8-KOther Events

ISHARES GOLD TRUST 8-K Report, Corporate Update (Nov 23, 2010)

Filed November 23, 2010For Securities:IAU

Summary

This 8-K filing from iShares Gold Trust (IAU) announces a significant change in how the trust will value its underlying gold holdings. Effective in the coming days, the sponsor, BlackRock Asset Management International Inc., intends to transition from using the COMEX® spot month settlement price to the London Gold Market Fixing Ltd. afternoon price (the "London fix") as the primary determinant of the commercial value of the trust's gold. This change is important for investors as it alters the benchmark used for valuation, potentially impacting the Net Asset Value (NAV) calculations and daily price movements of IAU shares. The shift aims to align the trust's valuation more closely with a widely recognized and established international benchmark for gold pricing. Investors should monitor the effective date of this change and understand its implications for the fund's performance reporting.

Key Highlights

  • 1iShares Gold Trust (IAU) is changing its gold valuation methodology.
  • 2The trust will discontinue using the COMEX® spot month settlement price.
  • 3The trust will adopt the London Gold Market Fixing Ltd. afternoon price (London fix) for valuation.
  • 4This change is expected to occur within the next few days.
  • 5BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. is the sponsor making this change.
  • 6Public notice will be provided before the substitution takes effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

The iShares Gold Trust is changing its valuation method to adopt the London Gold Market Fixing Ltd. afternoon price (London fix). This change is intended to ensure that the London fix fairly represents the commercial value of the trust's gold on any given day and to substitute a widely recognized international benchmark.

The 'London fix' refers to the afternoon price of gold fixed by the London Gold Market Fixing Ltd. This is an established international benchmark price for gold.

The change is expected to take effect in the next few days following the filing date of this report (November 23, 2010). Public notice will be given prior to the date the substitution occurs.

The shift in valuation methodology could influence the Net Asset Value (NAV) calculations and the daily trading price of IAU shares, as it changes the benchmark used to determine the value of the trust's underlying gold holdings. Investors should stay informed about the effective date and monitor how this impacts the fund's reported value.