The Bid
The Bid breaks down what's happening in the world of investing and explores the forces changing the economy and finance. From stock market outlooks to geopolitics and technology, BlackRock speaks to thought leaders and industry experts from around the globe about the biggest trends moving markets.
Episodes
266: 2026 Midyear Outlook: Scarcity vs. Abundance in the Age of AI
Artificial intelligence continues to reshape economies and markets, but its rapid expansion is also exposing new constraints across energy, infrastructure, labor, and capital. As investors navigate an increasingly complex landscape, the debate has shifted from AI's potential to the practical realities of building the systems that support it.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sp
265: Inflation and Investing: What Sticky Prices Mean for Portfolios Today - Ask Me Anything
Inflation and investing are once again front and center as markets assess a new mix of price pressures. In this Ask Me Anything episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Helen Jewell, BlackRock’s International Chief Investment Officer for Fundamental Equities, and Tom Becker, senior portfolio manager on BlackRock’s Global Tactical Asset Allocation team.Together, they explore what
264: Is Tokenization the Next Evolution of Global Financial Market Infrastructure? Ft. Rob Goldstein, COO of BlackRock
Financial market infrastructure is often invisible to investors, yet it powers every trade, settlement, and ownership record across capital markets. As technology evolves, tokenization is emerging as a new way to represent and transfer financial assets, raising questions about how markets may operate in the future.In this episode of The Bid, Oscar Pulido speaks with Rob Goldstein, Chief O
263: Asia’s Infrastructure Moment: The Investment Opportunity Behind the Energy Transition
Asia infrastructure investing is becoming central to the global energy transition as rising demand, energy security concerns, and the need for more resilient systems accelerate capital deployment across the region. In Southeast Asia, the opportunity is not only about replacing old systems, but building new infrastructure at scale for a growing economy.In this episode of The Bid, host Osca
262: What Do ETFs in Asia Mean for Investors in Today’s Markets?
ETFs in Asia have grown significantly since the global financial crisis, but their role is changing. What began as a way to access markets is now expanding into broader portfolio applications as investors face more complex market conditions.In this episode of The Bid, Oscar Pulido speaks with Christian Obrist, Head of iShares Distribution in Asia, and Nick Peach, Head of iShares Asia Paci
261: Why Are Global Investors Looking to Asia As An Investment Destination?
Asia has often been viewed as a long-term growth story, but its role in global markets is becoming more immediate. The region now represents a significant share of global GDP and listed companies, while operating across distinct economic and policy cycles.In this episode of The Bid, Oscar Pulido speaks with Aarti Angara, Head of Global Product Solutions in Asia Pacific at BlackRock. They
260: The Top Retirement Trends That Are Reshaping Investing, Income and Longevity
Retirement systems are undergoing a structural shift as traditional pensions decline and individuals take on greater responsibility for financial outcomes. Longer lifespans and evolving capital markets are making retirement planning more complex and consequential.Oscar Pulido speaks with Nick Nefouse, Global Head of Retirement Solutions at BlackRock. They discuss how defined contribution
259: Cryptoassets At A Crossroads: Volatility, Adoption, and Changing Investor Perspectives
Crypto investing is at a crossroads as digital assets move from speculative beginnings toward broader institutional adoption and integration into capital markets. As volatility persists and infrastructure evolves, investors are increasingly asking not what crypto is—but what role it plays in portfolios.Host Oscar Pulido is joined by Robbie Mitchnick, Head of Digital Assets at BlackRock, a
258: Portfolio Construction for a Changing World: Adapting to A Market Regime Shift
Portfolio construction is being redefined as investors face a fundamentally different market regime. Higher inflation, shifting interest rate dynamics, and accelerating megaforces like AI and geopolitics are challenging long-held assumptions about diversification and asset allocation across capital markets.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down with Vivek Paul, Head of Po
257: Beyond The Magnificent Seven: Discovering Equity Opportunities in The S&P 493
The S&P 493 is gaining attention as investors look beyond the Magnificent Seven and reassess where growth and diversification may come from in today’s equity markets. With market concentration at historic highs, a handful of mega cap companies have driven much of the S&P 500’s returns, raising questions about what lies beneath the surface.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pul
256: AI and Bond Markets: How Artificial Intelligence Is Reshaping Fixed Income Investing
AI and bond markets are becoming increasingly interconnected as artificial intelligence reshapes capital demand, market structure, and investing approaches across fixed income. As inflation regimes shift and traditional diversification dynamics evolve, investors are rethinking the role bonds play in portfolios.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Jeff Rosenberg, Senio
