The Bid

BlackRock

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.

  1. DEC 19

    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 regions—can amount to larger active positions than many investors realize. Natalie also breaks down how rising developed-market bond yields challenge the long-held assumption that long-term bonds reliably balance portfolios. Fiscal strains, shifting central bank stances, and policy divergence between the U.S. and other economies further complicate the diversification picture. As bond volatility rises and a small number of equity drivers dominate returns, investors may need to reconsider how and where true diversification can be found. The episode also highlights the growing disconnect between the Federal Reserve’s policy posture and the more hawkish tone across Australia, Canada, and Japan—where fiscal dynamics and reopening risks are influencing long-term rates. These divergences, paired with delayed U.S. labor data and inflation considerations, shape the macro backdrop as markets enter the new year. Key Insights ·      Diversification is increasingly difficult as a handful of megaforces drive global equity performance. ·      Traditional diversifiers—such as long-term government bonds—provide less balance amid rising yields. ·      Policy divergence between the U.S. and other major central banks is creating new cross-market risks. ·      Fiscal concerns are influencing yield curves, particularly in Japan and the UK. ·      Portfolios may require more deliberate, active decisions and alternative sources of return to achieve true diversification.   diversification, megaforces, capital markets, macro trends, bond yields, portfolio balance, market outlook 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    6 min
  2. DEC 12

    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 for another potential Federal Reserve rate cut. With hiring and labor supply both cooling, policymakers are watching these trends closely as they navigate the balance between inflation control and economic resilience. Nicholas also explores how delayed jobs data complicates the Fed’s visibility into the economy, what markets are pricing in ahead of the December meeting, and how fiscal dynamics in the UK are shaping long-term bond views. Whether you’re tracking monetary policy, macro signals, or broader capital markets trends, this short episode offers a concise view of the forces shaping the economic backdrop. Key Insights ·      The U.S. labor market is softening, raising the likelihood of another Fed rate cut. ·      Payrolls show a “no hiring, no firing” pattern as labor demand and supply slow. ·      Delayed jobs data may create noise, but markets still expect a quarter-point cut. ·      Fiscal tightening in the UK influences gilt valuations and long-term yield dynamics. ·      Labor market trends, inflation, and rates continue to guide broader market sentiment labor market, inflation, interest rates, Federal Reserve, capital markets, macro trends, market commentary, economic outlook 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    6 min
  3. 2026 Outlook: Pushing Limits

    DEC 5

    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 Institute, about the major forces shaping the 2026 markets and investing landscape. Jean breaks down how AI-related capital expenditure is transforming growth patterns, why governments and companies may need to leverage up to finance large-scale projects, and how these trends interact with today’s policy and market environment. They also explore the diversification mirage — the idea that in an economy driven by a few powerful megaforces, some strategies that appear diversified may actually be concentrated calls. Jean shares how this affects views on regional equity markets, fixed income trends and the evolving structure of global investing. 🔗 Check out this Spotify playlist for more on the AI growth story: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1rt6kLl0fzg9D7puEkAupq Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introducing AI's Unprecedented Growth in 2025 and Beyond 01:11 Introduction to the 2026 Global Outlook 02:04 Three Big Market Themes for 2026 03:33 AI's Dominance and Economic Impact 05:39 Is AI in a Bubble? 09:44 Leveraging Up: Financing the AI Boom 12:30 Diversification Mirage in the AI Era 15:06 Future of Finance: Private Credit and Digital Innovation 17:30 Investment Opportunities Beyond AI 19:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🔗 Watch and Subscribe to The Bid on YouTube: https://1blk.co/48iHOs4  🔗 Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://1blk.co/3v09q6Q  🔗 Follow Us on Twitter (or X): https://1blk.co/3NuiIOW  🔗 Learn More About BlackRock: https://1blk.co/41uwhDS  Sources: BlackRock Investment Institute 2026 Global Outlook 2026 market outlook, AI investing, AI Buildout, AI infrastructure, Capital markets, Megaforces, Stock market trends, Private credit, Global macro outlook, diversification strategies 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    21 min
  4. Europe’s Economic Comeback: What It Will Take for a Broad Resurgence

