METHODOLOGY

EXPLORE BY GOALS

The iShares “Choose Your Investment Goal” experience (the “tool”) is designed to help investors learn about iShares ETFs that may help them meet their financial goals. It filters a universe of more than 350 U.S. iShares ETFs to a smaller selection through the lens of broad investment goals by using criteria such as asset class, geography, and investment objective. As many factors could influence a decision about which product is best suited for a given investment goal, this information should not be relied upon exclusively when evaluating various investment options.

Categories are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent all possible investor goals. The funds shown are intended to illustrate possible investment ideas to consider. This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. Any fund selection is category-driven and is not tailored to the investment objectives or needs of any particular investor. Investors should consult with their financial professionals prior to making an investment decision.

The table below describes the criteria used to generate the funds displayed in each category. Please select “All relevant funds” to view and consider the full set of funds that meet the criteria for each category, as applicable. As of May 1, 2025. iShares ETFs launched after this date are not displayed in the tool. The tool is generally updated annually.

AIM TO MAXIMIZE GROWTH

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Aim to Maximize Growth investment goal and its sub-goals' definitions.
TRACK THE MARKETEquity ETFs that either seek to track a broad, market-capitalization-weighted index linked to the U.S. and international stock markets, or are in the iShares Core suite and seek to track broad indexes. Dividend-focused, "growth", "value" and “Core” style, and micro- and mega-cap ETFs are excluded.
HARNESS THEMATICSEquity ETFs that BlackRock classifies as being within its Thematic product suite, which may allow investors to gain access to long-term structural shifts in the global economy.
MOBILIZE FACTORSSingle and multi-factor equity ETFs, excluding single factor minimum volatility, equal-weighted and dividend-weighted ETFs.

FOCUS ON INCOME

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Focus on Income investment goal and its sub-goals' definitions.
DIVIDEND-FOCUSED STOCKSEquity ETFs that seek to track indexes with the objective of focusing on dividend-paying companies.
BONDS WITH YIELD POTENTIALBroad fixed income ETFs that seek to track indexes comprised of corporate, municipal, and emerging market bonds, and fixed income ETFs with a stated prospectus objective to optimize for yield. Duration-specific bond funds are excluded. Sector-focused bond funds, term-maturity bond funds, as well as funds that seek to own bonds with specific credit ratings are excluded. Funds that incorporate hedging strategies, ESG strategies and non-U.S. dollar-denominated are also excluded.
TARGET OUTCOMES WITH ENHANCED INCOME POTENTIALEquity or fixed income ETFs with the objective of optimizing for yield and that incorporate covered call options strategies.
SPECIALTY INCOMEETFs that seek to track indexes comprised of multi-asset securities that collectively seek to deliver higher current income, U.S. dollar-denominated preferred and hybrid securities, and global or U.S. real estate investment trusts (REITs).

NAVIGATE RISK

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Navigate Risk investment goal and its sub-goals' definitions.
AIM TO REDUCE STOCK RISKMinimum volatility equity ETFs and fixed income ETFs that seek to track indexes comprised of U.S. Treasury bonds with a duration of at least six years, indexes comprised of investment grade corporate bonds, or multi-sector investments with more than 90% investment grade with duration across the curve. Fixed income funds that seek to track international index exposures, target specific bond durations and sectors, are currency-hedged, employ ESG screens, or are non-U.S. dollar denominated are excluded.
TARGET OUTCOMES WITH DOWNSIDE RISK PROTECTIONEquity ETFs incorporating buffer strategies.
HELP MANAGE INFLATION RISKFixed income ETFs that seek to track indexes comprised of inflation-protected U.S. Treasury bonds or seek to mitigate the inflation risk of a portfolio composed of U.S. dollar-denominated, investment grade corporate bonds. ETPs that seek to track the results of a fully collateralized investment in futures contracts on an index comprised of a diversified group of commodities futures or seek to provide exposure to a single physical commodity.
REPOSITION FOR FALLING RATESCore U.S. fixed income ETFs or short and intermediate maturity fixed income ETFs that have the potential to provide a stable source of income.
SEEK TO BLUNT CURRENCY RISKGlobal or broad international equity ETFs that seek to track indexes comprised of equities while mitigating exposure to fluctuations between the value of the component currencies and the U.S. dollar.

PREPARE FOR RETIREMENT

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Prepare for Retirement investment goal and its sub-goals' definitions.
INVEST FOR RETIREMENTETFs designed to help investors prepare for retirement by offering access to a globally diversified portfolio that adjusts over time to stay on track for target retirement.
INCOME IN RETIREMENTAn ETF designed for retired investors to manage risk and that seeks to provide steady income.

STEP UP FROM IDLE CASH

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Step Up from Idle Cash investment goal and its sub-goals' definitions.
STEP UP FROM IDLE CASHFixed income ETFs that target securities with a duration of less than one year. Term maturity, hedged, convertible and high yield ETFs are excluded.