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 insurance premiums to persist, and how investors can position their portfolios in a new market regime ..read more

The BlackRock Investment Institute has outlined five mega forces that are shaping the macroeconomic landscape and demographic divergence is another one of them. The aging of populations will limit how much major economies can produce and grow, leaving governments with less tax revenue to support rising retirement and healthcare expenses. The impact of fewer workers could result in lower corporate profits and higher government debt unless economies adapt to mitigate these pressures. So, what does this mean for investors and what risks and opportunities does this megaforce create? Nicholas Fawce ..read more

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.   Steve Laipply, Global co-head of iShares’ fixed income ETFs joins Oscar to help us understand what ..read more

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. This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or a solicitation. Reliance upo ..read more

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?  In this special episode, we took The Bid down under to record live. Liz Koehler, Head of Advisor Engagem ..read more

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. Sources: Bloomberg, Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of January 31, 2024; New York City Department of Consumer Affair ..read more

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. 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 ..read more

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 harnessed at the industry level to enhance productivity, leverage data, and drive better investment outcom ..read more

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 global markets and provide insights for investors navigating this new era. Sources: ‘With Highest ..read more

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, challenges, and potential opportunities that may define Japan's future in the global investment sphere. Source ..read more