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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269: The Biggest Themes of 2026 So Far: How AI, Geopolitics and Digital Assets Are Reshaping Portfolios
2026 market themes have been shaped by geopolitical realignment, the physical demands of artificial intelligence and changing assumptions about diversification. Across markets, investors are confronting several plausible futures rather than relying on a single base case. Host Oscar Pulido is joined by Stevie Manns, producer of The Bid , to revisit conversations with BlackRock leaders and external…
268: AI’s latest frontiers: An Investor’s Perspective on AI, Space and Equity opportunities
AI investing continues to shape markets as artificial intelligence (AI) moves beyond software and into the physical infrastructure of the global economy. From data centers and chips to space-based compute, autonomous trucks and humanoid robotics, the AI buildout is creating new questions about scarcity, supply chains and where value may accrue next. In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido is…
267: Defense Investing in a New Era of Geopolitics, AI, and Global Security Transformation
Defense investing is rapidly moving from the margins to the center of capital markets as geopolitical fragmentation, rising global tensions, and technological innovation reshape how nations allocate resources. What was once viewed as a niche or even overlooked sector is now emerging as a critical pillar of global infrastructure and security. In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down…
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 speaks…
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 is…
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…
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 Oscar…
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 Pacific at…
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 examine…
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 plans,…
