CHICAGO, IL -- (MARKET WIRE) -- 04/19/2006 -- PowerShares Capital Management LLC, an asset management firm specializing in the development and management of Intelligent Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs), announced today that the PowerShares Lux Nanotech Portfolio (AMEX: PXN ) has surpassed $100 million in assets under management. The PowerShares Lux Nanotech Portfolio is based on the Lux Nanotech Index™, which seeks to identify groups of companies involved in the developing, manufacturing and funding of nanotechnology applications.

"The PowerShares Lux Nanotech Portfolio is one of the only ways for investors to tap into a broad spectrum of securities exposed to nanotechnology," said Lux Research President and Director of Research Matthew M. Nordan. "By looking across industry value chains from materials through to final products, the Portfolio provides a complete picture of nanotech commercialization."

"We're pleased to be working with Lux Research, one of the world's leading nanotechnology research and advisory firms, providing investors with targeted exposure to the exciting promise of nanotechnology," said PowerShares President Bruce Bond. "The growth of assets in the PowerShares Lux Nanotech Portfolio is a testament to the unique nature of the fund and the research insight that underlies it."

The PowerShares Lux Nanotech Portfolio began trading on October 26, 2005, and based on the Net Asset Value as of March 31, 2006, has returned 19.81% since its inception. The Portfolio return, based on closing price, was 19.46% during the same period.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results, current performance may be higher or lower than performance quoted. Investment returns and principal value will fluctuate and shares may be worth more or less than their original cost when sold or redeemed. See powershares.com to find the most recent month-end performance numbers and information regarding premiums and discounts.

For the full details on the PowerShares Lux Nanotech ETF including month-end performance and premiums and discounts visit http://www.powershares.com/pxnfund.asp

About PowerShares:

PowerShares Capital Management, LLC provides institutional caliber asset management and market exposure through the replication of enhanced indexes. PowerShares delivers this sophisticated asset management in one of the more benefit rich investment vehicles available today, the exchange traded fund. The firm is committed to theoretically sound portfolio construction and empirically verifiable investment management approaches. PowerShares' asset management philosophy and investment discipline are deeply rooted in the application of intuitive factor analysis and model implementation to enhance investment decisions. www.powershares.com

About Lux Research:

Lux Research is one of the world's leading nanotechnology research and advisory firms. We help our clients make better decisions to profit from nanoscale science and technology, tapping into our analysts' unique expertise and unrivaled network. Our clients include top decision makers at large corporations, portfolio managers and analysts at leading financial institutions, CEOs of the most innovative start-ups, and visionary public policy makers. Visit www.luxresearchinc.com for more information. For Lux Executive Summit registration and additional event details, please visit www.luxexecutivesummit.com

Risks of Owning PowerShares

PowerShares funds are made up of publicly traded securities that can and will move higher and lower with market movements. You should anticipate that the value of the shares of each fund will advance or decline more or less in correlation with the advance or decline in value of the applicable index. The funds are not actively managed and shares of the funds may trade at or below the funds' NAV. Exchange traded funds are subject to risks similar to those of stocks, including risks associated with short-selling and margin account maintenance.

An investor should consider investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. A prospectus which contains more complete information about PowerShares, including, risks, fees and expenses can be obtained by visiting the PowerShares web site at www.PowerShares.com or by calling 800-983-0903. The prospectus should be read carefully before investing.

ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the distributor of the PowerShares Exchange-Traded Fund Trust. Media Contact: CTA Public Relations Bill Conboy 303-665-4200 x 106 Email Contact SOURCE:  PowerShares Capital Management