Oct 28, 2025 Equity
iSHARES CORE S&P 500 ETF
Seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-capitalization U.S. equities.
iSHARES CORE 60/40 BALANCED ALLOCATION ETF
Seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of a portfolio of underlying equity and fixed income funds intended to represent a growth allocation target risk strategy.
iSHARES CORE MSCI TOTAL INTERNATIONAL STOCK ETF
Seeks to track the investment results of an index composed of large-, mid- and small-capitalization non-U.S. equities.
I often marvel at how running and investing in markets have so much in common. Since running my first marathon in 2004, I have run 25 marathons, about 50 half marathons, 10 triathlons, and countless other shorter distance road races. During the same period, I navigated some severe market dislocations and have been exposed to countless bull and bear markets as a portfolio manager and, now, chief investment and portfolio strategist for one of the world’s largest asset managers.
Here are some of the lessons that running has taught me about investing.
The journey of 26.2 miles starts with a single step. Sometimes the hardest part of the workout is deciding to get up from the couch and lace up for a run. Similarly, investing can be complex and overwhelming for first-time investors and we often suffer from “analysis paralysisâ€. If you are a new investor and thinking about investing in the markets, just start with a single step towards your financial journey.
Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) can be a great option for beginning investors and can be used to create a diversified portfolio. For example, iShares Core asset allocation ETFs are designed to be simple way for investors to build a diversified portfolio, providing exposure to potentially thousands of stocks and bonds with a single trade. The iShares Core 60/40 Balanced Allocation ETF (AOR), for example, holds roughly 6,000 stocks and 20,000 bonds.1 Similar ETFs are built with conservative or aggressive risk targets; the key differentiator being how much of each fund is invested in stocks vs. bonds.
A mistake some investors make is waiting to invest because they think they need a lot of money to get started, which is not the case. ETFs can help you begin investing as soon as you want and you can start with as little as $1 when you buy fractional shares of iShares ETFs.
Just like your marathon training, your investment training plan will be key to your success after the first step is taken. It should guide you based on your unique needs — how much money you expect to need, when you expect to need it, and what are upcoming events that you need to plan for. What kind of risks are you willing to take? What kind of returns might you make for those risks. That training plan will guide you after you take the first step. (Read about How to find your asset allocation and risk tolerance).
When I ran six days a week and did yoga only once a week I was a horrible runner. When I did yoga three days a week and ran four days a week I became a much better runner. Diversifying your training regime is key to success in running — and other forms of strength training.
In your investments, ETFs make it fast and easy to invest across a diversified portfolio. For example, you can get exposure to 500 of the largest U.S. stocks with the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV).
While U.S. investments may be great, have you thought about the potential benefits of exposure to international countries? International stocks offer meaningful diversification benefits to U.S. large-caps, more than U.S. small caps do.2 You can access the stock market outside of the U.S. easily with an ETF like the iShares Core MSCI Total International Stock ETF (IXUS).
On race day, you don’t know what other’s goals are. Some are trying to set a new personal best time, while others are doing it just to finish. You don’t compete with other runners. Ultimately, you’re only competing with yourself to have your best race. The same is true with investing. If your best friend or favorite market analyst is putting all their money in frontier markets, that may not be the best approach for you. Invest based on your personalized plan, which probably won’t look like the investing plan of the person next to you.
Banging out 30-50 miles a week, week after week can be grueling but the discipline will prevent you from bonking on mile 15 on race day. Similarly in investing, you have to do your research on markets (or follow great market thought leaders.) But only you can dictate your investing discipline. Understanding how you should size a certain trade, when to cut your losing position, or when to add to winning positions, is all about building a plan and sticking to the plan with discipline.
When I finally broke four hours in a marathon after years of trying, my first half was well over two hours. The previous years I had done 1:56 or 1:57 halves and still not been able to break four hours. It’s all about pacing. In investing, the same principle applies. You are in this race for a long time. Stay invested for the long term, add to your portfolio in a measured way, and don’t go “all in†on one incredible theme or stock and try to “kill it†in one mile only to suffer down the road.
Hip stress fracture during training, race day weather 30 degrees over normal, cramping at mile 15 and having to walk, and a racecourse running out of water by mile 10; these are all real obstacles I’ve faced as a runner.
Similarly, during your investment journey there will potentially or likely be recessions, bear markets, countless liquidity crises, bank failures, rate hike and cutting cycles, inflation, and deflation — just to name a few events that can trip up an investor. You can’t control the volatility, but you can control your reaction to it. Make tweaks to your portfolio based on your macro assessment and personal needs and try to stay invested for the long run.
Remember no one can really time the markets — but we can just stay invested and remind ourselves that we are in this for the long run. It’s a marathon after all!
Just like in the market, every race has its ups and downs — sometimes quite literally if the course is hilly. The key to running a successful race is to push through the rough spots without getting too upset, and to enjoy the periods when everything feels great without getting complacent or losing focus.
