History

A brief history of iShares ETFs

The iShares FTSE 100 fund was the first iShares exchange traded fund (ETF) launched in the UK, at the start of the millennium. iShares funds have since rapidly expanded across Europe, covering equities, bonds and alternative investment areas such as infrastructure and private equity.

The expansion of the iShares fund range is driven by investor demand for instant, low-cost access to new investment opportunities across the world. We are continually adding new funds to our range, underlining our commitment to constantly broaden our clients’ investment choices through cost-effective investment vehicles and focusing our global iShares business on servicing local needs.

Global ETF assets under management have grown rapidly as professional and retail investors alike have discovered ETFs’ unique combination of benefits, such as versatility, transparency and their significant cost advantages. Demand for ETFs globally has surged in recent years as the message of cost effective, flexible and truly diversified investment products has struck a chord with investors – during both bull and bear markets. Global ETF assets now amount to US$1.03 trillion*, with no fewer than 1,939 ETFs listed across global stock markets. ETFs also offer professional investors the reassurance of high levels of liquidity, enabling the rapid implementation of a comprehensive range of investment strategies. Today there are over 160 iShares trading across Europe and we are currently the worlds No. 1 ETF provider.*

* ETF Landscape – Industry Preview Year End 2009