iShares

Audio

From educational introductions to ongoing market commentary, our podcast series make it easy to keep learning about ETFs while on the go. All episodes are in mp3 format, ready to download to your favorite audio player, burn to a CD, or just listen to them right now.
Title Length Date
How Aging Impacts the Markets - Market Perspectives (June 2012)
10900
 19 mins 19 05/16/2012 2012-05-16 08:54:00.0
Bond Investing in a Low Yield World - Market Perspectives (May 2012)
10900
 17 mins 17 04/18/2012 2012-04-18 16:01:00.0
Corporate Profit Margins in 2012 - Market Perspectives (April 2012)
10900
 16 mins 16 03/15/2012 2012-03-15 18:06:00.0
Emerging Market Outlook - Market Perspectives (March 2012)
10900
 20 mins 20 02/16/2012 2012-02-16 08:50:00.0
Opportunities and Risks in the Muni Market - Market Perspectives (February 2012)
10900
 19 mins 19 01/18/2012 2012-01-18 16:37:00.0
2011 Market Review & Outlook for 2012 - Market Perspectives (January 2012)
10900
 23 mins 23 12/20/2011 2011-12-20 12:00:00.0
Title Length Date
Fixed Income in Focus
20 mins 20 12/01/2011 2011-12-01 13:53:00.0
Investing in Gold with Kayvan Malek
6 mins 6 12/29/2010 2010-12-29 10:25:00.0
Investing in Gold with Dodd Kittsley
6 mins 6 08/30/2010 2010-08-30 17:10:00.0
Title Length Date
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Carefully consider the iShares Funds' investment objectives, risk factors, and charges and expenses before investing. This and other information can be found in the Funds' prospectuses, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737), or by viewing or downloading a prospectus. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk.

With short sales, an investor faces the potential for unlimited losses as the security's price rises.

Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders.

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Preferred stocks are not necessarily correlated with securities markets generally. Rising interest rates may cause the value of the Fund's investments to decline significantly. Payment of dividends is not guaranteed. Removal of stocks from the index due to maturity, redemption, call features or conversion may cause a decrease in the yield of the index and the Fund.

Shares of the iShares Funds may be sold throughout the day on the exchange through any brokerage account. However, shares may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares of an ETF will develop or be maintained.

Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of the Fund's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. High yield securities may be more volatile, be subject to greater levels of credit or default risk, and may be less liquid and more difficult to sell at an advantageous time or price to value than higher-rated securities of similar maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are subject to prepayment and extension risk and therefore react differently to changes in interest rates than other bonds. Small movements in interest rates may quickly and significantly reduce the value of certain mortgage-backed securities. TIPS can provide investors a hedge against inflation, as the inflation adjustment feature helps preserve the purchasing power of the investment. Because of this inflation adjustment feature, inflation protected bonds typically have lower yields than conventional fixed rate bonds and will likely decline in price during periods of deflation, which could result in losses. Government backing applies only to government issued securities. An investment in the fund(s) is not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

The strategies discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective.

Information on stocks is provided strictly for illustrative purposes and should not be deemed an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy shares of any securities other than the iShares Funds.

The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations.

BlackRock does not provide tax advice. Please note that (i) any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained in this communication cannot be used by you for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties; (ii) this communication was written to support the promotion or marketing of the matters addressed herein; and (iii) you should seek advice based on your particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Harvard University. The opinions expressed here are intended to provide insight or education and are not intended as individual investment advice. We do not represent that this information is accurate and complete, and it should not be relied upon as such.

Index returns are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent actual iShares Fund performance. Index performance returns do not reflect any management fees, transaction costs or expenses. Indexes are unmanaged and one cannot invest directly in an index. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

For actual iShares Fund performance, please visit www.iShares.com or request a prospectus by calling 1-800-iShares.

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc., Dow Jones Trademark Holdings, LLC, European Public Real Estate Association ("EPRA®"), FTSE International Limited ("FTSE"), JPMorgan Chase & Co., MSCI Inc., Markit Indices Limited, Morningstar, Inc., The NASDAQ OMX Group, Inc., National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts ("NAREIT"), New York Stock Exchange, Inc., Russell Investment Group or Standard & Poor's, nor are they sponsored, endorsed or issued by Barclays Capital Inc. None of these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Funds. BlackRock is not affiliated with the companies listed above.

