BlackRock Broadens Infrastructure Product Suite with Actively Managed ETF
MWN-AI** Summary
BlackRock has expanded its infrastructure product suite with the launch of the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF (CBOE:BILT). This new ETF aims to capitalize on the long-term growth potential of listed infrastructure companies across diverse sectors and regions, tapping into an industry projected to see investments of $68 trillion by 2040. The growth drivers identified include the demand for energy-intensive data centers, a focus on energy independence, and the modernization of logistics hubs amidst evolving global supply chains.
According to Balfe Morrison, Head of Listed Infrastructure Strategies at BlackRock, there is a significant opportunity for investors to access the under-represented infrastructure sector, which has historically been a small portion of global equity indices. The BILT ETF seeks to address this by offering an actively managed approach to infrastructure, with a goal of achieving lower volatility compared to traditional global equity markets.
BILT will provide investors with exposure to a diversified portfolio of approximately 50-60 listed infrastructure firms worldwide, covering areas such as transportation, energy, and utilities. The management team, led by Morrison, leverages over two decades of experience in infrastructure investing, focusing on alpha generation through strategic stock selection.
This launch adds to BlackRock’s existing $10 billion infrastructure ETF suite, which includes notable funds such as the iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (IGF) and the iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA). Further, the broader Global Infrastructure Partners platform manages approximately $183 billion in more than 300 active investments globally.
With BILT, BlackRock continues its commitment to enhancing investor access to diverse markets while promoting financial well-being through innovative investment vehicles.
MWN-AI** Analysis
BlackRock’s recent launch of the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF (CBOE:BILT) marks a significant expansion in their infrastructure product suite, capitalizing on the projected $68 trillion investment opportunity in global infrastructure by 2040. This ETF is strategically designed to access the growth potential of listed infrastructure companies across diverse sectors and global markets, making it a compelling choice for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios.
The emphasis on infrastructure is timely, given the ongoing global trends such as the modernization of transport systems and energy independence due to rising geopolitical tensions. Balfe Morrison, leading the Active ETF, articulates that the structural shifts in the economy signal vast opportunities within this sector. Notably, the ETF's actively managed nature provides an edge in navigating the complexities of infrastructure investments, offering investors a tailored approach that may outperform passive strategies.
Investors should consider the BILT ETF not only for its lower volatility profile compared to equity markets but also for its diversified portfolio consisting of 50-60 companies across transportation, energy, and utilities. The fund's management by seasoned experts from BlackRock’s Global Real Assets Securities team further enhances its growth potential, positioning it as a robust asset for long-term investment strategies.
Moreover, the ETF has a rational fee structure at 0.60%, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious investors. However, potential investors should be aware of inherent risks related to active management and sector concentration, which could amplify volatility.
In conclusion, the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF stands out as a strategic investment vehicle, aligning with market dynamics and investors' needs for growth and stability. As the global infrastructure landscape evolves, BILT represents an opportunistic entry point for those looking to capitalize on long-term macroeconomic trends while maintaining portfolio diversification.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
Today, BlackRock expanded its infrastructure product suite with the launch of the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF ( CBOE:BILT ) , designed to harness the long-term growth potential of listed infrastructure companies across sectors and geographies through the efficiency and convenience of an ETF.
Infrastructure is a vital and distinctive segment of the global economy, with related investments projected to reach $68 trillion by 2040. 1 This growth is fueled by powerful forces reshaping how the world builds, connects, and powers itself, including the buildout of energy-intensive data centers, a renewed focus on energy independence in many parts of the world, and the modernization and expansion of logistic hubs such as terminals and airports as global supply chains are rewired.
