Build Your Core with iShares ETFs

LATEST INSIGHTS

What are iShares Core ETFs?

iShares Core ETFs (exchange traded funds) are broad stock and bond index funds that are designed to be long term portfolio holdings. These ETFs are a low cost and tax-efficient way to help build a strong foundation for a portfolio.

The iShares lineup of Core ETFs is designed to help investors create a diversified portfolio that meets investment goals.

Why iShares Core ETFs?

Low cost

iShares Core ETFs cost about 1/10th as much as a typical mutual fund and can help build a strong foundation
for a portfolio.¹

Quality

iShares consistently delivers quality ETFs that clients globally rely on to invest for the future.²

Simplicity

With just two or three iShares Core ETFs, investors can easily build a broadly diversified portfolio across major asset classes.

Build your portfolio with the help of the iShares Core Builder tool

Complete 5 quick questions and receive a customized portfolio.

What are iShares Core Funds?

Our suite of Core Funds is designed to help you create a well-diversified foundation for your portfolio that meets your individual needs and investing goals.

Why iShares?

Cost about 90% less than the typical mutual fund¹.
Designed to make it easy to build a broadly diversified portfolio.
Quality ETFs that are tax efficient and track respected, well-known indexes.

1 Source: Morningstar, as of 9/30/15. Comparison is between the average Prospectus Net Expense Ratio for the iShares Core Series ETFs (0.12%) and the average Prospectus Net Expense Ratio of active open-end mutual funds (1.27%) available in the U.S. (excluding municipal bond and money market funds) on 9/30/2015

What will I get from this tool?

You'll receive a customized portfolio, designed to fit your investing style, to help build a solid foundation for your long-term holdings. You can share this information with your financial advisor or purchase directly through any brokerage account.

Question 1

What do you consider your investment style to be?

Conservative

Moderate

Aggressive

Consider risk versus return

Your comfort with risk can depend on your previous investment experience, performance goals, time horizon, and net worth. In general, the higher return you want, the greater risk you'll have to take.

Question 2

If the market sees a big downward swing how would you react?

Pause and reflect

Your risk tolerance is key to deciding on your overall portfolio mix. So even when you know that markets constantly move up and down, you should carefully consider these peaks and valleys - and how much of your total investment you're really willing to risk on a possible long-term downturn.

Question 3

If the market sees a big upward swing how would you react?

Think of the future

Keeping in mind the constant movement of markets, now consider what you would do in an up market. You should take into consideration not just current gains, but also your long-term financial goals.

Question 4

How long do you plan to keep your assets invested for?

1-5

6-10

11-20

21-30

31+

YEARS

Estimating your time horizon

Your investing goal may be far in the future, or it could be right around the corner. How many years you have to reach your goals will shape your portfolio.

Question 5

How much would your initial investment be?

Why does the amount matter?

As your portfolio increases in size you can incorporate a larger number of funds to further diversify your portfolio and access more targeted exposures.

Laying the foundation

No matter how much you have to invest, a well-diversified core can help reduce your overall risk long-term. You can use iShares Core Funds as the essential building blocks of your portfolio and add on other kinds of investments to customize for your specific goals.