The same is true with investing, where keeping your emotions in check no matter how good (or bad) your portfolio is doing at a given moment is critical to staying on track to reach your long-term goals.
If you haven’t noticed, I’m passionate about running and believe it has helped me professionally. Running just works for me: On the worst market days, I often console myself with a run — and reward myself with the same on the best market days.
Maybe running isn’t your thing but hopefully the lessons I’ve learned from putting in the miles can help you on your investing journey.
iShares ETFs are available to purchase through a brokerage account or with a financial advisor.
iShares funds are available through online brokerage firms. All iShares ETFs and ETPs trade commission free online through Fidelity.
By clicking on the button below, you will leave BlackRock’s website.
Contact a financial professional to discuss how iShares ETFs and ETPs can fit in your investment portfolio.
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 or, if available, the summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting the iShares ETF and BlackRock Fund prospectus pages. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Any links to third-party websites are provided for use at your own discretion. Each third party is solely responsible for the content presented and availability of its website. BlackRock does not control, monitor or maintain third-party websites, their content or the products/services they offer. Content may change without notice. When you leave BlackRock’s website and enter a third-party website, you will be subject to that site’s terms, policies and/or notices, including those related to privacy and security, as applicable. Please review those policies and notices on the third-party website.
Before engaging Fidelity or any broker-dealer, you should evaluate the overall fees and charges of the firm as well as the services provided. Free commission offer applies to online purchases of select iShares ETFs in a Fidelity account. The sale of ETFs is subject to an activity assessment fee (from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). For iShares ETFs, Fidelity receives compensation from the ETF sponsor and/or its affiliates in connection with an exclusive long-term marketing program that includes promotion of iShares ETFs and inclusion of iShares funds in certain Fidelity Brokerage Services platforms and investment programs. Please note, this security will not be marginable for 30 days from the settlement date, at which time it will automatically become eligible for margin collateral. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation can be found in the ETF’s prospectus and related documents. Fidelity may add or waive commissions on ETFs without prior notice.
The Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRockâ€).
©2024 BlackRock, Inc or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK, iSHARES, iBONDS, LIFEPATH, ALADDIN and the iShares Core Graphic are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
iCRMH1124U/S-3985892
iShares ETFs are available to purchase through a brokerage account or with a financial advisor.
iShares funds are available through online brokerage firms. All iShares ETFs and ETPs trade commission free online through Fidelity.
By clicking on the button below, you will leave BlackRock’s website.
Contact a financial professional to discuss how iShares ETFs and ETPs can fit in your investment portfolio.
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 or, if available, the summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting the iShares ETF and BlackRock Fund prospectus pages. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Any links to third-party websites are provided for use at your own discretion. Each third party is solely responsible for the content presented and availability of its website. BlackRock does not control, monitor or maintain third-party websites, their content or the products/services they offer. Content may change without notice. When you leave BlackRock’s website and enter a third-party website, you will be subject to that site’s terms, policies and/or notices, including those related to privacy and security, as applicable. Please review those policies and notices on the third-party website.
Before engaging Fidelity or any broker-dealer, you should evaluate the overall fees and charges of the firm as well as the services provided. Free commission offer applies to online purchases of select iShares ETFs in a Fidelity account. The sale of ETFs is subject to an activity assessment fee (from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). For iShares ETFs, Fidelity receives compensation from the ETF sponsor and/or its affiliates in connection with an exclusive long-term marketing program that includes promotion of iShares ETFs and inclusion of iShares funds in certain Fidelity Brokerage Services platforms and investment programs. Please note, this security will not be marginable for 30 days from the settlement date, at which time it will automatically become eligible for margin collateral. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation can be found in the ETF’s prospectus and related documents. Fidelity may add or waive commissions on ETFs without prior notice.
The Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRockâ€).
©2024 BlackRock, Inc or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK, iSHARES, iBONDS, LIFEPATH, ALADDIN and the iShares Core Graphic are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
iCRMH1124U/S-3985892
iShares ETFs are available to purchase through a brokerage account or with a financial advisor.
iShares funds are available through online brokerage firms. All iShares ETFs and ETPs trade commission free online through Fidelity.
By clicking on the button below, you will leave BlackRock’s website.
Contact a financial professional to discuss how iShares ETFs and ETPs can fit in your investment portfolio.
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 or, if available, the summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting the iShares ETF and BlackRock Fund prospectus pages. Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
Any links to third-party websites are provided for use at your own discretion. Each third party is solely responsible for the content presented and availability of its website. BlackRock does not control, monitor or maintain third-party websites, their content or the products/services they offer. Content may change without notice. When you leave BlackRock’s website and enter a third-party website, you will be subject to that site’s terms, policies and/or notices, including those related to privacy and security, as applicable. Please review those policies and notices on the third-party website.
