For more than a decade, Larry has written an annual letter not only to focus on critical long-term issues but also to start a conversation about finding solutions. This year, Larry Fink, CEO and Chairman of BlackRock is considering the challenge of retirement, why it has become an increasingly difficult proposition for too many, and what opportunities exist and will be developed to help people achieve their financial freedom.

You might not think of insurance as such a key input to their overall consumption basket, but the impact of the insurance industry is felt far beyond what individual consumers pay for individual policies and extends broadly throughout the supply chain as a necessary input for many industries in the production process. Mike Pensky, portfolio manager within BlackRock's Multi-Asset Group joins Oscar to help us understand the connection between insurance and inflation, the possibility for rising...

Nicholas Fawcett, Senior Economist in the BlackRock Investment Institute and Peter Fisher, head of BlackRock's Global Retirement Initiative join Oscar to uncover the impact of this megaforce on global economies and the potential risks and opportunities investors should consider.

Bond yields are higher today than they were 20 years ago. With inflation indicators falling around the globe, the time of elevated cash rates may be drawn to a close. Investors are moving back into bonds in record numbers, with 2023 global bond ETF inflows totaling $333 billion. Yet, as global central banks appear at or near the end of a tightening cycle designed to quell the most significant surge in inflation in decades, investors could be moving even more quickly back into fixed income. ...

In the ever-evolving tapestry of geopolitics and economics, the Asia-Pacific region stands at a pivotal juncture. In this special episode, we took The Bid down under to record this episode live in Sydney. Wei Li, Global Chief Investment Strategist for BlackRock joined Oscar Pulido to discus the intricacies of high inflation, emerging competing geopolitical bloc, how a momentous global election year will impact Asia-Pacific region and what opportunities investors can expect from the region.

Younger investors are looking at a future with aging populations and reduced labor forces and a new age of technology and connectivity that is impacting their values and expectations. On the other hand, pre-retirees now are having to consider that fact that their generation will live longer and what do they want to prioritize in their retirement years. So what do investors at different stages and ages need to consider when planning for their future, and how do those approaches differ?

Does inflation impact women differently, are women more risk averse investors than their counterparts and what are some ways in which women can become better investors? Oscar Pulido, welcomes Anne Ackerley, head of BlackRock's Retirement Group, and Gargi Pal Chaudhuri, head of iShares Investment Strategy and Markets Coverage at BlackRock, to discuss the unique challenges women face when investing for the future and how their improving prospects can benefit the wider economy.

In this episode, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Dr. Mary Murphy, social psychologist at Stanford and Indiana Universities, and author of the forthcoming book Cultures of Growth, about the importance of fostering a culture of growth within organizations. Dr. Murphy discusses how a growth mindset can drive innovation, resilience, and adaptability, and shares insights on how leaders and investors can cultivate a growth-oriented culture.

In honor of Black History month, host Oscar Pulido sits down with the founders of Earn Your Leisure, Troy Millings and Rashad Bilal, to discover how this dynamic duo is revolutionizing the financial literacy landscape. Breaking down the importance of a hands-on learning experience, Troy and Rashad share their journey of transforming financial education through their multimedia business platform making it entertaining and relatable to all.

The investment landscape surrounding the low carbon transition is poised for change and opportunity. Oscar Pulido explores the brown-to-green transition and the role of mining materials in the transition to a low carbon economy. Joined by Olivia Markham, a portfolio manager from BlackRock's Fundamental Equity Team, together they discuss the changes in the global economy, companies' approach to reducing carbon emissions, and the investment opportunities in the low carbon...

Join host Oscar Pulido as he explores the transformative power of AI and its impact on the financial services industry. Rob Goldstein, Chief Operating Officer of BlackRock, and Lance Braunstein, Head of Aladdin Engineering, share their optimistic perspectives on Gen AI and the evolution of technology over the past year. They discuss how AI is reshaping work patterns, empowering individuals through natural language interfaces, and revolutionizing client expectations. Discover how AI can be...

In the ever-evolving landscape of geopolitics, the world finds itself at a pivotal juncture marked by structural shifts that redefine global dynamics. The emergence of competing economic and geopolitical blocs stands out as a prominent feature reshaping alliances and influencing international relations. Catherine Kress, head of Geopolitical Research and Strategy at BlackRock, joins Oscar to explore the macro and investment dimensions of this megaforce, the complex interplay of geopolitics and...

