NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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.
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