    NOV 21

    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 Helen Jewell, Chief Investment Officer for EMEA Fundamental Equities, and Roelof Salomons, Chief Investment Strategist for Northern Europe at the BlackRock Investment Institute, about how Europe’s evolving macro and investing environment is creating new opportunities across sectors. They explore how fiscal flexibility is enabling investment in productivity and innovation, how energy transition and AI demand are reshaping infrastructure and power markets, and why European banks, defense companies, and energy-efficiency leaders have emerged as standouts. The conversation also looks at the valuation gap between Europe and the U.S., the implications of potential ECB rate cuts, and what reforms could drive a broader, more durable resurgence. Key Takeaways: ·      Europe’s shift toward fiscal flexibility marks its first explicitly pro-growth stance in over a decade. ·      The intersection of energy transition and AI is driving infrastructure and power investment. ·      Banks, defense, and efficiency-focused industrials remain strong performers. ·      Europe still trades at a discount to the U.S., offering selective opportunity. ·      Integration of capital markets could unlock long-term competitiveness. Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction: Europe's Economic Challenges and Optimism 01:10 Meet the Experts: Helen Jewell and Roelof Salomons 02:17 Historical Context: Europe's Economic Journey 03:51 Current Barriers and Progress in Europe 05:40 Sector Focus: Defense, Banks, and Energy 08:49 Fiscal Policy and Unified European Growth 10:33 Energy and AI: The Long-Term Investment Landscape 14:30 Valuation and Market Opportunities in Europe 17:17 Conclusion: Path to a Broad Resurgence in Europe 19:21 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook Europe investing; Europe macro; European equities; investing in Europe; capital-markets union; energy transition Europe; European fiscal policy; European banks; AI power demand; ECB rate cuts; BlackRock Investment Institute; European defense; valuation gap; competitiveness in Europe Sources: “What’s needed for an investment renaissance in Europe?”, BlackRock Investment Institute, October 2025; NATO, August 2025; BlackRock Fundamental Equities analysis, September 2025; “Entering The Age of Electricity”, IEA Electricity Demand 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and Non-EEA countries, this is authorized and regulated by the FCA. In the EEA, it is authorized and regulated by the AFM. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    20 min
  5. Rate Cuts, Retail Power, and the Road Ahead - Ask Me Anything with Gargi Pal Chaudhuri

    NOV 14

    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 questions on rate cuts, market breadth, ETF flows, and how AI adoption could influence equity leadership over time. Gargi brings a cross-asset lens to what’s driving global growth and volatility. Fresh off a busy earnings season and recent policy moves, she shares what she’s hearing most from investors and how she thinks about portfolio positioning in the present market environment. Key moments in this episode: 02:00 Parallels between running and investing - run your own race, what are your risk parameters 04:32 Where policy’s heading: The Fed’s first rate cut marks a shift toward easing. December isn’t guaranteed, but the big picture is that rates are starting to move toward more normal levels. 07:52 Earnings season check-in: Big tech is still leading, but other companies are finally joining in with stronger results. That’s helping the market feel a little more balanced. 11:29 AI spending boom: Companies are pouring money into data centers and infrastructure to keep up with AI demand—funded by healthy cash flows and long-term plans. 12: 25 Shoppers are split: Higher-income consumers are still spending on travel and tech, while others are trading down to save. GLP-1 medicines (like weight-loss drugs) are showing up as a big talking point for companies. 13:40 Money on the move: Investors are starting to put cash to work again. ETF flows hit over $1 trillion this year, with interest across bonds, stocks, and even gold. 16:37 Bonds and gold today: Many people are looking at bonds for income and keeping an eye on gold as markets shift. Check out this Spotify playlist for more content on alternative investing: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Fe8VwKyG5FPYekFFSksbI 🔗 Learn More About BlackRock: https://1blk.co/41uwhDS  🔗 Watch and Subscribe to The Bid on YouTube: https://1blk.co/48iHOs4  🔗 Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://1blk.co/3v09q6Q  🔗 Follow Us on Twitter (or X): https://1blk.co/3NuiIOW  stock market trends, capital markets, AI investing, earnings season, monetary policy, ETF flows, megaforces, market volatility Sources: Data sourced from Bloomberg as of November 5th 2025; iShares client poll October 20th 2025; iShares analysis and calculation of AI stock performance. Disclosures: 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and Non-EEA countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the EEA, it is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    20 min
  6. How Private Markets Could Reshape Portfolios and Investment Opportunities by 2030

    NOV 7

    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 The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Cameron Joyce, Head of Research Insights at Preqin, a part of BlackRock, to explore how private markets could reshape portfolios and investment opportunities by 2030. Cameron shares why the asset class has surged from $11 trillion pre-pandemic to an expected $32 trillion by the end of the decade — and what this evolution means for investors. Together they discuss how companies are staying private longer, why liquidity dynamics are shifting, and how new fund structures are widening accessibility for individuals and retirement savers alike. Cameron breaks down the three major growth engines powering the sector: private equity, infrastructure, and private credit — and explains how megaforces like AI and energy transition are creating new opportunities within each. Sources: “Private Markets in 2030” Preqin October 2025 Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to why Private Markets are having a moment now 01:01 Understanding Private Markets - Why companies are staying private longer — and where the value creation is shifting. 02:01 Growth and Trends in Private Markets - The forecasted $32 trillion in alternative AUM by 2030 and what it means for diversified portfolios. 02:46 Impact on Investment Portfolios - The rise of individual access through open-ended fund structures. 06:04 Where we are in the private equity cycle — and why lower fundraising periods often precede strong returns. 09:56 Infrastructure Investment Opportunities - How infrastructure is becoming a key beneficiary of AI and reshoring trends. 11:51 Why private credit and direct lending are gaining momentum as banks step back from traditional lending 14:20 Artificial Intelligence in Private Markets - How AI is influencing value creation within privately backed companies. 16:40 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Check out this Spotify playlist for more content on alternative investing: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4Fe8VwKyG5FPYekFFSksbI 🔗 Learn More About BlackRock: https://1blk.co/41uwhDS  🔗 Watch and Subscribe to The Bid on YouTube: https://1blk.co/48iHOs4  🔗 Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://1blk.co/3v09q6Q  🔗 Follow Us on Twitter (or X): https://1blk.co/3NuiIOW  private markets, private equity, alternative investments, infrastructure, private credit, capital markets, AI investing, megaforces, diversification, BlackRock, Preqin, portfolio construction 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and Non-EEA countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the EEA, it is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    18 min
  7. Jim Cramer on Investing – How To Make Money In Any Market