255: The Rise of Private Markets: Access, Liquidity, and Portfolio Diversification
Private markets are moving from the sidelines of institutional portfolios into the mainstream of wealth management. As companies stay private longer and financing increasingly happens outside public exchanges, investors are beginning to rethink how broad the traditional investment universe really is. The shift is raising a new question for portfolios: should investors be looking beyond pu
254: Alternative Investing: Finding Diversification in Volatile AI-driven Markets
Alternative investing is moving from a niche allocation to a core portfolio conversation. As volatility returns, interest rates reset higher, AI accelerates capital spending, and fiscal deficits expand, investors are reassessing what diversification really means. In a world where stocks and bonds can move together and macro forces dominate markets, traditional portfolio frameworks are und
253: Emerging Markets: How Investors are Responding to Shifting Global Paradigm
Emerging markets are back in focus in 2026 — not just as a cyclical trade, but as investors reassess performance leadership, diversification, and where growth is showing up in a shifting global paradigm. After a long stretch of disappointing returns, emerging markets have started the year strongly, alongside record interest from global investors. But the case for EM today is less about a
252: The K-Shaped Consumer Economy: GLP-1s, AI and the Future of Consumer Spending
The K-shaped consumer is redefining the outlook for the U.S. economy. While overall spending remains resilient, growth is increasingly concentrated among higher-income households, creating widening gaps across income levels. As policy shifts, AI adoption, and healthcare innovations reshape behavior, the consumer landscape is becoming more uneven.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Puli
251: The Infrastructure Buildout and the Skilled Trades We’re Missing
Skilled trades are becoming one of the most important — and overlooked — drivers of the global infrastructure boom. As trillions of dollars flow into energy systems, transportation networks, telecoms, and AI data centers, the constraint is no longer just capital — it’s labor. The scale of the infrastructure buildout is historic, but delivering it depends on the availability of trained wor
250: Powering AI 2.0: Why the AI Boom Is Becoming an Energy Story
Powering AI is no longer just a technology story — it’s an energy and infrastructure story reshaping capital markets and the global economy. As artificial intelligence scales from training to real-world inference, electricity demand is accelerating at a pace few anticipated.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Will Su from BlackRock’s Fundamental Equities Group to ex
249: Thematic Investing in 2026: AI, Defense, Infrastructure, and the Next Phase of Market Transformation
Thematic investing is increasingly shaping how investors interpret markets heading into 2026, as artificial intelligence, geopolitical fragmentation, and infrastructure constraints intersect across the global economy.Jay Jacobs, Head of U.S. Equity ETFs at BlackRock, joins Oscar to discuss why mega forces are becoming harder to ignore—and harder to diversify away from—than in past market
248: Retirement Realities: Your Questions Answered - Ask Me Anything with Jaime Magyera
Retirement planning is becoming more complex as careers grow less linear, lifespans extend, and financial decisions start earlier in life. From early-career savers to small business owners and those approaching retirement, people are asking how to build financial security while staying flexible in an unpredictable world.In this Ask Me Anything episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is join
247: Inside Hedge Fund Strategies: How They Work and Why Investors Are Paying Attention
Hedge fund strategies are gaining renewed attention as market volatility rises and traditional stock and bond diversification becomes less reliable. With inflation uncertainty, shifting monetary policy, and growing macro instability, investors are reassessing how different sources of return and risk management show up across capital markets.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sp
246: Macro and Geopolitical Outlook - Live From Davos
Global markets are entering 2026 amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, structural shifts in the global order, and rapid technological change. Recorded live from the World Economic Forum in Davos, this episode of The Bid examines the macroeconomic and geopolitical forces shaping the year ahead.Host Oscar Pulido is joined by Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of BlackRock, and Tom Donilo
245: Stock Picker's Guide to 2026: How AI and Earnings Will Shape Stock Market Trends
AI investment, evolving earnings leadership, and shifting global dynamics are redefining stock market trends as investors enter 2026. Companies are deploying unprecedented capital toward data centers, compute, and productivity-enhancing technologies, while rate cuts and supply-chain realignment reshape the macro backdrop. These forces are changing how fundamentals, valuations, and sector
244: Market take: The Diversification Mirage in Plain Sight