Neither FTSE nor NAREIT makes any warranty regarding the FTSE NAREIT Real Estate 50/Residential/Retail/Mortgage or Industrial/Office Index; all rights vest in NAREIT. Neither FTSE nor NAREIT makes any warranty regarding the FTSE EPRA/NAREIT Developed Real Estate ex-US/North America/Europe/Asia Index; all rights vest in FTSE, NAREIT and EPRA. All rights in the FTSE Developed Small Cap ex-North America Index vest in FTSE. "FTSE®" is a trademark jointly owned by the London Stock Exchange Plc and The Financial Times Limited and is used by FTSE under license.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock")

© 2000-2012 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iShares® and BlackRock® are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

iS-2469
© 2000-2012

How Aging Impacts the Markets - Market Perspectives (June 2012)

As the US population grows older, markets could be affected - but how? And will opportunities for yield shrink? (19 mins)

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of the Fund's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained.

Shares of an iShares Fund may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. Mutual funds and iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders. There are special risks associated with margin investing. You may be called upon to deposit additional cash or securities if your account equity including that which is attributable to iShares Funds, declines. With short sales, you risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale.

The strategies and investment comparisons discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective. The information provided is not intended to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any strategy or investment. There may be significant differences between the investments that are not discussed. The examples presented do not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations. BlackRock does not provide investment or tax advice. The Internal Revenue Service has not released a definitive opinion regarding the definition of "substantially identical" securities and its application to the wash sale rule and ETFs.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Yale University.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock"). BlackRock Execution Services, an affilate of BlackRock, assists in the marketing of the funds.

Bond Investing in a Low Yield World - Market Perspectives (May 2012)

Do bond investors have any choices other than low rates or high risk? Find out here. (17 mins)

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of the Fund's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained.

Shares of an iShares Fund may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. Mutual funds and iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders. There are special risks associated with margin investing. You may be called upon to deposit additional cash or securities if your account equity including that which is attributable to iShares Funds, declines. With short sales, you risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale.

The strategies and investment comparisons discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective. The information provided is not intended to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any strategy or investment. There may be significant differences between the investments that are not discussed. The examples presented do not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations. BlackRock does not provide investment or tax advice. The Internal Revenue Service has not released a definitive opinion regarding the definition of "substantially identical" securities and its application to the wash sale rule and ETFs.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Yale University.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock"). BlackRock Execution Services, an affilate of BlackRock, assists in the marketing of the funds.

Corporate Profit Margins in 2012 - Market Perspectives (April 2012)

How long can corporate profit margins last, and what should investors do as profits start to shrink? (16 mins)

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of the Fund's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained.

Shares of an iShares Fund may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. Mutual funds and iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders. There are special risks associated with margin investing. You may be called upon to deposit additional cash or securities if your account equity including that which is attributable to iShares Funds, declines. With short sales, you risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale.

The strategies and investment comparisons discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective. The information provided is not intended to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any strategy or investment. There may be significant differences between the investments that are not discussed. The examples presented do not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations. BlackRock does not provide investment or tax advice. The Internal Revenue Service has not released a definitive opinion regarding the definition of "substantially identical" securities and its application to the wash sale rule and ETFs.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Yale University.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock"). BlackRock Execution Services, an affilate of BlackRock, assists in the marketing of the funds.

Emerging Market Outlook - Market Perspectives (March 2012)

Is it time to overweight emerging markets? Russ Koesterich has the answers. (20 mins)

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of the Fund's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained.

Shares of an iShares Fund may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. Mutual funds and iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders. There are special risks associated with margin investing. You may be called upon to deposit additional cash or securities if your account equity including that which is attributable to iShares Funds, declines. With short sales, you risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale.

The strategies and investment comparisons discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective. The information provided is not intended to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any strategy or investment. There may be significant differences between the investments that are not discussed. The examples presented do not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations. BlackRock does not provide investment or tax advice. The Internal Revenue Service has not released a definitive opinion regarding the definition of "substantially identical" securities and its application to the wash sale rule and ETFs.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Yale University.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock"). BlackRock Execution Services, an affilate of BlackRock, assists in the marketing of the funds.

