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.

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.

Jim Cramer joins The Bid to discuss how everyday investors can build wealth in any market. From his lessons on compounding to the importance of doing the homework, Cramer and host Oscar Pulido explore confidence, curiosity, and long-term investing in today’s dynamic capital markets.

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.

With recent headlines in OpenAI from its $100bn Nvidia investment to its release of Sora, this special in-depth episode of The Bid brings together highlights from across our conversations with BlackRock experts to trace the arc of AI’s evolution: its origins, today’s massive infrastructure build-out, the unprecedented power demand it creates, its adoption across industries, its geopolitical stakes, and what lies ahead for investors.

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 experts about gold’s enduring role and how growth fears, geopolitics, the U.S. dollar and real interest rates shape demand; and about bitcoin’s design - digital assets, blockchain, cross-border payments - and engineered scarcity, plus the reality of cycles and operational considerations and how both can fit into a portfolio alongside traditional holdings. Check out the previous episodes in full: 133. The Next Gold Rush - original air date June 16th 2023: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7IWodwijM5Ybq1QvwOQBkw 161. Crypto Currency Decoded - original air date Jan 19th 2024: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Rcxfg9rci1ZXniqRKbtRp?si=HnSkLmPsTyeSrK2LXLbwVA Key moments in this episode 00:00 Introduction: Gold and Bitcoin in Focus 02:14 The Role of Gold in Portfolios 02:58 Gold's Relationship with Economic Factors 05:49 Gold as a Diversifier and Inflation Hedge 09:02 Transition to Bitcoin: Digital Scarcity 09:42 Understanding Bitcoin and Digital Assets 12:19 Bitcoin's Volatility and Market Cycles 13:37 Bitcoin's Growing Accessibility 15:30 Comparing Gold and Bitcoin as Diversifiers 17:11 Conclusion: Preparing Portfolios with Gold and Bitcoin Featured experts:Gargi Pal Chaudhuri —Chief Investment & portfolio Strategist (gold)Robbie Mitchnick — Head of Digital Assets (bitcoin & blockchain)Samara Cohen — Global Head of Market Development for BlackRock , and formerly Chief Investment Officer, ETF and Index Investments (bitcoin)Jay Jacobs — U.S. Head of Equity ETFs (portfolio construction) Sources: CFA Institute report "Gen Z and Investing: Social Media, Crypto, FOMO, and Family," May 2023; Coin Metrics, as of Aug. 2023. Bitcoin predominance based on its market cap of $530B which accounts for 50% of the total market cap of all crypto-assets excluding stable coins; The Global Findex Database 2021 identifies opportunities for increasing financial inclusion, July 2022; CoinGecko, as of Jan. 2. 2023. Bitcoin predominance based on its market cap of $860 billion, which accounts for 51% of the $1.7 trillion total market cap of all cryptoassets, excluding stablecoins gold; bitcoin; diversification; portfolio diversifiers; real interest rates; U.S. dollar; central bank buying; stagflation; digital assets; blockchain; cross-border payments; fixed supply; volatility; correlation; ETFs; access & integration; risk management; rebalancing; inflation 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.

BlackRock’s Jamie Magyera breaks down the latest Read on Retirement report, exploring why confidence is lagging, the role of guaranteed income, target date funds, and private markets in shaping the future of retirement security.