This week, the focus is on diversification—and why it’s getting harder to achieve. Portfolio Strategist Natalie Gill explains how the “diversification mirage,” a key theme in BII’s 2026 outlook, is now showing up in real time. A small set of megaforces is increasingly dictating equity performance, meaning traditional attempts to diversify—whether toward equal-weighted indices or new regio
243: Market take: How a Softening Labor Market Shapes the Fed’s Next Move
As The Bid takes a short break for the holidays, we’re introducing listeners to Market Take, the weekly macro podcast from the BlackRock Investment Institute. Market Take offers fast, digestible insights on what’s moving markets - and this week, the focus is squarely on the labor market.Senior Economist Nicholas Fawcett breaks down why softer U.S. labor data is reinforcing expectations fo
242: 2026 Outlook: Pushing Limits
AI-driven investment, rising leverage and shifting market dynamics are reshaping the 2026 stock market outlook. As companies accelerate spending on data centers, chips and digital infrastructure, micro-level decisions are increasingly influencing the capital markets and broader economy.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Jean Boivin, Head of the BlackRock Investment
241: Europe’s Economic Comeback: What It Will Take for a Broad Resurgence
Europe’s macro outlook is shifting. After years of fiscal restraint and fragmented policy, the region is entering a new chapter one centered on pro-growth fiscal policy, energy security, and capital-market reform. For investors, this transformation signals the potential for renewed momentum in European equities and fixed income.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Hel
240: Rate Cuts, Retail Power, and the Road Ahead - Ask Me Anything with Gargi Pal Chaudhuri
Stock market trends are in sharp focus as central banks pivot, earnings broaden beyond mega-cap leaders, and AI-driven CapEx reshapes corporate priorities. In this AMA edition of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down with BlackRock’s Gargi Pal Chaudhuri, Chief Investment and Portfolio Strategist for the Americas in the Investment Portfolios Solutions team. Together they field listener ques
239: How Private Markets Could Reshape Portfolios and Investment Opportunities by 2030
Private markets are transforming the investment landscape — reshaping portfolios, expanding access, and driving growth across asset classes from private equity to infrastructure and private credit. Once the domain of institutions, private markets are increasingly accessible to individual investors, offering new ways to pursue diversification and long-term opportunity.In this episode of Th
238: Jim Cramer on Investing – How To Make Money In Any Market
Investing in any market can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down with Jim Cramer, investor, author, and host of Mad Money, to explore what it really takes to build wealth and confidence over time.Cramer’s latest book, How to Make Money in Any Market, continues his mission of empowering everyday investors to take control of their f
237: Global Exchange: How Investors In Asia Pacific Markets Are Positioning For What's Next
Global investors are rethinking diversification as APAC markets investing takes center stage. As monetary policies diverge and growth paths split across regions, Asia Pacific is emerging as a key source of resilience — and opportunity — in global portfolios.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Alex Brazier, Global Head of Investment & Portfolio Solutions, and Navi
236: Investing in AI – From Its Origins to What Lies Ahead for Energy, Geopolitics, and Markets
Artificial intelligence is one of the most powerful forces reshaping the global economy, technology, and investing. But understanding AI requires looking at the full story — where it began, how it is unfolding, and where it is headed next.With recent headlines in OpenAI from its $100bn Nvidia investment to its release of Sora, this special in-depth episode of The Bid brings
235: Gold and Bitcoin as Portfolio Diversifiers: Why Interest Is Rising Now
Gold and bitcoin are in the spotlight again - and for good reason. In this special narrative format episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido weaves together expert insights from previous Bid episodes to explain why interest in gold and bitcoin is rising now and what investors should consider before treating them as portfolio diversifiers.You’ll hear from BlackRock ex
234: Retirement Confidence in Focus: How Savers Navigate Volatility and Change
Retirement confidence is under pressure. While younger generations are entering the workforce with optimism, the latest Read on Retirement report reveals troubling gaps between savers, plan sponsors, and retirees. Only 38% of employers believe their employees are on track, and confidence among retirees has dropped to historic lows.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar
233: How Active ETFs, Thematic Investing, and Market Dynamics Are Reshaping Portfolios - AMA with Jay Jacobs
ETFs are at the center of how investors are navigating today’s rapidly changing markets. From active ETFs to thematic strategies around megaforces like artificial intelligence and infrastructure, innovation in exchange-traded funds is reshaping how portfolios are built.In this special Ask Me Anything edition of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down with&n