“As structural shifts re-shape the global economy, we believe physical and digital infrastructure opportunities will continue to expand and accelerate,” said Balfe Morrison, Head of Listed Infrastructure Strategies, Global Real Asset Securities Group at BlackRock . “Investors may be under-allocated to listed infrastructure today – partly because there is no formal sector classification for infrastructure, and the companies within the universe have represented only a small percentage of global equity indices. 2 BILT aims to offer investors an actively managed approach to tapping into the multi-decade growth potential of infrastructure, an asset class with lower volatility than global equity markets, in the convenience and transparency of an ETF. 3 ”
BILT provides investors with access to a diversified portfolio of 50-60 listed infrastructure companies globally, spanning categories including transportation, energy storage and transportation, construction, and utilities. Managed by Balfe Morrison and the BlackRock Global Real Assets Securities team, BILT leverages over two decades of infrastructure investing expertise seeking alpha driven primarily by stock selection.
BILT adds to BlackRock’s $10 billion infrastructure ETF suite, which includes the iShares Global Infrastructure ETF ( IGF ), the iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF ( IFRA ) and the iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF ( IDGT ). 4 BlackRock’s broader infrastructure investing platform, Global Infrastructure Partners, manages approximately $183 billion across a diversified portfolio of more than 300 active investments across equity, debt, and solutions, with operations in over 100 countries serving clients worldwide. 5
iShares Infrastructure Active ETF | |
Ticker | |
Benchmark | FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Net TR Index |
Fee | 0.60% |
Holdings | 50-60 |
About BlackRock
BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @blackrock | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/blackrock
About iShares
iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1,600+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and over $4.7 trillion in assets under management as of June 30, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.
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 www.iShares.com or www.blackrock.com . Read the prospectus carefully before investing.
I nvesting involves risk, including possible loss of principal.
The Fund is actively managed and does not seek to replicate the performance of a specified index. The Fund may have a higher portfolio turnover than funds that seek to replicate the performance of an index.
Funds that concentrate investments in specific industries, sectors, markets or asset classes may underperform or be more volatile than other industries, sectors, markets or asset classes and the general securities market.
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 Fund's use of derivatives may reduce the Fund's returns and/or increase volatility and subject the Fund to counterparty risk, which is the risk that the other party in the transaction will not fulfill its contractual obligation. The Fund could suffer losses related to its derivative positions because of a possible lack of liquidity in the secondary market and as a result of unanticipated market movements, which losses are potentially unlimited. There can be no assurance that the Fund's hedging transactions will be effective.
Convertible securities are subject to the market and issuer risks that apply to the underlying common stock.
Diversification and asset allocation may not protect against market risk or loss of principal.
This information should not be relied upon as research, investment advice, or a recommendation regarding any products, strategies, or any security in particular. This material is strictly for illustrative, educational, or informational purposes and is subject to change.
The iShares Funds are distributed by BlackRock Investments, LLC (together with its affiliates, “BlackRock”).
© 2025 BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All Rights Reserved. BLACKROCK and iSHARES are trademarks of BlackRock, Inc. or its affiliates. All other trademarks are those of their respective owners.
1 BlackRock, as of April 2025. Assumptions, opinions and estimates are provided for illustrative purposes only. They should not be relied upon as recommendations to buy or sell securities. Forecasts of financial market trends that are based on current market conditions constitute our judgment and are subject to change without notice.
2 Listed Infrastructure common holdings with S&P 500 and MSCI World as of 31 May 2024, as compared to the FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure 50/50 Net TR Index.
3 Data from Morningstar as of June 2025. Compares the 15-year standard deviation of MSCI ACWI Index versus Global Infrastructure, as represented by the FTSE Global Core Infrastructure 50/50 NtTx NR Index.
4 BlackRock, as of July 15, 2025.
5 BlackRock, as of June 30, 2025.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250731285591/en/
Media Contact
Joanna Yau
Joanna.yau@blackrock.com
646-856-7274
FAQ**
How does the iShares Infrastructure Active ETF (CBOE:BILT) compare to the iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT) in terms of sector exposure and growth potential?
What specific advantages does BILT offer over existing infrastructure ETFs like IDGT in terms of active management and stock selection?
Given the projected $68 trillion infrastructure investments by 2040, how does BILT's strategy align with trends that might also benefit iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT)?
What are the key differentiators between BILT and the iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (IDGT), particularly regarding portfolio composition and risk factors?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about iShares U.S. Digital Infrastructure and Real Estate ETF (NYSE: IDGT).
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