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 Jay Jacobs, U.S. Head of Equity ETFs at BlackRock, to answer questions submitted by listeners. Together, they explore the evolving ETF landscape and how investors can better position themselves in a volatile world. Jay also highlights the link between AI and infrastructure - noting that advances in artificial intelligence require massive investments in electricity, real estate, and supply chains. For investors, the message is clear: today’s portfolios must capture both enduring themes and defensive strategies. Key insights include:The “be, beat, modify” equity framework for building portfolios: how core ETFs provide efficiency, active and thematic ETFs can aim to outperform, and outcome-oriented strategies offer risk management.Why factor investing (quality, value, momentum) demands a more tactical, systematic approach in 2025.The growing role of active ETFs as investors seek new sources of alpha in an era of lower expected returns.Why diversifying beyond U.S. equities and addressing concentration risk from mega-cap tech is increasingly important.How megaforces like AI, geopolitics, and infrastructure demand are reshaping equity markets and long-term investing themes.The role of gold and Bitcoin as portfolio diversifiers and monetary alternatives beyond traditional stocks and bonds. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Investor Interests in 2025 00:20 Ask Me Anything: Meet Jay Jacobs, U.S. Head of Equity ETFs at BlackRock 01:14 Understanding Equity Markets: Be, Beat, and Modify 04:00 Factor Exposures and Economic Environments 05:57 Geographical Diversification in Portfolios 07:54 The Role of Thematic Investing 09:58 Active ETFs vs. Mutual Funds 13:40 Exploring Alternative Asset Classes: Gold and Bitcoin 15:32 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🔗 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  Active ETFs, Thematic investing, Capital markets, Megaforces, AI investing, Infrastructure investing, Diversification, Stock market trends This content is for informational purposes only and is not an offer or 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.

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 Strategies, to explore the golden age of infrastructure investing. From data centers powering artificial intelligence to pipelines driving energy security and railroads transforming transportation, infrastructure is proving to be one of the most durable and exciting asset classes in capital markets today. Sources: FTSE Russell as at 29 August 2025, FTSE Global Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index; U.S. Department of Energy report via Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Dec 2024; “Data Centers Drive Up Electricity Demand, Causing Concern for GridOperators” Institute for Energy Research 2024; “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Coming Wave of US Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines”, June 2025, CEEA; Assessing the U.S. Power System's Ability to Support Data Center Growth, Schneider Electric June 2025; Amazon Q2 2025 Earnings Call; 🔗 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  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 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 go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures Infrastructure investing, AI investing, Stock market trends, Energy transition, Utilities See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock, live from the Future Proof Festival in Huntington Beach. Together, they discuss why prioritizing income over duration is the key theme in today’s bond markets, and how investors can uncover opportunities across geographies and asset classes. Rick emphasizes the importance of dynamic, flexible portfolio construction. With fixed income yields at levels not seen in decades, investors now have the chance to rethink their allocations and position portfolios for long-term growth. Sources: BlackRock Fixed Income Q3 Outlook, Bloomberg as of Tuesday 9th September 2025 Key moments in this episode: 00:00 Introduction 01:28 Rick Rieder's High Level Insights on Fixed Income Landscape 02:04 Economic Forces and Investment Strategies 02:56 Global Fixed Income: Opportunities and Risks 06:51 Dynamic Asset Allocation and Portfolio Management 12:12 Currency Views and Market Predictions 13:49 Conclusion: Staying in the Game 16:16 Outro and Next Episode on Infrastructure Fixed income investing, Capital markets, Megaforces, Stock market trends, BlackRock 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 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 go to 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.

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 BlackRock's target allocation models. Fresh from their interactions with technology leaders in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Tony and Michael share their insights on the rapid advancements in AI, the efficiencies it brings to the economy, and the promising investment opportunities it unveils across various sectors. Key moments from this episode: 00:00 Introducing AI’s Unprecedented Investment Surge 03:03 The Three Layers of AI Investment Opportunity 08:21 AI’s Impact on Labor and Services 10:34 Exponential Growth and Humanoid Robots 14:41 Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity 18:48 Considering The Societal Impact and Future Outlook 🔗 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  Sources: “AI Scaling Laws and Market Structure”, Anton Korinek, Professor of Economics, University of Virginia; Bloomberg data as of June 31st 2025; “The Complex Truth About AI Computing and Value”, Wall Street Journal, March 2nd 2025; Analysis based on BlackRock Global Technology evaluations and calculations; BlackRock and World Bank Group Data, World Bank estimates GDP around $111 trillion, Capital expenditure on AI infrastructure is estimated at around $400 bn. AI, AI Investing, Tech Investing, Technology Investing, Silicon Valley, Tech 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 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 go to 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.

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.

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 tech and AI 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 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?

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.

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 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. So how can investors ensure they’re pulling all the levers at their disposal to retire on their own terms?

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?

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.

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?

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.