Long regarded as an undervalued and overlooked market, Japan has been undergoing a profound transformation. The renewed interest in this market stems from a variety of factors— including revamped investor sentiment, evolving macroeconomic conditions and compelling corporate reforms. Will Japan be able live up to its potential and redefine its role on the global investment stage? Belinda Boa, Head of Active Investments for Asia Pacific at BlackRock joins Oscar to examine the prospects,...

In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido delves into the world of cryptocurrencies, exploring their impact on the financial landscape and the potential they hold for investors. Joined by Robbie Mitchnick, head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, and Samara Cohen, Chief Investment Officer of the ETF and Index Investments business at BlackRock, they decode the terminology and concepts surrounding cryptocurrencies, such as digital assets, blockchain, and bitcoin. They discuss the significance...

As we begin a new year, what knowledge will help investors prepare for potential volatility on the one hand and potential for opportunities on the other? Jeff Spiegel, U.S. Head of Thematics, Sector, and International ETFs joins host Oscar Pulido to provide a holistic overview of major investment themes, the emergence of the AI trade, opportunities in medical innovation, and the impact of geopolitical shifts on globalization to help investors navigate the year ahead.

In 2023, global equity markets experienced a notable surge, driven by resilient economic growth and increased investor confidence, setting an optimistic tone for the forthcoming year. In particular, U.S. equity performance surprised investors, but with higher rates and inflation, coupled with rising geopolitical tensions, still top-of-mind, can the solid performance continue and how might these impact markets in 2024? Joining host Oscar Pulido is BlackRock's Global CIO of Fundamental...

In this episode, we’ll be taking a lookback on 2023 year with a special Holiday Quiz edition of The Bid. Our contestants are Oscar Pulido, your regular Bid host with the most and ETF expert and Bid regular, Gargi Pal Chaudhuri. Oscar and Gargi will play for bragging rights and the esteemed title of The Bid Quiz Winner in our inaugural Holiday Quiz. Get ready to play along...

2023 has seen high volatility across global markets driven by high interest rates, bank failures and a surge in bond yields. So, after a tumultuous 2023, what can investors expect in 2024? Alex Brazier, Deputy Head of The BlackRock Investment Institute, joins host Oscar Pulido to discuss the Outlook for 2024. Alex will help us understand the structural shift to a new macro regime and explain how investors can consider the 5 mega forces that the BlackRock Investment Institute sees as being...

The low-carbon transition is one of five mega forces, or structural shifts, we track for investment risks and opportunities. Christopher Weber, Head of Climate Research at the BlackRock Investment Institute, shares three investment themes we’re following at this year’s UN climate conference (COP28). This material is intended for information purposes only, and does not constitute investment advice, a recommendation or an offer or solicitation to purchase or sell any securities, funds or...

We refresh our strategic views. We up developed market (DM) sovereign bonds to neutral yet stay underweight long-term bonds. We trim DM stocks to neutral. Vivek Paul, Global Head of Portfolio Research shares our Market take.

The transition to a low-carbon economy has emerged as a key player in the 5 mega forces that the BlackRock Investment Institute have been outlining for us in recent episodes. But what exactly does it mean to "invest in the transition to a low-carbon economy", how are investors seizing this opportunity, and why is this transition seen as a "mega force" for investors? Helen Lees-Jones, Head of EMEA Corporate Strategy and Co-Head of the EMEA Sustainable & Transition Solutions group at...

We see volatility as a constant in the new regime. Wei Li, BlackRock Global Chief Investment Strategist, explains why we’re neutral long-term U.S. Treasuries.

In a world filled with financial uncertainties and rapidly changing economic landscapes, one thing remains clear. Emerging markets are becoming increasingly pivotal in shaping the global investment landscape. Jeff Spiegel, US head of BlackRock, megatrend International and Sector ETFs joins host Oscar Pulido to delve into specific global trends that are paving the way for emerging markets, including the intriguing concepts of supply chain rewiring, and demographic population shifts.

Electric vehicles, or EVs, have been hailed as the future of transportation. They promise cleaner air, reduced dependence on fossil fuels, and a seismic shift in how we commute. But as we navigate this high-speed journey towards an electric future, there are certainly some speed bumps ahead, whether it's concerns about range anxiety, the availability of charging infrastructure, or simply the price tag of EVs. Charlie Lilford, Portfolio Manager for BlackRock's Fundamental Equities business,...