MutualFundWire.com: iShares' Low-Vol Product Line Hits $4B
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Wednesday, February 27, 2013

iShares' Low-Vol Product Line Hits $4B


In another sign that low volatility products are hitting their stride, the four fund Minimum Volatility product line offered by iShares [profile] has crossed the $4 billion AUM mark.

Launched in October 2011, the iShares Minimum Volatility funds are purportedly designed to help investors reduce volatility and improve risk-adjusted returns in popular domestic and international equity exposures.

The four funds are:
  • iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility ETF
  • iShares MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility ETF
  • iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility ETF
  • iShares All Country World Minimum Volatility ETF


    Since January, both the iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility ETF and the iShares MSCI U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF crossed $1 billion in assets, attracting $553.9 million and $787.8 million in new flows, respectively, according to the company.

    In a statement, Daniel Gamba, head of iShares Americas Institutional Business at BlackRock had this to say:
    In an environment in which macro uncertainty continues to lead to financial market volatility, investors are complimenting their portfolios with iShares Minimum Volatility suite of products.  Clients are attracted to iShares Minimum Volatility products for the risk-reward trade-offs and ease of implementations these ETFs offer. Investors also recognize there is significant evidence that Minimum Volatility funds improve risk-adjusted returns, while also cushioning portfolios during periods of heightened turbulence.



    Here is the press release:
    Company Press Release

    BlackRock iShares Minimum Volatility Suite Crosses $4bn AUM Mark

    iShares US and emerging markets minimum volatility ETFs recently reached $1bn

      27 February 2013, New York – BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK) announced today that its US-listed iShares Minimum Volatility suite of funds has crossed $4bn in AUM.[1] Launched in October 2011, iShares Minimum Volatility funds are designed to help investors reduce volatility and improve risk-adjusted returns in popular domestic and international equity exposures. These funds provide investors with exposure to the upside price movement of developed and emerging equity markets, while seeking to provide a portfolio with downside protection.

      Since January, iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: EEMV) and iShares MSCI U.S. Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: USMV) both crossed $1bn in assets, attracting $553.9mn and $787.8mn in new flows, respectively.[2]  These products are the 6th and 7th U.S. ETFs launched in the last two years to reach $1bn in net assets.

      iShares offers the following suite of minimum volatility products:

      §  iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: EEMV)
    §  iShares MSCI EAFE Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: EFAV)
    §  iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: USMV)
    §  iShares All Country World Minimum Volatility ETF (NYSEArca: ACWV)


      Daniel Gamba, Head of iShares Americas Institutional Business at BlackRock commented:

      “In an environment in which macro uncertainty continues to lead to financial market volatility, investors are complimenting their portfolios with iShares Minimum Volatility suite of products.  Clients are attracted to iShares Minimum Volatility products for the risk-reward trade-offs and ease of implementations these ETFs offer. Investors also recognize there is significant evidence that Minimum Volatility funds improve risk-adjusted returns, while also cushioning portfolios during periods of heightened turbulence.”

      For additional commentary on Minimum Volatility funds, please see iShares Market Perspectives - A Smoother Ride?

        About BlackRock

    BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide.  At December 31, 2012, BlackRock’s AUM was $3.792 trillion.  BlackRock offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet clients’ needs, including active, enhanced and index strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including separate accounts, mutual funds, iShares® (exchange traded funds), and other pooled investment vehicles. BlackRock also offers risk management, advisory and enterprise investment system services to a broad base of institutional investors through BlackRock Solutions®.  Headquartered in New York City, as of December 31, 2012, the firm has approximately 10,500 employees in 30 countries and a major presence in key global markets, including North and South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East and Africa.  For additional information, please visit the Company's website at www.blackrock.com.

    ?About iShares

    iShares is a global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 600 funds globally across equities, fixed income and commodities, which trade on 20 exchanges worldwide. The iShares Funds are bought and sold like common stocks on securities exchanges. The iShares Funds are attractive to many individual and institutional investors and financial intermediaries because of their relative low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. The iShares customer base consists of the institutional segment of pension plans and fund managers, as well as the retail segment of financial advisors and high net worth individuals.



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