The Bid

So far, 2025 has been a year of sharp policy shifts and heightened macroeconomic uncertainty. With volatility becoming the new normal, how can investors stay grounded? In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido welcomes back Glenn Purves, Global Head of Macro at the BlackRock Investment Institute, to break down the firm’s 2025 Midyear Outlook.They explore why the long-term economic picture has become less predictable, how mega forces like AI and geopolitical fragmentation are reshaping global economic markets, and what “investing in the here and now” really means. From the role of private capital in funding infrastructure and energy to the balance between strategic and tactical asset allocation, Glenn shares how investors can find opportunity amid uncertainty in the economy—and what risks investors should watch for in the second half of the year.Sources: 2025 Midyear Outlook, BlackRock Investment InstituteKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to 2025 Market Volatility01:55 Introducing th

In a recent BlackRock survey of registered voters, more than 75% of retirees said they wished they had saved more money for retirement. And with the recent passage of the SECURE 2.0 Act now in effect, opening up new opportunities for savers, investors are considering how to save and build wealth for the future. Shoring up emergency savings is protective of retirement savings, according to research by The BlackRock Foundation. So how can investors ensure they’re pulling all the levers at their disposal to retire on their own terms?Rob Crothers, Head of U.S. Retirement for BlackRock, will discuss the current state of the retirement landscape and help us unpack a toolkit for retirement savers that’s been proposed by the Bipartisan Policy Center and how investors and employers can plan for the future.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Saving for Retirement00:17 Exploring the SECURE 2.0 Act and Retirement Universals02:01 Current Retirement Landscape and Policy Changes0

The global investment environment is full of uncertainty — from inflation, growth dynamics, to policy shifts and geopolitical tensions. Investors are seeking clarity and ways to unlock more consistent investment outcomes during a period of unpredictable conditions. Innovations in data analytics and technology are helping investors better understand markets not just in during turbulent times, but in everyday decision making. But is AI the answer to consistent investment performance, and how can human judgment have the potential to create more resilient investment results? Enter systematic investing, that blends human insight and machine learning to pursue consistent alpha in volatile markets through disciplined processes, alternative data, and continuous innovation.Ronald Kahn, Global Head of Systematic Investment Research at BlackRock, has played a foundational role in shaping the field of quantitative investing over the past few decades. He joins host Oscar Pulido to talk about what it means to pursue consis

Following our last episode on U.S. equities with Carrie King, we’re expanding the conversation globally to understand how these dynamics are playing out beyond American shores. European and Asian equity markets are navigating a complex mix of geopolitical shifts, technological disruption, and evolving investor sentiment.Helen Jewell, Chief Investment Officer for Fundamental Equities in EMEA, and Belinda Boa, Head of Active Investments for Asia Pacific at BlackRock, will unpack how equity markets across Europe and Asia are responding to these changing dynamics, whether companies are absorbing the cost of tariffs or passing them on to consumers, and what resilience looks like for investors in markets shaped by volatility and transformation.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Global Equity Markets Landscape02:00 Asian Market Dynamics and Tariff Strategies04:05 European Companies' Resilience and Stock Specifics06:53 Drivers of European Market Performance08:30 AI and Oth

After two years of full steam ahead for U.S. equity markets, 2025 has so far featured a number of speed bumps and even a few U-turns for some key areas of the market. With continued market volatility and a stock market correction, how should investors be thinking about the U.S. equity market as compared with the rest of the world?Carrie King, U.S. and Developed Markets Chief Investment Officer for BlackRock’s Fundamental Equities group will discuss market volatility, rotations and the state of the U.S. equity market.Sources: Q2 Equities Outlook, BlackRock 2025Check out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68QKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Market Volatility and The Equity Landscape02:00 Recap of Previous Discussion and Market Trends03:48 Broadening of the Equity Markets04:27 US vs. Global Market Performance05:13 Drivers of Market Rotation and Volatility06:28&n

It's been quite a ride for equity markets this year. Uncertainty and volatility hit a fever pitch in the weeks following President Trump's sweeping tariff announcement in April as investors feared the potential for rising inflation, slow economic growth, and US assets, losing their aura of dominance. Tony DeSpirito, global CIO for BlackRock's Fundamental Equities Group, joins host Oscar Pulido to help make sense of recent market turmoil from an equity perspective where he sees opportunities amidst the volatility and what history tells us to expect as we look ahead to the rest of the year.Sources: Equity Market Outlook Q2 2025, BlackRock; BlackRock Fundamental Equities, with data from Morningstar & Bloomberg as of April 30, 2025;Check out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68QKey moments in this episode:00:00 Stock Market Turmoil and Recovery01:22 Tony DeSpirito Gives His Q2 Outlook04:15

