iShares

Looking for a simpler way to invest in the biggest U.S. companies? Introducing the iShares Top 20 U.S. Stocks ETF (TOPT) — with just one trade, you can own shares in giants like Apple, Microsoft, and Nvidia. With #TOPT, you get to tap into the size and scale of the largest companies from a wide variety of industries. Collectively, these companies operate in more than 160 countries and represent $25.5 trillion in market capitalization. At iShares, we believe investing should be easy. The future of investing is here. Learn more about TOPT here: https://ishars.com/3NClgdl Source: Factset as of June 30, 2024

In just two years since ChatGPT’s release, we’ve witnessed a surge in investment across the AI value chain—from cutting-edge semiconductors and expansive data centers to increasingly sophisticated GenAI models. As this historic build-out continues, two related themes are emerging: - Cybersecurity: With proprietary data becoming more valuable, protecting it is a growing priority, driving significant investment in cybersecurity solutions. - US-focused Tech: Global competition in AI and tech may slow US-based companies’ overseas ambitions. US-focused tech firms with more geopolitical insulation may be better positioned. Hear more on AI’s rapid evolution that’s reshaping industries and creating new opportunities and risks for investors from my colleague Brian Dunlap below, and be sure to read the iShares 2025 Thematic Outlook here: https://ishars.com/49iE2Aq

One of the key themes in the iShares 2025 Thematic Outlook is the rebuilding of the U.S. physical economy. While there may be focus on the presidential election results, themes with bipartisan support across all levels of government, as well as growing private-sector interest, may be well-positioned. This includes infrastructure, manufacturing, and housing: - Infrastructure: Projects from the bipartisan 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act are increasingly moving to the construction phase - Manufacturing: Government incentives as well as potentially more protective policies could accelerate domestic production - Housing: Rising millennial demand and underinvestment in housing stock are creating affordability challenges What do infrastructure, manufacturing, and housing mean for the future of investing? Explore the powerful trends shaping 2025 in our video with Ashley Saidler below and visit: https://ishars.com/3ZmsEz0

Congratulations to our iShares team for winning an award for ‘ETP Launch of the Year’ in honor of the iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (#IBIT) at the Benzinga Fintech Day in NYC last month! This event was designed to showcase the latest advancements in fintech, celebrate industry achievements, and foster connections that drive the future of finance. Learn more about #IBIT: https://ishars.com/4isihT6 Benzinga received a record number of awards submissions this year, and the panel of judges reviewed each category. Benzinga tallied the results of the judges combined findings to determine the winner. Learn more here: https://ishars.com/3OQvU0O

After interest rates reached their highest levels in 20 years, a period of modest rate cuts may open new opportunities. In the iShares 2025 Thematic Outlook, we explore how lower interest rates could bring growing interest to #biotech and #Bitcoin - - Biotech: Easier financing could unlock breakthroughs in R&D, increase valuations, and spur greater M&A activity - Bitcoin: lower rates could reduce the opportunity cost between holding Bitcoin versus interest-bearing assets, sparking professional investor interest amidst monetary and geopolitical uncertainties Tune in below to hear more from Anna Nerys on how these themes may evolve in 2025: https://ishars.com/4gjHqxd Source: St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank. “FRED Economic Data-Federal Funds Effective Rate” As of 10/1/2024.

#BIZQUIZ: How much do you know about the top U.S. stocks? Learn how you can gain exposure to the top 20 largest U.S. companies, including Nvidia and Apple: https://ishars.com/3AZxyd4

To celebrate iShares AI-related and technology ETFs, the iShares AI Innovation and Tech Active ETF (BAI) and the iShares Technology Opportunities Active ETF (TEK), the iShares team rang the Opening Bell at the NYSE 🎉 #BAI seeks to maximize total return by selecting investments in global AI and technology equities in all market capitalizations, targeting companies generating revenue from the enablement, development, or deployment of AI technologies, as well as those selling AI-drive products and services: https://ishars.com/3Aczb6T #TEK seeks long-term capital appreciation by investing in a portfolio of global technology companies across all market capitalization ranges, selected for their rapid and sustainable growth potential from the development, advancement and use of technology. https://ishars.com/3YhZrEL

As we prepare for 2025, investors are navigating a rapidly evolving landscape shaped by mega forces that continue to redefine markets and economies. Our team at iShares has been closely monitoring the themes that dominated 2024—AI and geopolitics. We believe these forces will remain central, but shifting dynamics may create potential opportunities for investors. Our 2025 Thematic Outlook identifies three structural trends that could shape investment strategies in the coming year: • Modest rate cuts - After years of rising rates, further rate cuts could provide relief for long-duration assets, particularly in areas like medical innovation and business expansion. • Building the Physical Economy - Beyond political headlines, bipartisan support for infrastructure, manufacturing, and housing could open avenues for transformative investments. • The Gen AI Revolution - Advances in technology, from more powerful chips to sophisticated AI models, are accelerating growth across industries and reshaping what's possible. For a more detailed look at how these themes could impact portfolios in the year ahead, tune in below and explore the full 2025 Thematic Outlook: https://ishars.com/4eCHib7

In our 2024 Thematic Mid-Year Update, we honed in on AI & geopolitics as the two main mega forces driving market narratives. Indeed, these two themes stayed in the limelight for virtually the entire year, and we believe are likely to remain in primary focus for 2025. But we are seeing significant shifts in the underlying policies, demographics, and tech developments that could drive these themes forward. Ahead of the new year, investors should consider the exposure they have to these themes and how they may position their portfolio to capture opportunities and mitigate associated risks. Stay tuned for our 2025 iShares Thematic Outlook, coming out this week, where we explore these structural trends and more. In the meantime, check out the latest on the iShares Thematic Investing strategy page to learn more about mega forces and the opportunities they may present for portfolios: https://ishars.com/4eDWftx

Heard about the buzz of bitcoin, and want to go deeper? This past year, bitcoin exchange-traded products have seen significant adoption, with $IBIT surpassing over $30 billion in assets under management. We’ve made learning about bitcoin easy with our new bitcoin 101 video, which explains what bitcoin is, how it works, and why some investors are considering making it a part of their portfolio today. To learn more, explore our bitcoin education page for bite-sized FAQs and investment insights from the experts at iShares. https://ishars.com/3O4MY2I