Related Resources

Fund Range

Investing in Natural Resources-related funds can help to provide investors with diversification within the context of a larger investment portfolio. BlackRock’s five Natural Resources funds within its BlackRock Global Funds (BGF) Luxembourg umbrella are highly rated by Standard & Poor’s, Morningstar and OBSR and have won a combined total of over 30 awards during 2009/2010.


The funds are managed on a flexible, ‘best ideas’ basis, whereby the team compares companies across the whole sector. The funds are measured against, but not restricted by, a benchmark, enabling the managers to buy larger or smaller capitalisation stocks according to where they believe the best opportunities are globally. This gives them scope to add value through research and stock selection.

The style, market capitalisation bias and number of holdings of each fund can be seen in the BGF Range Card.*


BGF World Energy Fund - Managed by Robin Batchelor and Poppy Allonby

                                          

"We remain confident that BGF World Energy is an attractive offering for investors seeking exposure to energy stocks, given its experienced managers and robust process.*

* Extract from the Morningstar report from February 2011

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By using a portfolo of 40-60 holdings*, the Fund aims to generate returns from global companies whose main activity is exploration, development, production and distribution of energy – including new energy technologies.

With no restrictions on market capitalisation, geography or investment style, the Team is able to seek out opportunities wherever they may be within the energy sector.

 

BGF World Agriculture Fund - Managed by Richard Davis and Desmond Cheung

             
The Fund is managed by BlackRock's highly acclaimed Natural Resources team. Morningstar commented: 'The 14-strong natural resources team at BlackRock is one of the best-resourced teams we have come across'*.

 

*Extract from June 2010 Morningstar report on BGF World Energy,                                            
 

The Fund invests in a relatively diversified portfolio of 40-70 agricultural stocks*. By investing in this Fund, investors gain exposure to companies which are engaged in agriculture, agricultural chemicals, equipment and infrastructure, agricultural commodities and food, bio-fuels, crop sciences, farm land and forestry.

Since demographic shifts, industrialisation and competing land use claims are now driving the sector, we have come to a point where prices can begin to rise and our developing world is providing a host of opportunities for agriculture investing.

 

BGF World Gold Fund - Managed by Evy Hambro

                  
                                            


The Fund is awarded maximum AAA ratings from OBSR, Standard & Poor's and Morningstar. Morningstar commented in their latest report: "We think this is a high-quality way to invest in gold equities in a risk-controlled manner"*

* Extract from the Morningstar report from February 2011

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The Fund invests in a relatively diversified portfolio of 50-80 stocks*. By investing in this Fund, investors gain exposure to companies whose predominant economic activity is gold mining and, to a lesser degree, other precious metals and base metals. The Fund does not hold physical gold or metal.

Since gold shares typically perform differently from other sectors, the Fund can help to provide diversification. Gold tends to be a ‘safe haven’ asset during periods of capital market volatility or political uncertainty.


 




 

BGF World Mining Fund - Managed by Evy Hambro


                                           

"This fund is a compelling offering for investors seeking exposure to the mining sector"

* Extract from the Morningstar report from February 2011

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The Fund invests in a relatively diversified portfolio of 50-80 stocks*.  The Fund offers investors exposure to mining and metals companies worldwide. The Fund does not hold physical gold or metal.

 

 BGF New Energy Fund - Managed by Robin Batchelor & Poppy Allonby

                                            


"The developing renewable energy space is volatile, but the depth and expertise at BGF New Energy makes it a strong option for investors attracted to the growth prospects of this sector."

* Extract from the Morningstar report from February 2011

View the latest S&P Report

This 'best ideas' portfolio of 60-90 stocks* offers investors the opportunity to invest in the growing sector of alternative sources of energy.  Emphasis may be given to renewable energy, automotive and on-site power generation, energy storage and enabling energy technologies.

The Fund is the largest of its kind and has one of the longest track records, with the same fund manager since inception.


* The number of shares quoted for this Fund is indicative and actual numbers may fall outside the range mentioned.

Insight from Team

Multimedia Updates

Gold and Mining (01/11) - Update by Evy Hambro (Video)
Gold and Mining (12/10) - Update by Evy Hambro (Audiocast)
Energy and New Energy (01/11) - Update by Robin Batchelor and Poppy Allonby (Video)
Agriculture (01/11) - Update by Desmond Cheung (Video)


Richard Davis discusses BlackRock's BGF World Agriculture Fund and agricultural investment opportunities

CNBC

Reuters

BlackRock's Perspective on Investing in Agriculture



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