Opportunities and Risks in the Muni Market - Market Perspectives (February 2012)

What's the outlook for municipal bonds in 2012? Russ Koesterich explains they are Still Standing, Still Cheap (19 mins)

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of the Fund's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained.

Shares of an iShares Fund may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. Mutual funds and iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders. There are special risks associated with margin investing. You may be called upon to deposit additional cash or securities if your account equity including that which is attributable to iShares Funds, declines. With short sales, you risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale.

The strategies and investment comparisons discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective. The information provided is not intended to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any strategy or investment. There may be significant differences between the investments that are not discussed. The examples presented do not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations. BlackRock does not provide investment or tax advice. The Internal Revenue Service has not released a definitive opinion regarding the definition of "substantially identical" securities and its application to the wash sale rule and ETFs.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Yale University.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock"). BlackRock Execution Services, an affilate of BlackRock, assists in the marketing of the funds.

2011 Market Review & Outlook for 2012 - Market Perspectives (January 2012)

Will 2012 bring to markets the "Great Idle," the "Blow Out" or the "Holiday Miracle?" Russ Koesterich shares thoughts and strategies. (23 mins)

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of the Fund's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for such shares will develop or be maintained.

Shares of an iShares Fund may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. Mutual funds and iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders. There are special risks associated with margin investing. You may be called upon to deposit additional cash or securities if your account equity including that which is attributable to iShares Funds, declines. With short sales, you risk paying more for a security than you received from its sale.

The strategies and investment comparisons discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective. The information provided is not intended to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any strategy or investment. There may be significant differences between the investments that are not discussed. The examples presented do not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations. BlackRock does not provide investment or tax advice. The Internal Revenue Service has not released a definitive opinion regarding the definition of "substantially identical" securities and its application to the wash sale rule and ETFs.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Yale University.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock"). BlackRock Execution Services, an affilate of BlackRock, assists in the marketing of the funds.

Fixed Income in Focus

Listen to iShares Global Chief Investment Strategist, Russ Koesterich and iShares Head of Fixed Income, Matt Tucker for their perspectives on the fixed income market. Learn about which sectors may offer untapped opportunities, what makes ETFs unique in the current market, and which tactical shifts to make now in fixed income. (20 mins)

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, international investments may involve risk of capital loss from unfavorable fluctuation in currency values, from differences in generally accepted accounting principles or from economic or political instability in other nations. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Securities focusing on a single country, investments in smaller companies and narrowly focused investments may be subject to higher volatility. Bonds and bond funds will decrease in value as interest rates rise. A portion of a municipal bond's income may be subject to federal or state income taxes or the alternative minimum tax. Capital gains, if any, are subject to capital gains tax. High yield securities may be more volatile, be subject to greater levels of credit or default risk, and may be less liquid and more difficult to sell at an advantageous time or price to value than higher-rated securities of similar maturity. Asset allocation and diversification may not protect against market risk. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares of an ETF will develop or be maintained.

Shares of an iShares Fund may only be redeemed directly from a Fund by Authorized Participants, in very large creation/redemption units. Transactions in shares of the iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions and will generate tax consequences. Mutual funds and iShares Funds are obliged to distribute portfolio gains to shareholders. There are special risks associated with margin investing. You may be called upon to deposit additional cash or securities if your account equity including that which is attributable to iShares Funds, declines. With short sales, an investor faces the potential for unlimited losses as the security's price rises.

The strategies and investment comparisons discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and should not be construed as a recommendation to purchase or sell, or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective. The information provided is not intended to be a complete analysis of every material fact respecting any strategy or investment. There may be significant differences between the investments that are not discussed. The examples presented do not take into consideration commissions, tax implications, or other transactions costs, which may significantly affect the economic consequences of a given strategy or investment decision. The information provided is not intended to be tax advice. Investors should be urged to consult their tax professionals or financial advisers for more information regarding their specific tax situations. BlackRock does not provide investment or tax advice. The Internal Revenue Service has not released a definitive opinion regarding the definition of "substantially identical" securities and its application to the wash sale rule and ETFs.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events, or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

BlackRock is not affiliated with Yale University.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC ("BRIL") (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock"). BlackRock Execution Services, an affiliate of BlackRock, assists in the marketing of the funds.