232: Infrastructure, AI & Energy: Navigating the Golden Age of Infrastructure Investing
Infrastructure investing is no longer a niche play — it’s at the center of today’s global economy and portfolios. In this episode of The Bid, we dive into why infrastructure investing is having a moment, how it connects to AI, and what megaforces are shaping the next decade of growth.Host Oscar Pulido sits down with Balfe Morrison, Head of Listed Infrastructure Strateg
231: A New Era for Fixed Income Investors: Prioritizing Income in a Volatile Market – LIVE FROM FUTUREPROOF FESTIVAL
Fixed income investing is experiencing a powerful resurgence. With yields at multi-decade highs, income opportunities are abundant, yet investors must navigate uncertainty in capital markets and shifting macroeconomic dynamics. In this episode of The Bid, we explore why fixed income is once again a compelling anchor for portfolios.Host Oscar Pulido sits down with Rick
230: AI At The Frontier: A Stock Picker's Take on AI Investing
The world of artificial intelligence continues to profoundly impact the stock markets and create investment opportunities. Despite a brief setback earlier this year, AI continues to push the boundaries of human ingenuity and drive market dynamics.Oscar Pulido welcomes Tony Kim, head of the BlackRock Fundamental Equities Global Technology Team, and Michael Gates, lead portfolio manager of
229: Best Of: From Savings To Prosperity: The Global Impact of Capital Markets
Continuing the summer series, The Bid brings back some of the best episodes from the last year. Oscar’s final pick is unpacking the meaning and the power of capital markets.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
228: Best Of: Technology and AI Investing Trends - A Stock Picker's Take
Continuing the summer series, The Bid brings back some of the best episodes from the last year. Stevie's pick is a deep dive into the technology and AI investing trends coming out of Silicon Valley featuring Tony Kim, BlackRock portfolio manager and technology investing expert.AI is experiencing a transformative moment, powering the phenomenal run in public markets, but the investment opp
227: Best of: A Macro and Geopolitical Outlook – Live from Davos
Over the summer, The Bid brings back some of the best episodes from the last year. Kicking off the series, hosts Oscar and Stevie take a look back on one of the most popular episodes, recorded live on location in Davos, Switzerland.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 Black
226: 2025 Midyear Outlook: How investors Can Get A Grip on Economic Uncertainty
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 pic
225: Retirement Planning: What New Legislation Could Mean For Your Retirement Account
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
224: Systematic Investing: The Role of Consistent Alpha in Volatile Markets
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 tim
223: Tariffs, Tech and Transition: Europe and Asia's Evolving Equity Landscape
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
222: U.S. Equities: Getting Granular on Market Insights and Sector Trends
After two years of full steam ahead for U.S. equities, 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
221: A Stock Picker's Guide To Volatility: Global Equity Market Opportunities Across A Shifting Landscape
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 P
220: Discovering India's Economic Boom: Demographic Dividends and A Digital Revolution
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
219: From Savings to Prosperity: The Global Impact of Capital Markets
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 Puli
218: Geopolitical Shifts, Trade Dynamics and President Trump's First 100 Days in Office [April 29th]
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 geopoli
217: How Does This Cycle of Tariff Market Volatility Compare to Historical Periods of Market Uncertainty? [April 23rd]
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
216: The 90-Day U.S. Tariff Pause - How Should Investors Respond Right Now? [April 15th]
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
215: Navigating Market Volatility and Tariff Policy: Positioning Portfolios Amid Uncertainty [April 8th]
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 navi
214: The Rise and Growth Of Venture Debt In The Investing Landscape
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 O
213: The Evolution of Private Markets in Modern Investment Portfolios
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 toward
212: The Role of Low-Carbon Opportunities In The Infrastructure Investing Landscape
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
211: The Intersection of AI and Geopolitics From An Investing Lens
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 d
210: Thematic Investing: Finding Tomorrow's Investing Themes Today
Thematic investing is rapidly gaining traction in today’s investment landscape, but how can investors take advantage of this emerging strategic approach that is thematic investing?Thematic investing focuses on identifying long-term trends or themes—such as technological advancements, sustainability, or shifting demographics—that could drive growth and innovation. This investment portfolio
209: Why Are Bond Yields Rising As Rates Are Cut?
