iShares: An Overview of the Leading ETF Provider What is iShares? iShares is a global exchange-traded fund (ETF) brand managed by BlackRock. It offers a broad array of ETFs—across equities, fixed income, commodities, real estate, and thematic strategies—providing investors with low-cost, index-linked exposure to market segments worldwide. The platform includes hundreds of funds and represents a substantial share of the global ETF market. Key takeaways
* iShares provides wide ETF coverage—broad-market, regional, sector, fixed income, and thematic funds—allowing targeted or diversified exposures.
* iShares ETFs are known for low expense ratios and tax efficiency compared with many mutual funds.
* iShares funds are listed on major global exchanges and are accessible through most brokerages.
* Together with other large issuers, iShares accounts for a significant portion of ETF assets under management.
Why investors use iShares
* Low cost: Many iShares Core funds offer very low expense ratios, making them efficient building blocks for long-term portfolios.
* Tax efficiency: ETF structure and passive index tracking generally result in lower turnover and potential tax advantages versus actively managed funds.
* Diversification and choice: Investors can access broad-market indexes, country and regional exposures, sector and industry niches, bond markets, and thematic strategies (e.g., ESG, climate, technology).
* Liquidity and accessibility: iShares ETFs trade on major international exchanges and are purchasable through standard brokerage accounts.
* Scale and reliability: As part of BlackRock’s offerings, iShares benefits from deep liquidity, large asset bases for many flagship funds, and broad market-maker support.
Popular iShares ETFs (examples) Below are representative iShares ETFs commonly used by investors for core and international exposure: Explore More Resources

  * iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV)
  * Objective: Track the S&P 500 Index (U.S. large-cap core exposure).
  * Typical uses: Core U.S. equity allocation, long-term growth.
  * Notable features: Very low expense ratio compared with many active funds; designed to closely track the benchmark.
  * iShares MSCI EAFE ETF (EFA) Explore More Resources




  * Objective: Provide exposure to developed-market stocks outside the U.S. and Canada (Europe, Australasia, Far East).
  * Typical uses: International developed-market equity allocation.
  * Notable features: Broad coverage across hundreds of stocks for regional diversification.
  * iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (AGG) Explore More Resources




  * Objective: Broad exposure to U.S. investment-grade bonds (Treasuries, corporate, mortgage-backed securities).
  * Typical uses: Core fixed-income allocation, income and diversification.
  * Notable features: Low-cost access to a diversified bond index.

Choosing and using iShares ETFs When evaluating iShares ETFs (or any ETF), consider:
Index tracked and how it fits your investment objective.
 Expense ratio and how fees affect long-term returns.
Liquidity and average trading volume—important for execution and bid-ask spreads.
 Tax considerations—ETF structure can be tax-efficient, but underlying holdings and distribution policy matter.
* Portfolio role—use ETFs for core allocations, targeted tilts, or tactical exposures depending on your plan. Conclusion iShares offers a comprehensive ETF lineup that serves both core portfolio construction and specialized investing needs. With many low-cost, widely traded funds across asset classes and regions, iShares is a commonly used option for investors seeking efficient, scalable market exposure. Explore More Resources