First Asset Announces Launch of 5 Additional Corporate Class ETFs

TORONTO, March 1, 2016 /NOT FOR DISSEMINATION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA/

/CNW/ - First Asset ("First Asset" or the "Manager") is pleased to announce the launch of five new corporate class exchange traded funds ("ETFs"), to broaden the lineup of ETFs currently available in First Asset corporate class. 

Investors in First Asset Corporate Class ETFs will enjoy the advantages of tax-efficient switching among current and future ETF shares within the corporate class. There are no immediate tax consequences triggered when switching between ETFs within the corporate class and investors may also benefit from more tax-efficient distributions provided through the corporate class structure.   Details are available at http://www.firstasset.com/solutions/corporate_class . 

"First Asset Corporate Class ETFs represent the latest example of First Asset's drive to offer best-in-class solutions; layering the well-known benefits of ETFs with the tax-efficient benefits of a corporate class structure.  These new ETFs offer low cost, transparency, active management, diversification, and a range of asset classes combined with a tax deferred structure to deliver an investment advantage for Canadians. We will continue to introduce new ETFs within our corporate class structure increasing the value and benefits for our clients."

Barry Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer

Each of the new First Asset Corporate Class ETFs is a separate share class ("ETF Shares") of First Asset Fund Corp. and will trade under its own TSX ticker symbol, with its own investment objectives and its own portfolio of assets as described below: 

First Asset Short Term Government Bond Index Class ETF (TSX: FGB)
The First Asset Short Term Government Bond Index Class ETF has been designed to replicate, to the extent possible, the performance of a Canadian short term government bond index, currently the FTSE TMX Canada Short Term Government Bond Index, net of expenses.

First Asset Global Momentum Class ETF (TSX: FGL)
The First Asset Global Momentum Class ETF's investment objective is to seek to provide shareholders with long term capital appreciation, through investing the ETF's portfolio to gain exposure to equity securities of companies primarily from developed markets that exhibit strong price and earnings momentum characteristics.

First Asset Global Momentum (CAD hedged) Class ETF (TSX: FGM)
The First Asset Global Momentum (CAD hedged) Class ETF's investment objective is to seek to provide shareholders with long term capital appreciation, through investing the ETF's portfolio to gain exposure to equity securities of companies primarily from developed markets that exhibit strong price and earnings momentum characteristics. This ETF will seek to hedge foreign currency exposure back to the Canadian dollar.

First Asset Global Value Class ETF (TSX: FGU)
The First Asset Global Value Class ETF's investment objective is to seek to provide shareholders with long term capital appreciation, through investing the ETF's portfolio to gain exposure to equity securities of companies primarily from developed markets that exhibit strong "value" characteristics like low price-to-book ratios and low price-to-cash flow ratios.

First Asset Global Value (CAD hedged) Class ETF (TSX: FGV)
The First Asset Global Value (CAD hedged) Class ETF's investment objective is to seek to provide shareholders with long term capital appreciation, through investing the ETF's portfolio to gain exposure to equity securities of companies primarily from developed markets that exhibit strong "value" characteristics like low price-to-book ratios and low price-to-cash flow ratios. This ETF will seek to hedge foreign currency exposure back to the Canadian dollar.

Each of the ETFs listed above has closed the initial offering of its ETF Shares, and those ETF Shares will begin trading on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") today.   

Additional Corporate Class ETFs
For information about First Asset Corporate Class ETFs as well as a complete list of ETFs available within corporate class, please visit:  http://www.firstasset.com/solutions/corporate_class . 

First Asset – Smart Solutions^TM
First Asset, a CI Financial Company, is a Canadian investment firm delivering a comprehensive suite of smart ETF solutions. Rooted in strong fundamentals, First Asset's smart solutions strive to deliver better risk-adjusted returns than the broad market, while helping investors achieve their personal financial goals.

This communication is intended for informational purposes only. The ETFs are offered by prospectus. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the ETFs and their units. Copies of the prospectus may be obtained from your investment advisor, First Asset or at www.sedar.com. Investors should read the prospectus before making an investment decision. Commissions, trailing fees, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in the ETF. ^TMFirst Asset and its logo are trademarks of First Asset Capital Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of CI Financial Corp. which is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "CIX".  ®CI FINANCIAL is a registered trademark of CI Investments Inc., used under license.

The First Asset Canada Short Term Government Bond Index Class ETF is not in any way sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by FTSE International Limited, the London Stock Exchange Group companies, TSX INC. and its affiliates or FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Inc. (together the "Licensor Parties") and the Licensor Parties do not make any warranty or representation whatsoever, expressly or impliedly, either as to the results to be obtained from the use of the  FTSE TMX Canada Short Term Government Bond Index(the "Index") and/or the figure at which the said Index stands at any particular time on any particular day or otherwise. The Index is compiled and calculated by FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Inc. and all copyright in the Index values and constituent lists vests in FTSE TMX Global Debt Capital Markets Inc. None of the Licensor Parties shall be liable (whether in negligence or otherwise) to any person for any error in the Index and the Licensor Parties shall not be under any obligation to advise any person of any error therein.  "FTSE" is a trade mark of FTSE International Ltd and is used under licence. "TMX" is a trade mark of TSX Inc. and is used under licence.

SOURCE First Asset

please call Investor Relations, First Asset at 416-642-1289 or 1-877-642-1289 or visit www.firstasset.com.