BlackRock Adds Four iShares Core Allocation ETFs for Buy-and-Hold Investors

Offers Investors a Simple Way to Build a Diversified Core Portfolio with a Single ETF

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) has expanded its iShares Core exchange traded fund offering for buy-and-hold investors to include four iShares Core Allocations ETFs. Originally launched in 2008, the existing products have been modified to hold iShares Core ETFs exclusively and have been renamed: iShares Core Conservative Allocation ETF (NYSEArca:AOK), iShares Core Moderate Allocation ETF (NYSEArca:AOM), iShares Core Growth Allocation ETF (NYSEArca:AOR) and iShares Core Aggressive Allocation ETF (NYSEArca:AOA).

Each iShares Core Allocation ETF offers a low-cost, diversified portfolio of U.S. stocks, international stocks and bonds with a fixed allocation of iShares Core ETFs based on specific risk tolerance and investment time horizon. The funds track a revised S&P Target Risk Index Series benchmark that will rebalance on an annual basis. All ticker symbols will remain the same and net expense ratios for iShares Core Allocation ETFs will range from 23 to 25 basis points.

Ruth Weiss, Head of iShares U.S. Core Investments at BlackRock, commented: “As more and more investors turn to ETFs for their long-term investments, we saw an opportunity to offer investors and their financial advisors a simple, low-cost way to help build a diversified core portfolio with just one ETF. Building on the success of the iShares Core, the iShares Core Allocation ETFs reflect BlackRock’s continued commitment to making investing simpler and more efficient for all types of investors.”

<b>Heather Pelant, Personal Investor Strategist at BlackRock, commented: “Our research shows that nearly two-thirds¹ of Americans today have their savings and investments in cash, which over the long term can have serious implications on meeting their most cherished life goals such as retirement. iShares Core Allocation ETFs can be a great all-weather tool for people looking for a straightforward, low-cost way to invest for the long run.”

BlackRock first introduced its iShares Core ETF offering in the U.S. in 2012 and expanded it globally in 2014 with product introductions in Canada and Europe. The global Core ETF offering had flows of $32 billion in 2014. As of December 31, 2014, the funds had $196 billion in global assets under management.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At December 31, 2014, BlackRock’s AUM was $4.652 trillion. BlackRock helps clients 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^®. Headquartered in New York City, as of December 31, 2014, the firm had approximately 12,200 employees in more than 30 countries and a major presence in key 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 December 31, 2014, 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 firm².

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

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Investment in the Funds is subject to the risk of the underlying Funds.

Diversification and asset allocation may not protect against market risk or loss of principal. Transactions in shares of ETFs will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. All regulated investment companies are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders.

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

©2015 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved. BLACKROCK and iSHARES are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. iS-14569-0115

1. "BlackRock’s Annual Global Investor Pulse Survey"

2. "Based on $4.652T in AUM as of 12/31/14"

BlackRock, Inc.

Diane Henry, 415-670-4567

Diane.Henry@blackrock.com

or

Melissa Garville, 212-810-5528

Melissa.Garville@blackrock.com

Source: BlackRock, Inc.