BlackRock Expands iShares Sustainable ETF Range

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--

BlackRock, Inc. BLK has expanded its suite of sustainable ETFs with the introduction of the iShares MSCI EAFE ESG Select ETF (ESGD) and iShares MSCI EM ESG Select ETF (ESGE). These launches underline BlackRock's commitment to creating innovative investment solutions that empower investors to align their portfolios with their values.

ESGD seeks to track the investment results of the MSCI EAFE ESG Select Index, providing access to large-and-mid-cap stocks in Europe, Asia and Australia that demonstrate positive environmental, social and governance (ESG) characteristics. ESGE seeks to track the investment results of the MSCI EM ESG Select Index which includes large-and-mid-cap emerging market stocks that demonstrate the same positive ESG characteristics. The iShares ESG ETFs seek to provide optimized exposure that targets risk and returns similar to a broad market index while aligning environmental, social and governance objectives – like low emissions, privacy/data security and ethical business practice. MSCI ESG data covers over 8,000 issuers across more than 300,000 individual securities.

Deborah Winshel, Managing Director and Global Head of BlackRock Impact, said: "Clients have repeatedly asked us for solutions to optimize their portfolios for ESG considerations. With the launch of ESGD and ESGE, we introduce new tools that bring sustainable investing into the center of portfolio construction. The ability to optimize core holdings for ESG outcomes will enable more investors to incorporate their social values into their investment portfolios."

With the launch of ESGD and ESGE, BlackRock's suite of sustainable ETFs comprises seven funds, the largest range in the industry representing $1.2 billion in assets.¹

Martin Small, Managing Director and Head of U.S. iShares at BlackRock, said: "The launch of ESGD and ESGE further strengthens our suite of sustainable exchange traded funds, broadening the geographic possibilities for investors seeking to access equities through an ESG lens. We are seeing growing demand from investors who are looking to focus on positive ESG factors while seeking global equity market returns."

Jana Haines, Managing Director and Head of Americas Index Products for MSCI, said: "MSCI has been at the forefront of integrating ESG data into benchmarks. Our ESG research expertise supports the creation of an expanding family of ESG benchmarks. These benchmarks can provide insight for those institutional investors who believe ESG data can enhance investment decisions and for those who want to align their portfolios with their long term values. We are pleased to work with BlackRock to expand their range of iShares ESG ETFs."

Formed in 2015, BlackRock Impact is the firm's global investment platform catering to investors with social or environmental objectives. BlackRock currently manages approximately $200 billion of assets across screened portfolios, environmental, social and governance (ESG) tilted funds, and impact investments. For more information about BlackRock Impact, please visit blackrockimpact.com.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a global leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients. At March 31, 2016, BlackRock's AUM was $4.737 trillion. BlackRock helps clients around the world meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares^® (exchange-traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions^®. As of March 31, 2016, the firm had approximately 13,000 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa. For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com | Twitter: @blackrock_news | Blog: www.blackrockblog.com | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock

About iShares

iShares^® is a global leader in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), with more than a decade of expertise and commitment to individual and institutional investors of all sizes. With over 700 funds globally across multiple asset classes and strategies and more than $1 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2016, iShares helps clients around the world build the core of their portfolios, meet specific investment goals and implement market views. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock, trusted to manage more money than any other investment firm.¹

¹ Based on $4.737 trillion in AUM as of 3/31/16.

Carefully consider the iShares Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses and, if available, summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737) or by visiting www.iShares.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

International investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign currency, limited liquidity, less government regulation and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks often are heightened for investments in emerging/developing markets and in concentrations of single countries.

The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock").

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by MSCI Inc., nor does this company make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with MSCI Inc.

©2016 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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¹ Morningstar, as of 6/28/16

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