iShares Announces Changes to U.S. Fund Lineup

iShares Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) business, the world’s largest manager of ETFs, plans to close and liquidate ten funds that make up the iShares All Country World Index (ACWI) ex-U.S. sector suite.

The following funds will be closed and liquidated based on ongoing reviews, client feedback and limited interest in ex-U.S. sector strategies:

TickerName
AXDI iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Consumer Discretionary ETF
AXSL iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Consumer Staples ETF
AXEN iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Energy ETF
AXFN iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Financials ETF
AXHE iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Healthcare ETF
AXID iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Industrials ETF
AXIT iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Information Technology ETF
AXMT iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Materials ETF
AXTE iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Telecommunication Services ETF
AXUT iShares MSCI ACWI ex U.S. Utilities ETF

After the close of business on March 25, 2014 the funds will no longer accept creation orders. Trading in the funds will be halted prior to market open on March 26, 2014. Proceeds of the liquidation are currently scheduled to be sent to shareholders on or about April 1, 2014. For more information, please see the Prospectus Supplement or call 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737).

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At December 31, 2013, BlackRock’s AUM was $4.324 trillion. BlackRock helps clients meet their goals and overcome challenges with a range of products that include 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, 2013, the firm had approximately 11,400 employees in more than 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 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.

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 and, if available, summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by calling 1-800-iShares (1-800-474-2737) or by visiting www.iShares.com. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. 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. 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.

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

© 2014 BlackRock. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. iS-11491-0114

Contacts:

iShares
Diane Henry, 415-670-4567
Diane.Henry@blackrock.com

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