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SAN FRANCISCO--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:BLK) today announced that its iShares Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) business, the world's largest manager of ETFs, has launched two new dividend-focused equity funds designed to access the fast-growing emerging markets and Asia/Pacific developed markets. Listed on the NYSE Arca, the funds are the iShares Emerging Markets Dividend Index Fund (NYSEArca: DVYE) and the iShares Asia/Pacific Dividend 30 Index Fund (NYSEArca: DVYA).

"In todayas market environment, traditional sources of income are offering historically low yields"

The launch of these funds expands the existing suite of iShares dividend ETFs with the goal of delivering a global tool kit of equity income solutions. iShares launched the first US-listed dividend ETF (NYSEArca: DVY) in 2003; the fund currently hasover $10 billion in assets¹.

aIn todayas market environment, traditional sources of income are offering historically low yields,a said Darek Wojnar, Head of US iShares Product Development and Management at BlackRock. aEmerging markets and the developed markets in the Asia/Pacific region are expected to lead global economic growth and offer an attractive opportunity for investment income in the near term. Income-seeking investors can use our dividenda"paying funds to efficiently take advantage of potential economic growth in these regions, and possibly reduce portfolio volatility compared with growth-oriented stocks.a

aThe new iShares funds are well positioned to marry international growth potential with the value characteristics of dividend solutions in an ETF,a Wojnar continued. aThe funds also offer investors the added benefit of a liquid investment approach, representing flexibility in establishing and adjusting allocations. A basket of high dividend-paying equities can often provide investors a cost-effective, transparent way to diversify their global equity income stream.a

The iShares Emerging Market Dividend Index Fund is benchmarked to the Dow Jones Emerging Market Select Dividend Index. The index offers exposure to 100 dividend-paying emerging market companies, weighted by indicated annual yield. The top sector holdings are Telecomm, Industrials and Basic Materials.

The iShares Asia/Pacific Dividend 30 Index Fund is benchmarked to the Dow Jones Asia/Pacific Select Dividend 30 Index. The index offers exposure to 30 dividend-paying companies in Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, New Zealand and Singapore, weighted by indicated annual yield. The top sector holdings are Financials, Consumer Services and Telecomm.

About BlackRock

BlackRock is a leader in investment management, risk management and advisory services for institutional and retail clients worldwide. At December 31, 2011, BlackRockas AUM was $3.513 trillion. BlackRock offers products that span the risk spectrum to meet clientsa needs, including active, enhanced and index strategies across markets and asset classes. Products are offered in a variety of structures including 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, 2011, the firm has approximately 10,100 employees in 27 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 the global product leader in exchange traded funds with over 500 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, tax efficiency 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 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 visiting [ www.iShares.com ]. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.

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. Emerging markets involve heightened risks related to the same factors as well as increased volatility and lower trading volume. Narrowly focused investments typically exhibit higher volatility. There is no guarantee that dividends will be paid. Diversification may not protect against market risk.

Holdings are subject to change.

This material represents an assessment of the market environment at a specific time and is not intended to be a forecast of future events or a guarantee of future results. This information should not be relied upon by the reader as research or investment advice regarding the funds or any security in particular.

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.

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. There can be no assurance that an active trading market for shares of an ETF will develop or be maintained.

The iShares Funds ("Funds") are distributed by SEI Investments Distribution Co. ("SEI"). BlackRock Fund Advisors ("BFA") serves as the investment advisor to the Funds. BlackRock Investments, LLC (aBRILa), assists in the marketing of the Funds. BFA and BRIL are affiliates of BlackRock, Inc., none of which is affiliated with SEI.

The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Dow Jones Trademark Holdings, LLC, nor does this company 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 company listed above.

* Not FDIC Insured * No Bank Guarantee * May Lose Value

¹ BlackRock 2/22/12