BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, runs more than 120 mutual funds, in addition to an extensive array of exchange-traded funds through its iShares unit. BlackRock funds encompass numerous asset classes, geographies and investment strategies. To get a close-up perspective on global markets, the New York-based company has analysts and managers in 30 countries. Unlike other large fund managers, it has no investment banking or public brokerage business, as its sole focus is asset management.
The firm manages funds in categories including alternatives, equity, fixed income and multi-asset. It also has a distinct strategy for smart beta, a rules-based method of investing that uses non-market capitalization-weighted indexing.