bond ETFs, each maturing in 2032. Target maturity bond ETFs help Canadian investors and advisers manage duration more precisely by investing in a diversified portfolio of bonds maturing in the same year. Since RBC GAM Inc. launched the first target maturity bond ETFs in Canada in 2011, the RBC Target Maturity Bond ETF suite has grown to over $4-billion in assets across maturities ranging from 2026 to 2032, making it the largest suite of target maturity bond ETFs in Canada.

Launch of new actively managed equity ETFs

The RBC iShares alliance has expanded its lineup of actively managed ETFs with two new equity ETFs, providing Canadian investors and advisers with access to Canadian and U.S. markets. These two new equity ETFs leverage the investment expertise of RBC GAM Inc.'s North American equities team, which collectively manages over $100-billion in assets.

"The needs of Canadian advisers and investors continue to change as both markets and portfolio construction trends evolve," said Stephen Hoffman, managing director of exchange-traded funds, RBC Global Asset Management. "With the launch of our new actively managed equity ETFs and the expansion of our target maturity bond ETF suite, we are leveraging the expertise of our investment teams to bring solutions to market that help address these evolving client needs."

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.

The RBC iShares alliance includes RBC ETFs managed by RBC Global Asset Management and iShares ETFs managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Ltd. Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in exchange-traded funds. Please read the applicable prospectus or ETF facts document before investing. ETFs are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. ETF units are bought and sold at market price on a stock exchange, and brokerage commissions will reduce returns. RBC ETFs do not seek to return any predetermined amount at maturity. Index returns do not represent RBC ETF returns. RBC ETFs are managed by RBC GAM Inc., a member of the RBC GAM group of companies and an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Royal Bank of Canada.