WASHINGTON: The world's largest asset manager BlackRock is exerting pressure on the gun industry following the latest US school shooting massacre, pressing firms on how they monitor firearms use and safety, reports AFP.

In a statement published Friday on BlackRock's website, the investment titan said it was considering launching new funds including "index-based portfolios that would exclude just firearms manufacturers and retailers."

The world's largest investor in publicly held companies -- with more than $6 trillion in assets under management -- also said it was pressing gunmakers and retailers in which its clients invest on issues ranging from litigation risk to weapon safety monitoring to background checks.

"As it has for many people, the recent tragedy in Florida has driven home for BlackRock the terrible toll from gun violence in America," the firm said.