    OCT 31

    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 financial futures. From lessons learned running a hedge fund to insights from decades in media, Cramer’s message is clear: you don’t need to be a professional to succeed - you just need discipline, curiosity, and patience. From the birth of the “FAANG” concept to the story behind naming his dog Nvidia, Cramer shares personal stories that illuminate his broader philosophy — that investing is about persistence, not prediction. He and Oscar also discuss long-term trends in capital markets, the role of index investing, and why hope and participation remain central to a healthy investing mindset. This episode covers: ·      Why Cramer believes this is the right moment for a new playbook on investing. ·      The power of compounding and why saving regularly still works in today’s capital markets. ·      How technology — from online research to tools like ChatGPT — has transformed access to information. ·      Why he encourages investors to “do the homework” or choose a diversified index approach if they can’t. ·      His pyramid-style investing framework: build positions slowly, remove emotion, and let time work for you. ·      What he’s learned from mistakes, like overconfidence or losing faith too soon. ·      How curiosity, observation, and understanding the “craft” can help investors find opportunities all around them. Key timestamps in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Investing with Jim Cramer 00:50 Jim Cramer's Journey and New Book 02:37 The Importance of Saving and Investing 04:12 How to Analyze Stocks and Develop Market Strategies 06:10 Jim's Investment Ethos and Practical Advice 19:16 Personal Insights and Lightning Round 21:57 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview Mad Money, Investing in any market, Stock market trends, Capital markets, Long-term investing, Financial education, Retail investors, Compounding, AI investing 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and Non-EEA countries, this is authorized and regulated by the FCA. In the EEA, it is authorized and regulated by the AFM. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    23 min
  8. Global Exchange: How Investors In Asia Pacific Markets Are Positioning For What's Next

    OCT 24

    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 Navin Saigal, Head of Global Fixed Income for Asia Pacific. Joining from Singapore, they share on-the-ground insights into how investor sentiment, policy divergence, and portfolio positioning are evolving across the region. Alex explains how investors’ appetite for risk has returned — with the strongest demand for equities and alternatives now coming from APAC. Navin highlights why Asia’s fixed income markets have outperformed this year, as conservative fiscal policy and lower inflation have driven steady yields and strong demand. Together, they unpack what these shifts mean for APAC markets investing and global diversification. Sources: BlackRock Investor Survey, September 2025 Insights include: ·      How global investors are reallocating toward Asia Pacific assets ·      Why policy divergence between the U.S. and Asia is creating opportunities in fixed income ·      The growing appeal of short-duration bonds and local-currency exposure ·      How correlations between the U.S. dollar, equities, and bonds are shifting ·      The renewed focus on gold and liquid alternatives as portfolio diversifiers Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction to Global Market Trends 00:32 Focus on Asia's Market Dynamics 00:51 Insights from Investment Experts 01:53 Investor Sentiments and Diversification 05:01 Opportunities in Asia's Fixed Income Markets 07:25 Equity Market Opportunities 11:03 Currency Risk and Hedging Strategies 13:55 Challenges in Asia Pacific Investments 16:05 Diversification Beyond Traditional Assets 19:22 Looking Ahead: Market Predictions for 2025 21:53 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes  Check out this playlist to learn more about tariff volatility and global markets: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI 🔗 Learn More About BlackRock: https://1blk.co/41uwhDS  🔗 Watch and Subscribe to The Bid on YouTube: https://1blk.co/48iHOs4  🔗 Follow Us on LinkedIn: https://1blk.co/3v09q6Q  🔗 Follow Us on Twitter (or X): https://1blk.co/3NuiIOW  APAC markets investing, Asia Pacific markets, capital markets, fixed income, global diversification, equities, investor sentiment, monetary policy divergence, liquid alternatives, gold 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 any company or investment strategy mentioned is for illustrative purposes only and not investment advice. In the UK and non-European Economic Area countries, this is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorized and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures, visit blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    23 min

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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.

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