Fund aims to help investors achieve
financial objectives while encouraging positive social and
environmental impact
BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK) has expanded its suite of socially
responsible ETFs with the launch of the iShares Sustainable MSCI
Global Impact ETF (MPCT). Launched on Earth Day, the fund aims to
help investors use their investment portfolios to target companies
that enable positive social and environmental change. Its launch
further illustrates BlackRock’s commitment to creating innovative
investment solutions, empowering investors to align their
portfolios with their values.
The iShares Sustainable MSCI Global Impact ETF seeks to track
the investment results of the MSCI ACWI Sustainable Impact Index, a
new index constructed by MSCI. The index is comprised of companies
that derive a majority of their revenue from products and services
that address at least one of the world’s major social and
environmental challenges, as identified by the United Nations
Sustainable Development Goals. Some of the impact themes targeted
in this index include energy efficiency, sustainable water,
sanitation, nutrition, and education.
Martin Small, Managing Director and Head of U.S. iShares at
BlackRock, said: “The iShares Sustainable MSCI Global Impact
ETF provides an easy way for investors to gain exposure to
companies that have a record of positive environmental and social
impact, and further strengthens our suite of socially responsible
exchange traded funds. These ETFs in particular are seeking to meet
growing demand from investors who are looking to have a positive
impact and seek global equity market returns.”
MPCT arrives at a pivotal point in the sustainable investing
market as global political, business and regulatory leaders are
coming together to address climate change concerns. Its launch
comes soon after the landmark COP21 Agreement and the recent
inclusion of ESG standards by the Department of Labor.
Deborah Winshel, Managing Director and Global Head of
BlackRock Impact, said: “Investor needs are constantly
evolving, and BlackRock is focused on creating innovative and
scalable solutions to address these changing demands. This new fund
arrives at a time when investors - from major global institutions
to individual investors - are increasingly looking to achieve their
financial goals in a way that also delivers a long-term, positive
impact on the world."
Jana Haines, Managing Director and Head of Equity Index
Products for the Americas for MSCI, said: “The MSCI ACWI
Sustainable Impact Index is the industry’s first equity benchmark
designed to apply principles of impact investing by
targeting public companies whose products and services
aim to address major social and environmental challenges. Based on
MSCI ESG Sustainable Impact Metrics, a new framework aligned with
the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the United
Nations, the index weights securities by companies’ revenue
exposure to sustainable impact themes and excludes companies that
fail to meet minimum ESG standards. We are pleased that Blackrock
is expanding their MSCI-based ETF suite and will be introducing the
first sustainable impact ETF to the market.”
Formed in 2015 and led by Deborah Winshel, BlackRock Impact is
the firm’s global investment platform catering to investors with
social or environmental objectives. BlackRock currently manages
more than $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.
The Funds’ use of derivatives may reduce the Funds’ returns
and/or increase volatility and subject the Funds to counterparty
risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction
will not fulfil its contractual obligation. The Funds could suffer
losses related to their derivative positions because of a possible
lack of liquidity in the secondary market and as a result of
unanticipated market movements, which losses are potentially
unlimited. There can be no assurance that the Funds’ hedging
transactions will be effective. The Funds are subject to the risks
of the underlying funds.
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.
iS-18184-0416
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160422005523/en/
BlackRock, Inc.Paul Young,
212-810-8142Paul.Young@blackrock.comorTheresa McCartney,
646-310-1653Theresa.McCartney@blackrock.com
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