iShares

Alternative Investments Funds

Why have alternatives in a portfolio?

While definitions of alternative investment funds vary, they generally represent assets that move independently of domestic stock and bond markets. Alternatives typically exhibit lower levels of liquidity than traditional financial assets like stocks, and higher levels of volatility.

Although some alternative investments can exhibit higher volatility, their low correlations to traditional asset classes can give alternatives the potential to enhance a diversified portfolio solutions risk/return profile. Today, alternatives can generally be accepted as essential components of broadly diversified portfolios.

Portfolio applications for alternatives

A strategic allocation to one or more alternative investment funds can help insulate a portfolio during downward moves in equity and bond markets to help enhance the portfolio's risk/return profile over time.

Investors may also choose to tactically allocate toward certain alternative assets based on their macroeconomic views. The benefits of ETFs are particularly valuable in the alternatives space, which has historically been marked by low levels of transparency and liquidity, and high costs.

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.

Buying and selling shares of iShares Funds will result in brokerage commissions.

In addition to the normal risks associated with investing, narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. REIT investments are subject to changes in economic conditions, credit risk and interest rate fluctuations. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares of an ETF will develop or be maintained.

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.

Investment comparisons are for illustrative purposes only and are not meant to be all-inclusive. To better understand the similarities and differences between investments, including investment objectives, risks, fees and expenses, it is important to read the products' prospectuses.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. ("SEI"). BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA") serves as the investment advisor to the Funds. BFA is a subsidiary of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., neither of which is affiliated with SEI.

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Cohen & Steers Capital Management, Inc. or Dow Jones & Company, Inc. Neither of these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Funds. Neither SEI, nor BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., nor any of their affiliates, are affiliated with the companies listed above.

© 2000-2012 BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. All rights reserved. iShares® is a registered trademark of BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. BlackRock® is a registered trademark of BlackRock, Inc. All other trademarks, servicemarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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