About iPath Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs). A new way to access hard-to-reach asset classes.
iPath Exchange Traded Notes are innovative investment products from Barclays that seek to provide investors with a way to access the returns of a market or strategy, less investor fees. The following are answers to questions financial professionals and individuals commonly ask about iPath Exchange Traded Notes.
Information regarding iPath ETNs can be found on Bloomberg by typing the relevant ETN's trading symbol, then the "Equity" key, then "Go." For example, for information regarding the iPath® S&P GSCI® Total Return Index ETN, type: GSP < Equity > < Go >.
An intraday "indicative value" meant to approximate the intrinsic economic value of each iPath ETN is calculated and published by Bloomberg or a successor. Additionally, the daily indicative value of each iPath ETN is calculated and published at the end of each trading day at www.iPathETN.com. For a more complete description of how the daily indicative value is calculated for each iPath ETN, please see the applicable product page and Pricing Supplement at www.iPathETN.com.
Do the iPath ETNs trade at their indicative value?
The indicative value calculation is provided for reference purposes only. It is not intended as a price or quotation, or as an offer or solicitation for the purchase, sale, redemption, or termination of the iPath ETNs, nor does it reflect hedging or transaction costs, credit considerations, market liquidity, or bid-offer spreads. Published index levels from the sponsors of the indexes underlying the iPath ETNs may occasionally be subject to delay or postponement. Any such delays or postponements will affect the Current Index Level and therefore the indicative value of your iPath ETNs. Index levels provided by the sponsors of the indexes underlying the iPath ETNs do not necessarily reflect the depth and liquidity of the underlying relevant market. For this reason and others, the actual trading price of the iPath ETNs may be different from their indicative value.
In addition to being available for trading on an exchange, the early redemption feature allows a large block of securities, typically 50,000 units of a particular iPath ETN, to be redeemed directly to Barclays Bank PLC for the redemption value, as described in the applicable Pricing Supplement. The historical daily indicative value is published each day at www.iPathETN.com. The redemption feature is intended to induce arbitrageurs to counteract any trading of the iPath ETNs at a premium or discount to their indicative value, though there can be no assurance that arbitrageurs will employ the redemption feature in this manner.
How can iPath ETNs be redeemed directly to the issuer prior to the maturity date?
Investors may redeem a large block of securities, typically at least 50,000 units of a particular iPath ETN, directly to the issuer, subject to the procedures described in the relevant prospectus. A redemption charge may apply.
The redemption charge is a one-time transaction charge imposed only in the case of early redemptions for certain iPath ETNs. The charge is intended to allow the issuer to recoup brokerage and other costs incurred in connection with an early redemption (although the proceeds from the charge may be more or less than such costs). Investors transacting on the secondary market will not incur a redemption charge.
If Barclays Bank PLC's credit rating is downgraded, what happens to the indicative value?
The indicative value calculation of the iPath ETNs will not change in response to a Barclays Bank PLC credit event. However, the trading price of the iPath ETNs may be adversely impacted.
Is there a capacity constraint with respect to the iPath ETNs?
Should demand for any iPath ETN exceed the initial amount of securities issued, subsequent issuances may be made under the registration statement. The terms of the new issuematurity date, investor fee, ticker, CUSIPwill be the same as the original issue, and it is expected that both issues would be immediately fungible.