497 1 d497.htm FORM 497 Form 497

iShares®

iShares, Inc.

Supplement dated November 23, 2010

to the Prospectus dated January 1, 2010 (the “Prospectus”)

for the iShares MSCI BRIC Index Fund (the “Fund”)

The information in this Supplement updates information in, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.

Effective immediately, the Fund will be able to invest directly in Russian securities in addition to holding ADRs. As a result, the following paragraphs supplement the existing disclosure in the “Summary of Principal Risks” section of the Prospectus on pages S-3 and S-4.

Russian Securities Risk. Investing in Russian securities involves significant risks, including risks associated with settlement of portfolio transactions and the risk of loss of the Fund’s ownership rights in its portfolio securities, as a result of the system of share registration and custody in Russia.

Securities Market Risk. Russian securities markets may trade a small number of securities and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times.

The following paragraphs supplement the existing disclosure in the “A Further Discussion of Principal Risks” section of the Prospectus from pages 2 to 7.

Russian Securities Risk. Investing in Russian securities involves significant risks, in addition to those described under “Emerging Markets Risk” and “Non-U.S. Securities Risks” that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, including:

 

  n  

the risk of delays in settling portfolio transactions and the risk of loss arising out of the system of share registration and custody used in Russia;

 

  n  

risks in connection with the maintenance of the Fund’s portfolio securities and cash with foreign subcustodians and securities depositories, including the risk that appropriate sub-custody arrangements will not be available to the Fund;

 

  n  

the risk that the Fund’s ownership rights in portfolio securities could be lost through fraud or negligence as a result of the fact that ownership in shares of Russian companies is recorded by the companies themselves and by registrars, rather than a central registration system; and


  n  

the risk that the Fund may not be able to pursue claims on behalf of its shareholders because of the system of share registration and custody, and because Russian banking institutions and registrars are not guaranteed by the government.

Securities Market Risk. The Russian Trading System Stock Exchange may trade a smaller number of securities than do more established exchanges, and may be unable to respond effectively to increases in trading volume, potentially making prompt liquidation of holdings difficult or impossible at times. Settlement procedures in emerging countries are frequently less developed and reliable than those in the United States (and other developed countries). In addition, significant delays may occur in certain markets in registering the transfer of securities. Settlement or registration problems may make it more difficult for the Fund to value its portfolio securities and could cause the Fund to miss attractive investment opportunities.

The following paragraphs supplement the “Structural Risks” section on page 6 of the Prospectus.

Economic Risk. Russia has experienced currency devaluations, high rates of inflation and high government debt, causing a negative effect on the Russian economy and securities market. Russia has also experienced severe economic recessions and was severely affected by the recent global financial crisis.

Heavy Government Control and Regulation. Despite significant recent reform and privatization, the Russian government continues to control a large share of economic activity in the region. The Russian government owns shares in corporations in a range of sectors, including banking, energy production, and distribution, automobiles, transportation and telecommunications. Government spending in Russia remains high compared to that of other European countries.

Labor Risk. A significant portion of the workforce in Russia is unionized and certain regions and sectors of the country have experienced very high unemployment rates and periods of labor and social unrest.

If you have any additional questions, please call 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737).

 

iShares® is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A.

  

     IS-A-BKF-S2   

 

 

PLEASE RETAIN THIS SUPPLEMENT

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE


iShares®

iShares, Inc.

Supplement dated November 23, 2010

to the Prospectus dated September 28, 2009

(as revised December 1, 2009) (the “Prospectus”)

for the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets

Eastern Europe Index Fund (the “Fund”)

The information in this Supplement updates information in, and should be read in conjunction with, the Prospectus.

Effective immediately, the Fund will be able to invest directly in Russian securities in addition to holding ADRs. As a result, the following paragraphs supplement the existing disclosure in the “Principal Risks” section of the Prospectus from pages 3 to 8.

Commodity Exposure Risk. The energy, materials, and agriculture sectors of the Russian economy account for a large portion of its exports. Any changes in these sectors or fluctuations in the commodity markets could have an adverse impact on the Russian economy. Commodity prices may be influenced or characterized by unpredictable factors, including, where applicable, high volatility, changes in supply and demand relationships, weather, agriculture, trade, pestilence, changes in interest rates and monetary and other governmental policies, action and inaction. Securities of companies held by the Fund that are dependent on a single commodity, or are concentrated in a single commodity sector, may typically exhibit even higher volatility attributable to commodity prices.

