CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 05/14/09 -- Invesco PowerShares, a leading provider of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) was recognized for launching the "Most Innovative ETF Product" in 2008 and for its ongoing "Contribution to the ETF Sector" at two ETF industry conferences held recently in New York City.

Invesco PowerShares received the 2008 award for "Most Innovative ETF Product" for the Americas at the 5th Annual Global ETF Awards®. Invesco PowerShares introduced the industry's first actively managed equity ETFs in April 2008, listing the PowerShares Active Mega Cap Fund (PMA), PowerShares Active AlphaQ Fund (PQY), and PowerShares Active Multi-Cap Fund (PQZ). As part of the same listing, Invesco PowerShares also launched the PowerShares Active Low Duration Fund (PLK), and in November 2008, the company listed the first actively managed U.S. Real Estate ETF -- PowerShares Active U.S. Real Estate Fund (PSR).

Actively managed ETFs combine the goals associated with active management (reduced volatility, managed risk and benchmark outperformance) with the traditional benefits of ETFs, such as tax efficiency and transparency.

"It is truly an honor to be recognized by our peers as a leading innovator in the ETF Industry," said Bruce Bond, president and CEO of Invesco PowerShares. "We believe our diverse suite of ETF portfolios is at the forefront of the industry delivering value and market-leading ideas to investors."

Separately, Edward McRedmond, senior vice president of portfolio strategies at Invesco PowerShares, was presented with the 2008 award for his "Contribution to the ETF Sector" at the 8th Annual Closed-End Fund & ETF Awards Capital Link Forum. This marks the second consecutive year Mr. McRedmond has received the award and the fifth consecutive year for Invesco PowerShares.

"It's been my privilege to work and interact with so many wonderful and talented people in the ETF industry over the years," said McRedmond. "On behalf of Invesco PowerShares, I am deeply honored to be receiving the award for Contribution to the ETF Sector."

The Global ETF Awards and Workshop is hosted by exchangetradedfunds.com. Its purpose is to recognize those who have contributed to the development of the ETF industry worldwide and to allow ETF participants from the international community to discuss their respective markets. The Global ETF Awards winners were selected from voting forms sent to ETF industry entities worldwide and tabulation of statistical ranking information. The Global ETF Awards took place on Thursday, April 30, 2009, in New York City.

The Annual Closed End Fund & ETF Awards, an initiative of Capital Link, aims to identify and recognize annually those fund sponsors and executives who consistently apply high standards of financial disclosure, investor and shareholder relations and innovation.