Investment opportunities in India have been gaining significant attention, driven by the country's robust economic growth and favorable demographic trends. But what are the key factors that make India an attractive destination for long-term investment opportunities, and how can they navigate the complexities of this dynamic market? Vivek Paul, Head of Portfolio Research and UK Chief Investment Strategist for the BlackRock Investment Institute, will help explore the investment landscape in India, the opportunities in public markets, and the long-term growth potential driven by the country's economic growth and demographic strengths. We'll also delve into the implications of India's rapid digitization and resilience in a fragmented geopolitical landscape and discuss the challenges investors should consider in this evolving market. Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Investment Opportunities in India00:53 Exploring India's Economic and Demographic Strengths02:41 The Impact

Capital markets are a powerful force in the global financial landscape. These markets connect long-term savings with productive uses of capital. Driving innovation, growth and job creation. But what are capital markets and how will they contribute to long-term global economic development?Samara Cohen, chief Investment Officer of ETF and Index Investments at BlackRock joins host Oscar Pulido to explore the key differences in capital market growth strategies between mature and emerging markets, how capital markets help in mobilizing investment, and the role of regulatory frameworks and market innovation in ensuring their effective functioning.Sources: “The Virtuous Cycle: The Global Potential Of Capital Markets” BlackRock, 2025This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to the names of each company mentioned in this communication is merely for explaining the investment strat

The geopolitical landscape in 2025 has seen significant shifts and developments. President Trump's second term has ushered in a new era of international relations, characterized by bold policy changes and strategic maneuvers. The implementation of new tariffs has reshaped global trade dynamics, raising concerns about broader economic implications. As we navigate these complex geopolitical changes, investors are asking how these developments will impact international trade, economic relations, and market stability.Catherine Kress, Head of Geopolitical Research and Strategy at BlackRock, provides an update on the current status of tariffs globally, we’ll discuss the key developments investors should be watching, and how they might impact international trade and economic relations. We'll also examine geopolitics in President Trump's first 100 days in office, other major stories on the horizon and how they could evolve in ways that impact investors.This episode was recorded on April 28th and published on Apr

Global markets have been experiencing extraordinary volatility in response to the U.S. tariff pause announced on April 9th, a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding the economic and policy outlook. But similar to other unprecedented market moments in history, the investment strategies that work today may not apply tomorrow. So how can investors adapt their investment approach, when the familiar economic rulebook is thrown out?  Rich Mathieson, a senior portfolio manager within the Systematic Active Equities team, a quantitative investment group at BlackRock will take us through some of the pivotal moments in history where uncertainty was a catalyst for transformation in the insights and strategies used by investors. He’ll share how that’s playing out in markets today, including how he is using data and techniques that can help investors cut through the headline noise.  This episode was recorded on April 22nd and published April 23rd.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to

On April 9th, the U.S. administration announced a 90-day tariff pause on country-specific reciprocal tariffs, exempting key tech imports while maintaining high tariffs on select Chinese goods. This decision introduced extraordinary volatility to global markets. Notably, the S&P 500 rebounded nearly 6% last week, marking one of its largest daily jumps in history. Meanwhile, long-term U.S. Treasury yields spiked, reflecting investors' altered risk perceptions in light of the tariff adjustments. At the same time, the U.S. dollar tumbled to three-year lows against major currencies, highlighting concerns about future currency valuations in these tumultuous times. But the question remains, how should investors respond when considering the implications of prolonged uncertainty, including potential recession risks, impacts on corporate investment, and consumer spending?In this episode of The Bid, Oscar Pulido is joined by Alex Brazier, Global Head of Investment & Portfolio Solutions and Helen Jewell, Chief In

The recent tariff announcements by President Trump on April 2nd have sent shockwaves through the global markets, triggering significant market volatility, driven by the uncertainty of these tariffs and their impact on global supply chains, inflation, and economic growth. As markets are grappling with various potential scenarios, how should investors be positioning their portfolios to navigate continued uncertainty? Glenn Purves, Global Head of Macro at the BlackRock Investment Institute and Gargi Pal Chaudhuri, Chief Investment and Portfolio Strategist for the Americas at BlackRock. Glenn and Gargi will help us navigate the current themes driving market dynamics, how these shifts impact supply chains and prices, and how investors can manage volatility and uncertainty in these turbulent times. This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to the names of each c

When people think of how early-stage companies finance their initial growth, venture capital and private equity are often the first things that come to mind, but growth and venture debt have become increasingly prominent in the financial landscape, especially in the wake of the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Ross Ahlgren, a portfolio manager in the growth debt team at BlackRock, joins Oscar to help us understand the current themes driving growth and venture debt opportunities, how his team identifies and evaluates emerging trends, and the role of relationships and local presence shaping the future of this market.Go back and listen to episode 120 "Why Are These Events Different to 2008?" where we break down what happened at Silicon Valley Bank in 2023.00:00 Introduction to Venture and Growth Debt01:31 Understanding Venture and Growth Debt02:45 The Role of Venture Debt in Company Expansion04:28 Misconceptions and Risk-Reward in Venture Debt07:13 Impact of Silicon Valley Bank Collapse1