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 Port
208: The Economic Impact of Tariffs: How the New U.S. Tariff Policy is Shaping Global Markets
Trade policies have always been a critical aspect of global economies and recent developments in U.S. tariff policy have sparked global market volatility and discussions around the impact on inflation. The latest tariff announcements have sent ripples through the markets, affecting various sectors, and raising questions about their long-term impact. But what exactly is the impact of
207: A Macro and Geopolitical Outlook – Live from Davos
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 a
206: Rebuilding The US Physical Economy
A critical theme for 2025 and beyond rebuilding the US physical economy with the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, and other policy measures, there's a renewed focus on enhancing infrastructure, reshoring manufacturing and addressing the housing supply gap. These efforts are not just about construction and development. They're about revitalizing the US economy and creating sustaina
205: A Stock Picker's Guide to 2025
As we welcome a new year, we reflect on 2024 as another strong year for equities with inflation, interest rates, and the ongoing impact of artificial intelligence. Still very much in the spotlight. 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing year for equity investors BlackRock's Global CIO of Fundamental Equities, Tony DeSpirito, will discuss the factors driving the market where he sees t
204: Infrastructure mini-series Ep 2: The Low-Carbon Transition: A $100 Trillion Infrastructure Opportunity
In the second episode of our infrastructure mini-series on The Bid, guest host Mark Wiedman, speaks with Matt Harris and Salim Samaha from Global Infrastructure investing to explore one of the biggest opportunities in infrastructure, the global transition to a low carbon economy.Sources: IEA Net Zero 2050, May 2021; Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) New Energy Outlook 2024 (May 2024); L
203: Infrastructure mini-series Ep 1: The Growing Demand For Infrastructure Investment
In this first episode of our infrastructure miniseries on The Bid, guest host Mark Wiedman is joined by Raj Rao, Founding Partner, President and Chief Operating Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), now a part of BlackRock to talk infrastructure investing 101, how the asset class started, what's driving its growth and why it's becoming a must have in investors' portfolios.Sourc
202: 2025 Outlook: Building The Transformation
As we look back, 2024 was marked by a delicate balance between economic recovery and ongoing challenges. Despite some positive developments, the global economy faced hurdles that influenced investor sentiment and strategic decisions. Central banks navigated complex inflationary pressures, while investors sought to adapt to a rapidly changing environment. Jean Boivin, Head of The Blac
201: AI's Three Investing Phases
AI has been dominating investing headlines for almost two years, but it's not just a buzzword. It's a powerful technology that's poised to revolutionize industries and economies on a global scale. Investors are asking how will AI reshape job markets, productivity and economic growth? Nicholas Fawcett, a senior economist in the BlackRock Investment Institute joins Oscar to explore what AI
200: BlackRock's Evolution: Insights from BlackRock President Rob Kapito
For The Bid's 200th episode, joining Oscar is one of BlackRock's founders, Rob Kapito. Rob currently serves as president of BlackRock and has witnessed the firm's incredible journey from the days of a largely US-based fixed income shop to becoming the firm trusted to manage more money than any other investment company in the world. Rob shares insights on the history of BlackRock, the firm
From Ballots to Markets: Analyzing the 2024 US Election Results
As the election results have been called, we bring you a special episode of The Bid where Catherine Kress, head of Geopolitical Research and Strategy at BlackRock joins Oscar to discuss what is next for markets and how investors can position themselves for success during a volatile period.This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon
199: The Race For Innovation In ETFs and Index Investing
Innovation in the investment industry is a hot topic thanks to the rise of things like AI, shifting investor demand, and volatile markets that are requiring more agility from investors. Today we'll be exploring the innovations driving both the ETF Market and Index investing more broadly, examining the latest trends and challenges facing investors, and how technology is playing a role in s
198: The Case For Active Equity Investing – A Fund Manager’s Perspective
