What is the main purpose of this 8-K filing?

The main purpose of this filing is to report an amendment to the Trust's Depositary Trust Agreement. Specifically, it updates the transaction fee charged to authorized participants for creating or redeeming shares of the iShares Gold Trust (IAU).

How does the $500 transaction fee affect me as an investor in IAU?

The transaction fee is primarily paid by authorized participants (APs) and not directly by retail investors. However, it's an operational cost for APs, and any changes in these fees can potentially influence the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the ETF's creation/redemption process. This, in turn, can indirectly impact how closely IAU tracks the price of gold.

Who are the parties involved in this amendment?

The amendment was executed between BlackRock Asset Management International Inc., the sponsor of the iShares Gold Trust, and The Bank of New York Mellon, the trustee of the Trust.

Are there any other significant changes reported in this filing?

The primary change reported is the fixing of the transaction fee at $500 and the amendment to the procedure for future fee variations. No other major operational or financial changes were detailed in this specific 8-K filing.

IAU 8-K SEC Disclosure — Feb 10, 2010

Summary

This 8-K filing by iShares Gold Trust (IAU) on February 10, 2010, reports a key operational update regarding its creation and redemption process. Specifically, the Second Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Depositary Trust Agreement has fixed the transaction fee for authorized participants at $500. This amendment, executed by the sponsor BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. and trustee The Bank of New York Mellon, also clarifies the procedure for future adjustments to this fee. For investors, this means greater predictability in the costs associated with creating or redeeming large blocks of IAU shares. While the fee itself is borne by authorized participants and not directly by retail investors, it can influence the overall efficiency and cost structure of the ETF, indirectly impacting its market price and tracking accuracy. The amendment provides transparency on this specific operational aspect of the Trust.

Key Highlights

1iShares Gold Trust (IAU) filed an 8-K on February 10, 2010, reporting an event from February 8, 2010.
2The filing details the Second Amendment to the First Amended and Restated Depositary Trust Agreement.
3The amendment fixes the transaction fee for authorized participants at $500 for creations or redemptions of IAU shares.
4The amendment also revises the procedure for future modifications to this transaction fee.
5This change impacts the operational costs for authorized participants interacting with the Trust.
6The sponsor, BlackRock Asset Management International Inc., and the trustee, The Bank of New York Mellon, executed the amendment.
7The filing is classified under Item 8.01 (Other Events).

ISHARES GOLD TRUST 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Feb 10, 2010)

Summary

Key Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions