The Bid

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 is driving inflation today, from AI infrastructure demand and energy bottlenecks to fiscal spending, supply constraints, and regional differences. The conversation examines how inflation is affecting capital markets, equities, fixed income, stock market trends, and portfolio diversification.This episode also looks at the role of AI as both a near-term inflationary force and a potential longer-term productivity driver. As AI investing accelerates demand for electricity, chips, copper, data centers, and infrastructure, investors are watching how these megaforces reshape markets and the global economy.Key insights:·      How AI infrastructure demand is contributing to inflation pressures·      Why inflation differs across regions, including the U.S., Europe, Japan, and China·      Where pricing power matters most for companies and sectors·      How inflation measures like CPI, PCE, and PPI inform market views·      Why sticky inflation can challenge traditional stock-bond diversification·      How investors can think about inflation across equities, bonds, and multi-asset portfolios🔗 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 Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction: Why Inflation Matters02:57 Supply Demand Basics04:57 From Pandemic To Now07:26 Inflation By Region09:19 Equity Winners Losers13:24 Which Inflation Metrics15:23 AI And Macro Inflation17:24 AI Bottlenecks Plays18:58 Fixed Income And 60 4021:03 Key TakeawaysSources: “Harry Styles Ticket Prices Spark Outrage Among Fans”, Forbes, 2026; BlackRock Fundamental Equities, June 2026, based on analysis of company statements; Blackrock Fundamental Equities, June 2026, based on data from the UK Office of National StatisticsInflation and investing, sticky inflation, AI infrastructure, fixed income, equities, portfolio diversification, capital markets, stock market trendsThis 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.

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 speaks with Mike Pyle, Deputy Head of BlackRock’s Portfolio Management Group, about how hedge fund strategies work and why they are being re-examined in today’s environment. Mike explains what defines hedge fund strategies, how their flexibility seeks to allow managers to express views more precisely, and why they can play different roles within portfolios depending on investor objectives.They explore common misconceptions around hedge fund strategies, including the idea that they are inherently high risk or designed solely to outperform equities. Mike outlines how these strategies span a wide range of risk profiles and can be used for diversification due to their potentially lower correlation to traditional assets. The conversation also examines why macro volatility since 2021 has created a more favorable backdrop for hedge fund strategies, and how their ability to either navigate or reduce macro exposure is shaping investor interest.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction: Navigating Uncertainty in Today's Market03:57 Debunking Myths About Hedge Funds07:36 The Growing Interest in Hedge Funds Strategies12:18 Hedge Funds vs. Other Alternatives16:31 Evolution of the Hedge Fund Industry18:28 Key Takeaways for Investors19:41 Conclusion and Next UpKey insights include:• What hedge fund strategies are and how they differ from traditional investments• Why lower correlation, not market outperformance, is often the core objective• How higher volatility and macro uncertainty are reshaping portfolio construction• How hedge fund strategies compare with other alternatives like private markets and infrastructure• Why scale and multi-strategy platforms are changing the hedge fund landscapehedge fund strategies, capital markets, portfolio diversification, alternatives investing, market volatility, megaforcesThis 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.

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 growth patterns show up in equity markets.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Carrie King, Global CIO of BlackRock’s Fundamental Equities group, about the major drivers influencing the 2026 equity outlook. Carrie breaks down why high-level valuations may mask improved corporate quality, how AI-related investment is broadening beyond semiconductors, and why the gap between megacap earnings and the rest of the market may begin to narrow.They also explore how global monetary easing is benefiting emerging markets, why Japan’s structural reforms continue to support its equity story, and how diversification is becoming more challenging in a market shaped by a few powerful megaforces. Carrie explains what this means for sector positioning, volatility, and where long-term investors may find underappreciated opportunities.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction: Can Stocks Maintain Momentum in 2026?03:29 AI's Dominance in the Market09:34 Global Investment Trends and Opportunities12:06 Earnings Growth and Sector Performance15:36 Diversification Strategies for Investors17:10 New Year's Resolutions for Investors18:59 Conclusion and Upcoming EpisodesKey insights include:·      How AI-driven spending is reshaping earnings patterns and stock market trends·      Why equity valuations may be better anchored than headlines suggest·      Where the “other 493” may see accelerating earnings growth·      How global rate cuts and supply-chain shifts are supporting EM and Japan·      Why diversification requires new approaches in a megaforce-driven market·      Which sectors—industrials, travel, and healthcare—may offer overlooked potentialstock market trends, AI investing, megaforces, capital markets, equity markets, global investing, sector rotationSources:Written Disclosures In Episode Description: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.

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 sentimentlabor market, inflation, interest rates, Federal Reserve, capital markets, macro trends, market commentary, economic outlookThis 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.

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 Optimism01:10 Meet the Experts: Helen Jewell and Roelof Salomons02:17 Historical Context: Europe's Economic Journey03:51 Current Barriers and Progress in Europe05:40 Sector Focus: Defense, Banks, and Energy08:49 Fiscal Policy and Unified European Growth10:33 Energy and AI: The Long-Term Investment Landscape14:30 Valuation and Market Opportunities in Europe17:17 Conclusion: Path to a Broad Resurgence in Europe19:21 Closing Remarks and Future OutlookEurope 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 EuropeSources: “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.