Precision meets performance
BlackRock Systematic Asia Pacific Equity Absolute Return Fund
The big question that clients in Asia Pacific are asking me today is, “Is there a smarter way to diversify in this market?”
Hi, I'm Jeff Shen, Co-CIO and Co-Head of the Systematic Active Equity team here at BlackRock.
In recent years, we've seen equity and bond correlations rise and fail to deliver the diversification needed in a traditional 60/40 portfolio. As we face more economic and market uncertainty, we think there is a smarter way to build a more resilient portfolio by adding alternative strategies.
Alternative strategies like market neutral, absolute return strategies are made for times like these for two key reasons. First, they aim to deliver positive returns regardless of how the market is performing*. Next, they often aim to have near-zero correlation to broader equity markets.
As a result, these strategies may offer investors a differentiated source of return, which in turn could be additive to overall portfolio diversification.
Within the BlackRock Systematic team, we carefully manage our portfolios to seek a low correlation to traditional asset classes such as equities, bonds and commodities.
Our systematic approach utilizes the combined strengths of cutting-edge technology, the power of big data, and human intellect to uncover potential opportunities across thousands of stocks, allowing us to effectively navigate volatility.
* There is no guarantee that a positive investment outcome will be achieved.
Smarter investing starts here – where human insight meets the power of AI. By combining BlackRock’s investment expertise with a data-driven, systematic approach this Fund is built to seek positive returns, no matter which way the market moves*.
Source: For illustrative purposes only. BlackRock as of 30 June 2025.
Why invest in BlackRock Systematic Asia Pacific Equity Absolute Return
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Seeks positive performance, regardless of market direction
The Fund is built to seek positive returns — whether markets are rising, falling, or standing still*. That’s the power of an absolute return approach.
Positive returns every year since 2020
Past performance is not a guide to future performance. "The Fund" refers to the BlackRock Systematic Asia Pacific Equity Absolute Return Fund. Unless otherwise specified, all information applies to A2 USD share class only, as of 30 June 2025. The Fund’s performance with maximum 5% sales charge applied: 2.17% (2020), 4.78% (2021), 3.05% (2022), 10.81% (2023), 19.42% (2024). Sources: BlackRock and Bloomberg, as of 30 June 2025. Performance is shown as of the month end in share class currency on a NAV to NAV price basis with income reinvested, net of fees. Risk cannot be eliminated. For detailed information, please refer to the offering documents, including investment objectives and risk factors.
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Equity returns, delivered with lower volatility
The Fund has shown consistently lower volatility than Asia equities — aiming to deliver equity-like returns with a smoother ride for investors.
Volatility p.a. for the Fund vs Asia Equities
Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Index performance is for illustrative purpose only. Investors cannot directly invest into an index. "The Fund" refers to the BlackRock Systematic Asia Pacific Equity Absolute Return Fund. “Asia Equities” refers to the MSCI AC Asia Pacific Index. Source: Bloomberg, as of 30 June 2025. *The Fund’s inception date is 22 February 2017.
Access diverse opportunities across Asia Pacific
Dispersion within the region creates a dynamic landscape of investment opportunities for investors that know where to look.
Source: BlackRock, as of 30 June 2025. For illustrative purposes only.
