BlackRock Brings LifePath Target-Date ETFs to Europe

BlackRock is preparing to bring its established LifePath target-date strategy to Europe, registering nine iShares UCITS ETFs in Ireland covering retirement years from 2030 to 2070 in five-year intervals. Each ETF follows a “glide path,” starting with a growth-oriented allocation and progressively reducing equity exposure in favour of bonds as retirement approaches; the 2065 fund, for example, begins at roughly 99% equities. Target-date funds are an estimated $4tn market in the US, supported heavily by 401(k) plans, while Europe remains dominated by static multi-asset ETFs and traditional retirement funds. BlackRock will challenge early mover Amundi, whose lifecycle ETF range launched in January 2025 but has gathered only about €24m in assets so far.