9 januari 2012
iShares EMEA reports strong 2011 asset growth

Exceeds $18bn in EMEA net new assets and captures over 70% of all ETF flows

Robust ETF industry growth anticipated as investors reposition portfolios and return to the market

London, 9 January 2012 – iShares, the Exchange Traded Funds (ETF) platform of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today reported that its EMEA business generated strong growth 2011 despite challenging macroeconomic conditions.

iShares exceeded $18bn of net new assets in EMEA during 2011, an increase of 43% from 2010 net new assets of $12.6bn. iShares total assets under management in the region increased 4% to $105.9bn as at the end of December 20111.

ETF investors also showed a clear preference for iShares products last year. iShares captured over 70% of all flows into ETFs in EMEA in 2011, and maintained its position as the market leader in assets.2 There was particular interest in US equity, German equity and corporate bond funds.

Joe Linhares, Head of iShares EMEA, commented:

“In a year where investors faced challenging macroeconomic conditions and looked to avoid risk, iShares had a very successful 2011.

“As more investors return to the market and reposition portfolios in 2012, we believe ETFs will attract significant new interest and we are upbeat on the prospects for continued industry growth. Investors increasingly recognise the value of ETFs as transparent, liquid and highly regulated vehicles through which they can execute strategies and build up longer-term allocations.

“iShares is well-placed to continue to meet investors’ needs in 2012 as they put their money to work. Our growth in assets and market share is testament to the breadth and quality of funds offered and our client service. The product pipeline for 2012 is strong, and we see opportunities for further expanding our fixed income range with new exposures that meet demand for return and yield oriented products.”

1 Source: December 2011 BlackRock ETF Landscape Report

2 Source: December 2011 BlackRock ETF Landscape Report