INVEST IN THE THEMES SHAPING OUR FUTURE

Seek to capture the innovation around you with thematic funds.

LEARN ABOUT INVESTMENT THEMES IN FOCUS

Explore how thematic investing with iShares can help you access key themes making headlines today.

Artificial Intelligence

Exposure to companies at the forefront of artificial intelligence innovation.

Semiconductors

Exposure to U.S. companies that design, manufacture, and distribute semiconductors.

Emerging markets ex China

Exposure to emerging markets while maintaining flexibility for a tailored approach to invest in China

WHAT ARE THE FIVE MEGA FORCES?

Thematic investing identifies themes changing the world and companies positioned to benefit. BlackRock has identified five mega forces having a profound impact on the global economy.

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The global economy is ever evolving and the pace of change is accelerating. We believe the future is being shaped today by five mega forces, or seismic shifts that are rapidly propelling the world into a new economic era.

 

Demographics could have profound implications as the developed world ages and select emerging markets experience a youth boom.

 

Geopolitics intensify, reshaping global supply chains amid heightened tensions between economic superpowers.

 

The low-carbon transition spurs a massive reallocation of capital, with global investment in energy and infrastructure.

 

Artificial intelligence becomes the new bedrock of corporate productivity, potentially revolutionizing work and resource allocation.

 

The future of finance could rapidly alter how we buy, borrow, transact, and seek returns.

 

We believe these five mega forces present profound opportunities – and risks – for all investors. With iShares thematic ETFs, investors can harness these long-term forces and position their portfolios to be ready for the future.

 

Visit www.iShares.com to view a prospectus which includes investment objectives, risks, fees and other information which you should read and consider carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

 

Disclosures:

 

Carefully consider the Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses or, if available, the summary prospectuses which may be obtained by visiting www.iShares.com or www.blackrock.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

 

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

 

Funds that concentrate investments in specific industries, sectors, markets or asset classes may underperform or be more volatile than other industries, sectors, markets or asset classes and the general securities market.

 

Technology companies may be subject to severe competition and product obsolescence.

 

International investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign currency, limited liquidity, less government regulation and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks often are heightened for investments in emerging/developing markets and in concentrations of single countries.

 

This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change.

 

Prepared by BlackRock Investments, LLC, member FINRA.

 

© 2024 BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.

 

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Caption:

Table of mega force names, descriptions and key stats.

Mega forceDescriptionDid you know?
Demographic divergenceAging populations in major economies are poised to limit how much countries can produce and grow. By contrast, selected emerging market economies can benefit from younger populations and growing middle classes.By 2050, there will be 2X as many persons aged 65 or older than children under 5 globally.1
Digital disruption and artificial intelligence (AI)Artificial intelligence can automate laborious tasks, analyze huge sets of data and help generate fresh ideas. Digital disruption goes beyond AI.In 2024, 70% of executives will increase AI resourcing, with cost savings a major driver of adoption.2
Geopolitical fragmentation and economic competitionIn a marked departure from the post-Cold War period of increasing globalization, we see countries favoring national security and resilience over economic efficiency.The rate of reshoring job announcements was over 60X higher in 2022 than in 2010.3
Future of financeA fast-evolving financial architecture is changing how households and companies use cash, borrow, transact and seek returns.Of the 50 largest financial institutions, 1/3. are now data and technology firms, up from only two decades ago.4
Transition to a low-carbon economyThe transition to a low-carbon economy is set to spur a massive reallocation of capital as energy systems are rewired.Annual capital investment in the global energy sector is expected to rise to an average of US$4T per year through 2050, from just over US$2T per year currently.5

HOW TO INVEST IN MEGA FORCES?

Thematic funds aligned with mega forces allow investors access to long-term transformations expected to have a profound impact on the global economy.​

DEMOGRAPHIC DIVERGENCE

Aging populations in major economies are poised to limit how much countries can produce and grow. By contrast, selected emerging market economies can benefit from younger populations and growing middle classes.

DIGITAL DISRUPTION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

Artificial intelligence can automate laborious tasks, analyze huge sets of data and help generate fresh ideas. Digital disruption goes beyond AI.

GEOPOLITICAL FRAGMENTATION AND ECONOMIC COMPETITION

In a marked departure from the post-Cold War period of increasing globalization, we see countries favoring national security and resilience over economic efficiency.

FUTURE OF FINANCE

A fast-evolving financial architecture is changing how households and companies use cash, borrow, transact and seek returns.

LOW-CARBON TRANSITION

The transition to a low-carbon economy is set to spur a massive reallocation of capital as energy systems are rewired.

The iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF is not an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, and therefore is not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds or ETFs registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940.

For the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), this information must be accompanied by a current iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF prospectus, which may be obtained by clicking here. Please read the prospectus carefully before investing.

ACCESS MEGA FORCES IN A MULTI-THEMATIC TICKER WITH iSHARES EXPONENTIAL TECHNOLOGIES ETF (XT)

Through a single trade, XT provides exposure to nine pivotal themes driven by technological advancements, shifting demographics, changing consumer preferences, and evolving demand for finite resources.

Innovation leaders

Access global companies with significant exposure to exponential technologies, which displace older technologies, create new markets, and have the potential to create significantly positive economic benefits.

Focus on technology producers & users

The fund’s index employs a unique process that evaluates global stocks of technology producers and users across nine technology themes.

Spans global sectors

Look to capture potential growth from firms driving technological advances across all areas of the economy.