Market insights
Stay ahead of the markets with insights from our strategists and portfolio managers. Uncover the latest on the global economy, geopolitics and retirement, among other timely investment ideas.
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Portfolio construction
Total Return Fund
Apr 22, 2021 | By BlackRockA diversified core bond strategy can help your portfolio deliver more consistent performance through market cycles. BlackRock Total Return Fund seeks returns in a variety of fixed income sectors while providing protection when stocks fall. -
Portfolio construction
Strategic Income Opportunities Fund
Apr 20, 2021 | By BlackRockThe portfolio managers of the BlackRock Strategic Income Opportunities Fund discuss the fund’s performance and positioning in this monthly commentary. -
![Why we like emerging market assets]()
BlackRock Investment InstituteWhy we like emerging market assets
Emerging market assets have had a rough start to the year. What lies ahead? Read more in the Global weekly commentary. -
![The Enigma and Intangibility of Inflation]()
InvestingThe Enigma and Intangibility of Inflation
Apr 19, 2021 | By BlackRockRick Rieder and team argue that inflation is a complex and enigmatic concept, so policymakers should take an expanded view of how prices are considered. -
![Even portfolios can benefit from a little ‘spring cleaning’]()
Fixed IncomeEven portfolios can benefit from a little ‘spring cleaning’
Given modestly higher interest rates and improving growth forecasts, we think it’s a good time to trim lower-yielding credits with limited upside. -
![An investor, an economist and a post-pandemic outlook]()
InvestingAn investor, an economist and a post-pandemic outlook
Apr 14, 2021 | By BlackRockThe COVID recovery is likely to be as unusual as the crisis itself. BlackRock’s Tony DeSpirito sat down with former FOMC member Bill Dudley to discuss. -
![Muni bonds outrun rising rates]()
Portfolio constructionMuni bonds outrun rising rates
Apr 12, 2021 | By BlackRockMarket update from BlackRock's municipal bond team. -
![In Unprecedented Times, Don’t Rely on (Obvious) Precedent]()
InvestingIn Unprecedented Times, Don’t Rely on (Obvious) Precedent
Apr 6, 2021 | By BlackRockRick Rieder and team argue that the extraordinary policy largess we’re witnessing at a time of economic tailwinds could threaten Fed credibility and is likely to add to volatility. -
![Opportunity still alive in value stocks]()
InvestingOpportunity still alive in value stocks
Value stocks have performed well of late and may still have room to run. Active equity investor Tony DeSpirito reviews the short- and longer-term tailwinds. -
![Taking stock: Q2 2021 equity market outlook]()
EquitiesTaking stock: Q2 2021 equity market outlook
The second quarter is likely to bring greater economic re-awakening and opportunity for active stock pickers. Read our Q2 outlook and investor watchlist. -
![Why rising rates won’t derail stocks]()
Global AllocationWhy rising rates won’t derail stocks
In this piece, Russ Koesterich, portfolio manager of the Global Allocation fund, discusses how history suggests that higher interest rates can help, not hinder, stocks. -
Investing
Finding Some ‘Real Perspective’ in this Market Cycle
Rick Rieder and team argue we’re at the cusp of another stage in the market cycle, driven by fiscal/monetary policy, making capital allocation critical. -
![Another hedge bites the dust]()
Global AllocationAnother hedge bites the dust
In this market insight piece, Russ Koesterich, portfolio manager of the Global Allocation fund, discusses why gold has not been an effective hedge recently. -
![Making More by Losing Less]()
InvestingMaking More by Losing Less
Mar 8, 2021 | By BlackRockCovered call strategies can help investors manage short-term volatility and may provide better long-term outcomes while seeking to provide income to investors. -
![To spend or not to spend?]()
RetirementTo spend or not to spend?
Mar 3, 2021 | By BlackRockWhy some retirees are spending down their assets while others are not. -
Model Portfolios
Dividend stock disparity creates opportunity
Mar 2, 2021 | By BlackRockRead the latest model portfolio market insights to see where BlackRock’s Multi-Asset Income team see potential risks and opportunities across the landscape. -
![Launching climate-aware return assumptions]()
BlackRock Investment InstituteLaunching climate-aware return assumptions
We believe the effects of climate change should be included in financial projections. This is why we are launching climate-aware return assumptions. Learn more. -
![The Queen’s Gambit Declined]()
InvestingThe Queen’s Gambit Declined
Feb 25, 2021 | By BlackRockRick Rieder and team contend that a chess strategy can offer insight into why holding some cash may be the right defense for portfolios today. -
![Testing debt tolerance]()
BlackRock Investment InstituteTesting debt tolerance
The BlackRock Investment Institute sees higher inflation over the medium term, for three main reasons. This has important implications for long-term investors. -
![A new investment order]()
BlackRock Investment InstituteA new investment order
We have entered a new investment order. We believe this calls for a fundamental rethink of portfolio allocations – starting now. -
![As volatility fades, can cyclicals shine?]()
InvestingAs volatility fades, can cyclicals shine?
