BlackRock, parent of iShares, the world’s largest provider of exchange-traded funds, has expanded its single country equity offering with the launch of the iShares MSCI France UCITS ETF (ISFR).

The newly launched iShares MSCI France UCITS ETF (ISFR) provides exposure to approximately 85% of the equity universe in France.

The fund, which has been listed on the London Stock Exchange, is linked to the MSCI France Index and aims to provide exposure to approximately 85% of the equity universe in France.

The index consists of large and mid-cap companies, and includes well-known names such as Total, Sanofi, BNP Paribas, LVMH and AXA.

The fund is fully replicating and physically backed, purchasing and holding all 73 constituents of the underlying index.

Single country ETFs continue to gain in popularity as investors use them to tilt portfolio exposure to specific countries and regions.  With this launch, iShares now offers eight single European country exposures including funds tracking the four largest weightings within the MSCI Europe Index: UK, France, Germany and Switzerland.

Tom Fekete, Head of Product Development for iShares in EMEA, commented: “Investors are increasing their use of ETFs as they look to express views on specific regions, countries and sectors. This trend has been noticeable across various exposures globally.”

He added: “The launch of the iShares MSCI France UCITS ETF offers investors access to the French equity market in a simple, low cost way. Combined with our broad and diverse European equity suite, clients have the opportunity to express tactical views on some of the largest countries in Europe quickly and effectively.”

The fund is based in EUR and trades in both EUR and GBP. It has a total expense ratio of 0.25%.