Investing in Gold with Kayvan Malek

Learn from Kayvan Malek, managing director with BlackRock's Global Strategies Group, why this "noble" metal continues to attract investor attention. iS-3416 (6 mins)

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

© 2000-2012 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iShares® and BlackRock® are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Investing in Gold with Dodd Kittsley

"Prospecting" for information? BlackRock's Dodd Kittsley discusses the gold landscape in the context of exchange traded products. (6 mins)

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. The opinions expressed are intended to provide insight or education and are subject to change. This information should not be relied upon as research or investment advice regarding any security.

iShares COMEX Gold Trust ("Trust") has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus) with the SEC for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the prospectus and other documents the Trust has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the issuer and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting www.iShares.com or EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Trust will arrange to send you the prospectus if you request it by calling toll-free 1-800-474-2737.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. The iShares COMEX Gold Trust ("Trust") is not an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940 or a commodity pool for purposes of the Commodity Exchange Act. Shares of the Trust are not subject to the same regulatory requirements as mutual funds. Because shares of the Trust are created to reflect the price of the gold held by the Trust, the market price of the shares will be as unpredictable as the price of gold has historically been. Additionally, shares of the Trust are bought and sold at market price (not NAV). Brokerage commissions will reduce returns.

Shares of the Trust are created to reflect, at any given time, the market price of gold owned by the trust at that time less the trust's expenses and liabilities. The price received upon the sale of the shares, which trade at market price, may be more or less than the value of the gold represented by them. If an investor sells the shares at a time when no active market for them exists, such lack of an active market will most likely adversely affect the price received for the shares. For a more complete discussion of the risk factors relative to the Trust, carefully read the prospectus.

Following an investment in shares of the Trust, several factors may have the effect of causing a decline in the prices of gold and a corresponding decline in the price of the shares. Among them: (i) Large sales by the official sector. A significant portion of the aggregate world gold holdings is owned by governments, central banks and related institutions. If one or more of these institutions decides to sell in amounts large enough to cause a decline in world gold prices, the price of the shares will be adversely affected. (ii) A significant increase in gold hedging activity by gold producers. Should there be an increase in the level of hedge activity of gold producing companies, it could cause a decline in world gold prices, adversely affecting the price of the shares. (iii) A significant change in the attitude of speculators and investors towards gold. Should the speculative community take a negative view towards gold, it could cause a decline in world gold prices, negatively impacting the price of the shares.

The amount of gold represented by shares of the Trust will decrease over the life of the trust due to sales necessary to pay the sponsor's fee and trust expenses. Without increase in the price of gold sufficient to compensate for that decrease, the price of the shares will also decline, and investors will lose money on their investment. The Trust will have limited duration. The liquidation of the trust may occur at a time when the disposition of the trust's gold will result in losses to investors.

Although market makers will generally take advantage of differences between the NAV and the trading price of Trust shares through arbitrage opportunities, there is no guarantee that they will do so. There is no guarantee an active trading market will develop for the shares, which may result in losses on your investment at the time of disposition of your shares. The value of the shares of the Trust will be adversely affected if gold owned by the trust is lost or damaged in circumstances in which the trust is not in a position to recover the corresponding loss. The Trust is a passive investment vehicle. This means that the value of your shares may be adversely affected by trust losses that, if the trust had been actively managed, it might have been possible to avoid.

Shares of the iShares COMEX Gold Trust are not deposits or other obligations of or guaranteed by BlackRock, Inc., and its affiliates, and are not insured by the Federal deposit Insurance Corporation or any other governmental agency.

BlackRock Asset Management International Inc. (BAMII) is the sponsor of the Trust. BlackRock Fund Distribution Company (BFDC), a subsidiary of BAMII, assists in the promotion of the Trust. BAMII is an affiliate of BlackRock, Inc.

Although shares of the iShares COMEX Gold Trust may be bought or sold on the exchange through any brokerage account, shares of the Trust are not redeemable from the Trust except in large aggregated units called Baskets.

"Commodity Exchange, Inc.," and "COMEX" are trademarks of Commodity Exchange, Inc., and have been licensed for use for certain purposes to BlackRock, Inc., and the iShares COMEX Gold Trust. The Trust is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by Commodity Exchange, Inc., nor does Commodity Exchange, Inc., make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Trust.

©2012. All rights reserved. iShares® and BlackRock® are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.