Before engaging Fidelity or any broker-dealer, you should evaluate the overall fees and charges of the firm as well as the services provided. Free commission offer applies to online purchases of select iShares ETFs in a Fidelity account. The sale of ETFs is subject to an activity assessment fee (from $0.01 to $0.03 per $1,000 of principal). For iShares ETFs, Fidelity receives compensation from the ETF sponsor and/or its affiliates in connection with an exclusive long-term marketing program that includes promotion of iShares ETFs and inclusion of iShares funds in certain Fidelity Brokerage Services platforms and investment programs. Please note, this security will not be marginable for 30 days from the settlement date, at which time it will automatically become eligible for margin collateral. Additional information about the sources, amounts, and terms of compensation can be found in the ETF’s prospectus and related documents. Fidelity may add or waive commissions on ETFs without prior notice.
The Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRockâ€).
©2024 BlackRock, Inc or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK, iSHARES, iBONDS, LIFEPATH, ALADDIN and the iShares Core Graphic are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
iCRMH1124U/S-3985892
Our Funds
FIND A FUND
ASSET CLASS
Investment Strategies
EXPLORE NOW
GET STARTED
GO FURTHER
FEATURED FUNDS
Market Insights
EXPLORE NOW
MARKET INSIGHTS
Education
EXPLORE NOW
INVESTING 101
ETF EDUCATION
INVESTMENT STRATEGIES & ASSET CLASSES
PREPARING FOR RETIREMENT
Resources
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS
About Us
GET TO KNOW iSHARES
iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.
© 2025 BlackRock, Inc. All rights reserved.
1 Source: Bloomberg, as of October 16, 2025.
2 Source: Bloomberg, as of October 16, 2025. Diversification measured as 10 year correlation. Small caps represented by the Russell 2000 Index, large caps represented by the S&P 500 Index, international represented by the MSCI ACWI Index.
Â
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 or, if available, the summary prospectuses, which may be obtained by visiting the iShares Fund and BlackRock Fund prospectus pages. Read the prospectus carefully before investing.
Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to constitute investment advice or an investment recommendation within the meaning of federal, state or local law. You are solely responsible for evaluating and acting upon the education and information contained in this material. BlackRock will not be liable for direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information obtained from these materials or from any other source mentioned. BlackRock does not render any legal, tax or accounting advice and the education and information contained in this material should not be construed as such. Please consult with a qualified professional for these types of advice.
The tool, and any data used by the tool, is provided on an "as-is" basis. BlackRock expressly disclaims all warranties, express or implied, statutory or otherwise with respect to the tool (and any data used by the tool and the results obtained from use of the tool) including, without limitation, all warranties or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or use, accuracy, completeness, originality and/or non-infringement. In no event shall BlackRock have any liability for any claims, damages, obligations, liabilities or losses relating to the tool including, without limitation, any liability for any direct, indirect, special, incidental, punitive and/or consequential damages (including loss of profits or principal).
The strategies discussed are strictly for illustrative and educational purposes and are not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. There is no guarantee that any strategies discussed will be effective.
Fixed income risks include interest-rate and credit risk. Typically, when interest rates rise, there is a corresponding decline in the value of debt securities. Credit risk refers to the possibility that the debt issuer will not be able to make principal and interest payments.
International investing involves risks, including risks related to foreign currency, limited liquidity, less government regulation and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. These risks often are heightened for investments in emerging/ developing markets or in concentrations of single countries.
The Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, "BlackRock").
The iShares Funds are not sponsored, endorsed, issued, sold or promoted by Bloomberg, BlackRock Index Services, LLC, Cboe Global Indices, LLC, Cohen & Steers, European Public Real Estate Association (“EPRA® ”), FTSE International Limited (“FTSE”), ICE Data Indices, LLC, Nasdaq, Inc., NSE Indices Ltd, JPMorgan, JPX Group, London Stock Exchange Group (“LSEG”), MSCI Inc., Markit Indices Limited, Morningstar, Inc., Nasdaq, Inc., National Association of Real Estate Investment Trusts (“NAREIT”), Nikkei, Inc., Russell, S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC or STOXX Ltd. None of these companies make any representation regarding the advisability of investing in the Funds. With the exception of BlackRock Index Services, LLC, who is an affiliate, BlackRock Investments, LLC is not affiliated with the companies listed above.
Neither FTSE, LSEG, nor NAREIT makes any warranty regarding the FTSE Nareit Equity REITS Index, FTSE Nareit All Residential Capped Index or FTSE Nareit All Mortgage Capped Index. Neither FTSE, EPRA, LSEG, nor NAREIT makes any warranty regarding the FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed ex-U.S. Index, FTSE EPRA Nareit Developed Green Target Index or FTSE EPRA Nareit Global REITs Index. “FTSE®” is a trademark of London Stock Exchange Group companies and is used by FTSE under license.
©2025 BlackRock, Inc or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK, iSHARES, iBONDS, LIFEPATH, ALADDIN, THE MARKET IS YOURS and the iShares Core Graphic are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
GPSM1025U/M-4948171
