About iShares ETFs | BlackRock (2024)

FAQs

What are the benefits of iShares ETFs? ›

iShares ETFs generally have low fees. ETFs provide access to a wide range of investment options, covering a broad range of asset classes, sectors and geographies. Because ETFs are traded on stock exchanges, they are easily bought or sold.

Ultimately, Blackrock's iShares ETF offerings are so comprehensive and well-regarded that most investors should be able to find a fund that suits their goals. To learn more about our rating and review methodology and editorial process, check out our guide on how Forbes Advisor rates investing products.

iShares is a global leader in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) with a line-up of over 1,400 funds. As part of BlackRock, iShares ETFs offer investors everywhere access to high quality, high value investment opportunities.

iShares^®' range of ETFs makes it convenient to invest for the long term, minimize risk, and match financial goals with what matters to you.

In addition, ETFs tend to have much lower expense ratios compared to actively managed funds, can be more tax-efficient, and offer the option to immediately reinvest dividends. Still, unique risks can arise from holding ETFs as well as tax considerations, depending on the type of ETF.

The Vanguard fund has a lower price-to-earnings ratio, at 17.4 times, compared with 18.3 for iShares. This is due to the lower weighting to the highly rated US market. Fees are comparable, with iShares costing 0.2% and Vanguard costing 0.22%.

In the last 20 Years, the iShares Core S&P 500 (IVV) ETF obtained a 10.08% compound annual return, with a 14.88% standard deviation.

iShares is a collection of exchange-traded funds (ETFs) managed by BlackRock, which acquired the brand and business from Barclays in 2009.

Do iShares pay dividends? ›

iShares ETFs may pay distributions to unitholders in cash or may reinvest the distribution amount in the fund. Generally, net income and dividends received by the iShares ETFs are distributed to unitholders in cash and net realized capital gains are reinvested in the ETF.

For instance, some ETFs may come with fees, others might stray from the value of the underlying asset, ETFs are not always optimized for taxes, and of course — like any investment — ETFs also come with risk.

If you're looking for an easy solution to investing, ETFs can be an excellent choice. ETFs typically offer a diversified allocation to whatever you're investing in (stocks, bonds or both). You want to beat most investors, even the pros, with little effort.

Should you invest in ETFs? Since ETFs offer built-in diversification and don't require large amounts of capital in order to invest in a range of stocks, they are a good way to get started. You can trade them like stocks while also enjoying a diversified portfolio.

For instance, some ETFs may come with fees, others might stray from the value of the underlying asset, ETFs are not always optimized for taxes, and of course — like any investment — ETFs also come with risk.

Passive, or index, ETFs generally track and aim to outperform a benchmark index. They provide access to many companies or investments in one trade, whereas individual stocks provide exposure to a single firm. As such, ETFs remove single-stock risk, or the risk inherent in being exposed to just one company.