Products August 3, 2007

Barclays Launches International REIT ETF

Barclays Global Investors (BGI) has announced the launch of the iShares S&P World ex-U.S. Property Index Fund on the NYSE.
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The new iShares ETF (exchange-traded fund) has an annual expense ratio of 0.48%, and is the first international REIT iShares ETF, according to the announcement.

“The iShares S&P World ex-U.S. Property Index Fund meets several important needs of investors – accessing a market with a cost effective, tradable investment vehicle and diversification beyond what U.S. real estate can provide,” said Noel Archard, Head of U.S. iShares Product Development, in the announcement. “As more REIT and REIT-like structures are created outside of the U.S., BGI expects more individual investors and financial advisors to consider international real estate as an investment.”

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As of June 30, 2007, iShares has introduced 17 new iShares Funds and had taken in $22 billion.

More information can be found at http://www.ishares.com.

Products August 3, 2007

EPIC Advisors Now Offers Investment Management

EPIC Advisors, Inc. announced it will now offer retirement plan investment management services as part of its suite of retirement plan products.
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Investment advisory and management services are provided through the trust powers of EPIC’s parent company, NBT Bancorp, whose Trust and Investment Division acts as co-fiduciary and partner to the plan sponsor.

The addition of a prudent investment identification, selection, monitoring, and reporting process to Rochester-based EPIC’s full-service 401(k) recordkeeping and administration services will provide local employers with a single source solution for all of their company retirement plan needs, EPIC announced.

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EPIC’s program also delivers online participant investment advice, ongoing educational services, and extensive plan sponsor reporting. EPIC currently serves clients in 29 states comprising over 810 retirement plans with $2.2 billion in assets.

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