Russian Securities Risk. Investing in Russian securities involves significant risks, in addition to those described under “Emerging Markets Risk” and “Non-U.S. Securities Risks” that are not typically associated with investing in U.S. securities, including:

 

  n  

the risk of delays in settling portfolio transactions and the risk of loss arising out of the system of share registration and custody used in Russia;

 

  n  

risks in connection with the maintenance of the Fund’s portfolio securities and cash with foreign subcustodians and securities depositories, including the risk that appropriate sub-custody arrangements will not be available to the Fund;

 

  n  

the risk that the Fund’s ownership rights in portfolio securities could be lost through fraud or negligence as a result of the fact that ownership in shares of Russian companies is recorded by the companies themselves and by registrars, rather than a central registration system; and


  n  

the risk that the Fund may not be able to pursue claims on behalf of its shareholders because of the system of share registration and custody, and because Russian banking institutions and registrars are not guaranteed by the government.

If you have any additional questions, please call 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737).

 

iShares® is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A.

  

     IS-A-ESR-S2   

 

 

PLEASE RETAIN THIS SUPPLEMENT

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE


iShares®

iShares, Inc.

Supplement dated November 23, 2010

to the Statement of Additional Information dated September 28, 2009

(as revised December 1, 2009) (the “SAI”)

for the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets

Eastern Europe Index Fund (the “Fund”)

The information in this Supplement updates information in, and should be read in conjunction with, the SAI.

Effective immediately, the following paragraphs are inserted after the “Risks of Investing in Non-U.S. Equity Securities” paragraph, ending on page 10 of the SAI:

Risks of Investing in Russia. Investing in the Russian securities market involves a high degree of risk and special considerations not typically associated with investing in the U.S. securities markets, and should be considered highly speculative. Risks include the absence of developed legal structures governing private and foreign investments and private property; the possibility of the loss of all or a substantial portion of the Fund’s assets invested in Russia as a result of expropriation; certain national policies which may restrict the Fund’s investment opportunities, including, without limitation, restrictions on investing in issuers or industries deemed sensitive to relevant national interests; and potentially greater price volatility in, significantly smaller capitalization of, and relative illiquidity of, the Russian market. There can also be no assurance that the Fund’s investments in these companies would not be expropriated, nationalized or otherwise confiscated. In the event of the settlement of any such claims or such expropriation, nationalization or other confiscation, the Fund could lose its entire investment. In addition, it may be difficult and more costly to obtain and enforce a judgment in the Russian court system.

Russia may also be subject to a greater degree of economic, political and social instability than is the case in other developed countries. Such instability may result from, among other things, the following: (i) an authoritarian government or military involvement in political and economic decision-making, including changes in government through extra-constitutional means; (ii) popular unrest associated with demands for improved political, economic and social conditions; (iii) internal insurgencies; (iv) hostile relations with neighboring countries; and (v) ethnic, religious and racial disaffection.

The Russian economy is heavily dependent upon the export of a range of commodities including most industrial metals, forestry products and oil and gas. Accordingly, it is strongly affected by international commodity prices and


is particularly vulnerable to any weakening in global demand for these products. Any acts of terrorism or armed conflicts in Russia or internationally could have an adverse effect on the financial and commodities markets and the global economy. As Russia produces and exports large amounts of crude oil and gas, any acts of terrorism or armed conflict causing disruptions of Russian oil and gas exports could negatively affect the Russian economy and, thus, adversely affect, financial condition, results of operations or prospects.

The Russian government may exercise substantial influence over many aspects of the private sector and may own or control many companies. Future government actions could have a significant effect on the economic conditions in Russia, which could have a negative impact on private sector companies. There is also the possibility of diplomatic developments that could adversely affect investments in Russia. In recent years, the Russian government has begun to take bolder steps to re-assert its regional geopolitical influence (including military steps). Such steps may increase tensions between Russia and its neighbors and Western countries and may negatively affect economic growth.

If you have any additional questions, please call 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737).

 

iShares® is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A.

  

     IS-SAI-ESR-S2   

 

 

PLEASE RETAIN THIS SUPPLEMENT

FOR FUTURE REFERENCE