When investors consider how to diversify their investment portfolios, traditional assets like stocks and bonds are often the first things that come to mind. But private markets have become increasingly prominent in the financial landscape. These unique investments can offer diversification benefits that are often insulated from broader economic cycles. So, what's driving this shift towards private market investments and how are these trends reshaping the strategies of investors compared to previous cycles? Paul Braude and Vidy Vairavamurthy, Portfolio managers at BlackRock, join Oscar to help us understand the current themes driving private market opportunities, how they identify and evaluate emerging trends, and how private market investments can complement public market exposures.00:00 Introduction to Diversifying Investment Portfolios00:16 The Rise of Private Markets01:44 Understanding Private Markets and Alternatives03:52 Evolution and Growth of Private Markets07:03 Challenges and

Infrastructure investments have long been recognized as a foundation for economic growth and low carbon infrastructure is increasingly becoming an area of interest for investors in both public and private markets. But how will low carbon infrastructure play a role in the evolving energy investing landscape? Helen Jewell, Chief Investment Officer for fundamental equities at BlackRock helps us explore the significance of infrastructure from an investing perspective, the opportunities in public markets, and the long-term growth potential from investments in renewable energy.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Low-Carbon Infrastructure00:41 Market Insights with Helen Jewell03:45 The Role of Public Markets in Infrastructure07:47 Low Carbon Infrastructure and Energy Needs10:21 Utilities and Renewable Energy Investments16:23 Challenges in Infrastructure Investing17:57 Conclusion and Future OutlookSources: “Growth in global electricity demand is set to accelerate in coming years” in IE

Rapid advancements in artificial intelligence are influencing global power dynamics in ways that are reshaping the investment landscape. So, how are these AI developments impacting geopolitics, and what does this mean for investors?Catherine Kress, Head of Geopolitical Research and Jeff Shen, co-head of systematic equities at BlackRock join Oscar to help us understand the current themes driving the intersection of AI and geopolitics, how the broader technology and AI race is evolving, and the broader implications of the shifting US policy landscape on active management opportunities.Sources: DeepSeek model training cost claims from paper, January 2025; 60% of US tech revenues derived from overseas based on Aladdin Explore, using revenue breakdowns from the S&P 500 index as of 4/30/2024; “DeepSeek's low-cost AI spotlights billions spent by US tech” Reuters, January 2025; “How DeepSeek AI Sparks Nearly $1 Trillion U.S. Tech Implosion”, Investors Business Daily, January 2025;“Nvidia Stock Has Almost Recovere

Thematic investing is gaining traction in today's investing landscape, but what exactly is thematic investing and how can investors take advantage of this new trend? Jeff Shen, co-head of systematic Active Equity at BlackRock, joins Oscar to help us understand the current themes driving investment opportunities, how his team identifies and evaluates emerging themes and the role of technology in shaping the future of investing. We'll also discuss the risks associated with thematic investing and key takeaways for investors looking to capitalize on these trends.This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. In the UK and Non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corp

Sharp moves in bond yields have been a key area of focus in markets to start the year. Yields on 10-year treasury bonds are over 1% higher since September 2024 — a historically rare occurrence in both the direction and magnitude of moves. So, what’s driving this phenomenon and how is it reshaping the investment playbook compared to previous cycles? Jeff Rosenberg, Senior Fixed Income Portfolio Manager within the BlackRock Systematic business, will share his perspective on the different dynamics impacting bond yields and how his team is navigating this unique environment.Sources: Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Statement based on the ACM Model of estimated term premium dating back to the 1960s; Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, referencing the US deficit as a percentage of GDP. Data accessed January 2025This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. In the UK and Non-European Economi

Trade policies have always been a critical aspect of global economies and recent developments in US. Tariffs have sparked market volatility and discussions around the impact on inflation. The latest tariff announcements by President Trump have sent ripples through the market, affecting various sectors, and raising questions about their long-term impact. But what exactly are these new tariffs and how will they influence US companies, global supply chains and the broader market? Joining Oscar to unpack these developments is Glenn Purves Global head of Macro in the BlackRock Investment Institute and Catherine Kress, Head of geopolitical research and Strategy at BlackRock.This episode was recorded at 2pm, February 5th, 2025.This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to the names of each company mentioned in this communication is merely for explaining the investment strategy a

In a special episode recorded from Davos, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of BlackRock, and Tom Donilon, Chairman of the BlackRock Investment Institute, to discuss the latest insights on the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook for 2025. Philipp and Tom will provide their expert analysis on how these dynamics are shaping the global economic environment and what it means for investors and policymakers, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective from Davos. This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the listener. Reference to the names of each company mentioned in this communication is merely for explaining the investment strategy and should not be construed as investment advice or investment recommendation of those companies. In the UK and Non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In t