Active equity investing isn't just about picking stocks, it's about making informed strategic decisions to beat the market or generate alpha. But what does that really mean for your portfolio, and how can you consider long-term investing strategies when faced with volatile markets?Recorded live in London at BlackRock's annual UK Wealth Investors Forum, joining Oscar is Alister Hibbert, he
197: Access To The Energy Transition In Public Markets
The shift to a low-carbon economy will demand more capital than any of us have seen in our lifetimes—far more than private actors alone can provide. Public markets—the securities that make up the bulk of most investor portfolios available on stock exchanges—are set to play a much larger role in this transition. So, while private markets may have a head start, public markets are catching u
196: Larry Fink Welcomes Bayo Ogunlesi and Global Infrastructure Partners
In this special bonus episode, we welcome you into BlackRock Headquarters in Hudson Yards for a Global Town hall where BlackRock Chairman and CEO Larry Fink welcomes Bayo Ogunlesi to celebrate the coming together of BlackRock and Global Infrastructure Partners. Larry and Bayo discuss the opportunities presented by their partnership, emphasizing the transformative potential in capital mark
195: Falling For Cash
As rates are going down, investors are reviewing their cash portfolios once again, considering how cash and cash equivalents typically react to monetary policy shifts and thinking about what to expect over the next 12 months. Beccy Milchem, global Head of Cash Distribution at BlackRock, will discuss the importance of actively managing cash regardless of the yield curve shape and shares he
194: Breaking Barriers In Wealth Tech: Willow CEO Lacy Garcia's Entrepreneurial Mission
Earlier this year, Larry Fink, BlackRock’s Chairman and CEO, talked about the retirement crisis and the difficulty that individuals face when planning for their financial future. Saving for retirement can be challenging due to various factors such as rising living costs, longer life expectancies, and the decline of traditional pension plans. Continuing the conversation, Oscar is
193: From Baseline to Bottom Line: The Intersection of Tennis and Investing
The game of tennis has captivated fans of all ages around the world, but what do match points and market trends have in common? Ronald Van Loon, Portfolio manager in BlackRock's fundamental fixed income team argues that there are a number of parallels between tennis and the investing tactics one must take to outperform the market. Ronald will help us explore the similarities and the diffe
192: How To Invest In AI vs Tech In A Portfolio
AI investing is a hot topic of conversation. But how should investors be considering both tech and AI in their portfolios - as part of the same allocation, or should they be separate? Jay Jacobs, US Head of Thematic and Active ETFs at BlackRock joins host Oscar Pulido to discuss whether investors should consider AI and tech as separate allocations, different investing approaches to AI and
191: Tech and AI Investing Trends: A Stock Picker’s Take
AI is experiencing a transformative moment, powering the phenomenal run in public markets, but the investment opportunities certainly transcend that small group of names. So where are the most compelling opportunities and how can AI investment not only build wealth, but contribute to a more efficient future?Tony Kim, portfolio manager from BlackRock's Fundamental Equities team, joins Osca
190: A Cruel Inflation Summer? BlackRock's Version
Economists around the world have been attributing the rise in costs of services and inflation in a number of countries to Taylor Swift’s worldwide Eras tour. However, Swift herself can't be held fully responsible for some of the shifts in consumer spending habits that are influencing the prices of goods and services. There are many other macro and micro forces at play in driving spending
189: Market take: Patience needed in the AI buildout
Investors have started to worry about tech companies spending big on artificial intelligence. Carolina Martinez Arevalo, Portfolio Strategist of the BlackRock Investment Institute, explains why we focus on the broader story and stay overweight the AI theme.This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upon information in this material is a
188: Best Of: A History Of Investing In AI
Over the summer, The Bid brings back some of the best episodes from this year. Kicking off the series, hosts Oscar and Stevie take a look back on A History of Investing in AI.Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized industries and reshaped the way we live, work, and interact with technology. But before the age of self-driving cars, virtual assistants, and smart homes, there is a fascina
