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This Web site contains a compilation of more than a thousand consumer finance  columns written by Tony Novak from the 1980s through 2006, updated and reformatted for maximum usefulness today.  New material was added after 2010.

Content is the opinion of the author and does not represent the position of any other person or entity. Information is from sources believed to be reliable but cannot be guaranteed.

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BlackRock funds

originally posted: 11/22/2006  reposted: 2/18/2011 This post has not been recently reviewed or revised by the author and may be out of date. If you notice an error or are in doubt, please send a new question by email or ask for an update. Email asktony@tonynovak.com.

Q: read about the huge merger between BlackRock and Merrill Lynch to form one of the nation's largest investment firms. I am an active investor, so how could I not a company that I've never heard of (BlackRock) be so large to the point of possible changing the financial service industry?

A: BlackRock is not a household name because they primarily serve pension funds rather than individual investors. This firm has an excellent reputation as an investment manager. The merger gives Merrill brokers additional incentive to market BlackRock mutual funds to individual investors. Together, Merrill Lynch plus BlackRock make the nation's 4th largest investment manager. Dozens of BlackRock funds are available to investors on the no-commission, no-transaction-fee platform through independent investment advisers. There is no indication that this will change, although more of the shares will be distributed on a commission basis by Merrill Lynch brokers.

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