State Street Global Advisors Launches Online ETF Education Resource

State Street Global Advisors (SSgA)*, the asset management business of State Street Corporation (NYSE: STT) and creator of SPDR ETFs, today announced the launch of ETF Fact or Fiction (www.etffactorfiction.com), a new website that provides individual investors with a comprehensive, trusted resource for exchange traded fund (ETF) education. Designed to help investors better understand one of the fastest growing investment vehicles, the new site enhances SPDR ETF’s existing suite of educational resources, which includes www.spdrs.com and SPDR University (www.spdru.com).

Featuring commentary, research, and thought leadership from State Street Global Advisors, ETF Fact or Fiction will detail nuances of the ETF product structure, address common questions and misconceptions, and highlight key industry trends to help investors better evaluate ETFs. Included among the materials available through the website are:

Exchange Traded Funds: A Brief Introduction – an informative presentation that covers ETF basics and benefits, how ETFs compare and contrast to mutual funds, and the role of ETFs in building and maintaining a diversified portfolio;

How ETFs are Created and Redeemed – a concise article that reviews the process through which ETF shares are created, redeemed, and traded;

Separating ETF Facts From Fiction – a new comprehensive report that explores ETFs and the Flash Crash, ETF Tracking Error, the use of derivatives in ETFs, and the impact of securities lending by ETFs; and

Securities Lending & ETFs: An Overview – a new white paper that dissects the securities lending process - including its risks and benefits - and details best practices to mitigate key counterparty, collateral, and operational concerns.

"As the use of ETFs by individual investors continues to grow, improving investor education remains a core guiding principal for our SPDR^® ETF business,” said James Ross, senior managing director and global head of SPDR Exchange Traded Funds at State Street Global Advisors. "The launch of www.etffactorfiction.com adds an exciting new dimension to our existing online educational resources at a critical time in the growth of the ETF industry.”

In addition to featuring white papers, articles, and reports on timely topics, ETF Fact or Fiction will also offer insights from SPDR ETF executives and a thought leadership series titled, ETF: Fact or Fiction that will help investors make better informed decisions. The first piece in this series is titled, An ETF’s Expense Ratio is Not the Only Factor That Determines Total Cost.

For more information on ETF Fact or Fiction, visit www.etffactorfiction.com.

State Street manages more than $271** billion in SPDR ETF assets worldwide (as of December 31, 2011) and is one of the largest ETF providers globally.

About SPDR Exchange Traded Funds

SPDR ETFs are a comprehensive family spanning an array of international and domestic asset classes. SPDR ETFs are managed by SSgA Funds Management, Inc., a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Bank and Trust Company. The funds provide professional investors with the flexibility to select investments that are precisely aligned to their investment strategy. Recognized as the industry pioneer, State Street created the first ETF in 1993 (SPDR S&P 500^® – Ticker SPY). Since then, we’ve sustained our place as an industry innovator through the introduction of many ground-breaking products, including first-to-market launches with gold, international real estate, international fixed income and sector ETFs. For more information, visit www.spdrs.com.

About State Street Global Advisors

State Street Global Advisors (SSgA) is a global leader in asset management. The firm is relied on by sophisticated investors worldwide for its disciplined investment process, powerful global investment platform and access to every major asset class, capitalization range and style. SSgA is the asset management business of State Street Corporation, one of the world’s leading providers of financial services to institutional investors.

*SPDR ETFs are managed by SSgA Funds Management, Inc., a registered investment adviser and wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Bank & Trust Company.

**This AUM includes the assets of the SPDR Gold Trust (approx. $63 billion as of December 31, 2011), for which State Street Global Markets, LLC, an affiliate of State Street Global Advisors serves as the marketing agent.

IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION

ETFs trade like stocks, are subject to investment risk, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below the ETFs net asset value.

Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns.

The views expressed on ETF Fact or Fiction (www.etffactorfiction.com) are the views of State Street or the author and are subject to change based on market and other conditions. The opinions expressed may differ from those with different investment philosophies. The information provided on ETF Fact or Fiction (www.etffactorfiction.com) does not constitute investment advice and it should not be relied on as such. It does not take into account any investor’s particular investment objectives, strategies, tax status or investment horizon. Investors should seek the advice of their own investment, financial, tax, legal and other advisors prior to making any investment decision.

"SPDR" is a registered trademark of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC ("S&P") and has been licensed for use by State Street Corporation. STANDARD & POOR'S, S&P, S&P 500 and S&P MIDCAP 400 are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC. No financial product offered by State Street Corporation or its affiliates is sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P or its affiliates, and S&P and its affiliates make no representation, warranty or condition regarding the advisability of buying, selling or holding units/shares in such products. Further limitations and important information that could affect investors' rights are described in the prospectus for the applicable product.

Distributor: State Street Global Markets, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC, a wholly owned subsidiary of State Street Corporation. References to State Street may include State Street Corporation and its affiliates. Certain State Street affiliates provide services and receive fees from the SPDR ETFs.

Before investing, consider the funds' investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. To obtain a prospectus or summary prospectus which contains this and other information, call 866.787.2257 or visit www.spdrs.com. Read it carefully.

2011 State Street Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

CORP-0434

Exp. Date 12/31/2012