iShares

Understanding ETFs

Build a solid foundation of knowledge about Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

Start exploring the world of ETFs

The five tracks in this section are designed to give you a clear understanding of the most important topics about Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) — from their structure and benefits to ETF investing, to strategies for using them in portfolios, to the nuances of investing with fixed income and international ETFs.

Fundamentals of ETFs

This section provides a foundational explanation of the structure of ETFs, as well as important things to know about index investing.
Begin learning about ETFs

Benefits of ETFs

Find information on the benefits of ETF investing and how they can help you build diversified portfolios with targeted exposure to specific asset classes.
Learn about the benefits of ETFs Learn about iShares ETF advantages

Investing with Fixed Income ETFs

This section provides an explanation of the fixed income landscape, including information on concepts like duration and the yield curve.
Learn about fixed income ETFs

Investing with International ETFs

This section provides an overview of the different international equity indexes available and how to gain exposure to them through international ETFs.
Learn about international ETFs

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.

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. 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. 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.

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

© 2000-2013 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iSHARES® and BLACKROCK® are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.

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