Over the past 12 months, we have seen a sluggish, stimulus-driven economic recovery at long last gain real traction, accelerate, and transition into a consumption-driven expansion. For the most part, 2010 was plagued with widely fluctuating economic data, but as the year drew to a close, it became clear that cyclical stimulus had beaten out structural problems as economic data releases generally became more positive and financial markets showed signs of continuing improvement. Although the sovereign debt crises and emerging market inflation that troubled the global economy in 2010 remain a challenge, overall investor sentiment considerably improved. Near the end of the period, geopolitical tensions across the Middle East North Africa (“MENA”) region along with rising oil prices introduced new cause for concern about the future of the global economy. As of this writing, economic news remains fairly positive although we face additional uncertainties related to the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Japan, with particular focus on the damage to nuclear power plants.

In the United States, strength from the corporate sector and increasing consumer spending have been key drivers of economic growth, while the housing and labor markets have been the heaviest burdens. While housing has yet to show any meaningful sign of improvement, labor statistics have delivered a mixed bag month after month, but became increasingly encouraging toward the end of the period when the unemployment rate fell to its lowest level since April 2009.

Global equity markets experienced uneven growth and high volatility over the course of 2010, but ended the year strong. Following a strong start to 2011, stocks lost their momentum on the back of geopolitical events in the MENA region and a sharp rise in oil prices. Overall, equities posted strong returns for the 12-month period. US stocks outpaced most international markets and small cap stocks outperformed large caps as investors moved into higher-risk assets.

Fixed income markets saw yields trend lower over most of 2010, until the fourth quarter brought an abrupt reversal in sentiment and risk tolerance that drove yields sharply upward (pushing bond prices down) through year end. Improving economic data continued to pressure fixed income yields in 2011; however, escalating geopolitical risks have acted as a counterweight, restoring relative stability to yield movements. Nevertheless, the yield curve remained steep and higher-risk sectors outperformed the fixed income market.

The tax-exempt municipal market enjoyed a powerful rally during the period of low interest rates in 2010; however, when the yield trend reversed, the market was dealt an additional blow as it became evident that the Build America Bond program would expire at year end. In addition, negative headlines regarding fiscal challenges faced by state and local governments damaged investor confidence and further heightened volatility in the municipal market. Tax-exempt mutual funds experienced heavy outflows, resulting in wider quality spreads and further downward pressure on municipal bond prices. These headwinds began to abate as the period came to a close and municipals finally posted gains in February, following a five-month run of negative performance.

Cash investments, as represented by the 3-month Treasury bill, returned only a fraction over 0% for the 12-month period as short-term interest rates remained low. Yields on money market securities remain near all-time lows.

          Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Index performance shown for illustrative purposes only. You cannot invest directly in an index.

While no one can peer into a crystal ball and eliminate the uncertainties presented by the economic landscape and financial markets, BlackRock can offer investors the next best thing: partnership with the world’s largest asset management firm and a unique global perspective that allows us to identify trends early and capitalize on market opportunities. For additional market perspective and investment insight, visit www.blackrock.com/shareholdermagazine, where you’ll find the most recent issue of our award-winning Shareholder^® magazine, as well as its quarterly companion newsletter, Shareholder Perspectives. As always, we thank you for entrusting BlackRock with your investments, and we look forward to your continued partnership in the months and years ahead.