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund portfolio manager Russ Koesterich explains why he expects volatility to drop -- and cyclicals outperform. -
![What vaccine progress means for stock markets]()
Portfolio constructionWhat vaccine progress means for stock markets
Feb 16, 2021 | By BlackRockWith vaccines in flight, the pandemic’s end is a matter of when, not if. Researchers from BlackRock Fundamental Equities are gauging the evolving dynamics. -
![What’s the Value of a Dollar?]()
InvestingWhat’s the Value of a Dollar?
Rick Rieder and team think that today’s potent policy cocktail holds key implications for economic growth, markets and the value of a dollar. -
![Using a barbell to strengthen your equity portfolio]()
Portfolio constructionUsing a barbell to strengthen your equity portfolio
Value stocks look set to impress in 2021, but together with durable growers could add portfolio resilience. Fundamental Equity CIO Tony DeSpirito explains. -
![The case for more cash, fewer Treasury bonds]()
InvestingThe case for more cash, fewer Treasury bonds
In this piece, BlackRock Global Allocation Fund portfolio manager Russ Koesterich discusses the implications of a rise in stock-bonds correlations. -
![Davos brief]()
BlackRock Investment InstituteDavos brief
The virus shock has transformed the global investment landscape, accelerating deep structural trends. Ahead of Davos, read our latest macro and market insights. -
![Global Allocation Fund]()
Portfolio constructionGlobal Allocation Fund
Even after the remarkable market performance of 2020, we still see potential for continued growth in 2021. -
![Cyclical tech can continue to lead]()
InvestingCyclical tech can continue to lead
BlackRock Global Allocation Fund portfolio manager Russ Koesterich discusses opportunities within Tech, though the sector has recently underperformed. -
![Two Quiet Clues To 2021 Market Direction]()
InvestingTwo Quiet Clues To 2021 Market Direction
Rick Rieder and team highlight two recent publications that might prove instructive for portfolios in 2021. -
Investing
Reconciling Financial Markets with the Real Economy
Jan 4, 2021 | By Jeff ShenCOVID has accelerated some economic trends into warp speed and our quantitative tools are telling us that these trends have a long way to run. -
![2020 holiday reading list]()
BlackRock Investment Institute2020 holiday reading list
Members of BlackRock Investment Institute recommend their favorite books of 2020. -
![Investing in a Frictionless World]()
InvestingInvesting in a Frictionless World
Dec 21, 2020 | By BlackRockRick Rieder and team describe how revolutionary changes taking place in corporate business models will impact investing for years. -
![Why – and where - consumers keep spending]()
InvestingWhy – and where - consumers keep spending
Global Allocation Fund portfolio manager Russ Koesterich explains that consumers remain strong, though their focus keeps shifting. -
![Taking stock: 11 themes to consider as we look toward 2021]()
InvestingTaking stock: 11 themes to consider as we look toward 2021
Dec 10, 2020 | By BlackRockRick Rieder and team highlight 11 themes investors can draw on to successfully guide portfolios into 2021. -
![Why the outlook for healthcare stocks just got brighter]()
InvestingWhy the outlook for healthcare stocks just got brighter
Innovation in the face of COVID-19 and clarity around the U.S. election shine new light on healthcare stocks. A leading health science investor weighs in. -
![Sticking with high quality cyclicals]()
InvestingSticking with high quality cyclicals
Global Allocation Fund portfolio manager Russ Koesterich breaks down the recent market swings and explains why he favors high quality cyclicals. -
![The outlook for growth stocks]()
InvestingThe outlook for growth stocks
Nov 17, 2020 | By BlackRockGrowth stocks have led the market this year, but some question whether the strength can endure. Two growth pros suggest it can in this stock market minute. -
![Five Wild Cards for 2021]()
Portfolio constructionFive Wild Cards for 2021
Nov 1, 2020 | By Jeffrey RosenbergBlackRock bond experts reveal the top themes driving our fixed income outlook. Learn the latest key risks and opportunities in today’s bond market. -
![A stock picker’s guide to growth]()
EquitiesA stock picker’s guide to growth
Oct 30, 2020 | By BlackRockThe pandemic has accelerated trends that were already propelling many growth companies forward. Can they continue to deliver? Two stock pickers weigh in. -
![New technologies changing asset management]()
EquitiesNew technologies changing asset management
Oct 27, 2020 | By BlackRockTechnology is transforming the way we work. Asset managers are no exception as they seek better investment outcomes for clients. Discover how. -
![6 key questions about impact investing]()
Investing6 key questions about impact investing
Oct 26, 2020 | By Eric RiceWhat is impacting investing? How is it different from ESG? Equity investor Eric Rice answers these questions and more in this one-minute read. -
![Growth vs. value: The case for the middle]()
InvestingGrowth vs. value: The case for the middle
Global Allocation Fund portfolio manager Russ Koesterich discusses the appeal of the middle area when choosing between growth versus value stocks. -
![Volatility, the vote and taking the long view]()
Portfolio constructionVolatility, the vote and taking the long view
The U.S. presidential election is adding to market angst. How much do politics matter in the long run? Tony DeSpirito answers in this one-minute read. -
![Gold: less a hedge, more a rates play]()
InvestingGold: less a hedge, more a rates play
As portfolio manager Russ Koesterich discusses, negative real interest rates help explain why gold is moving more in tandem with stocks these days. -
![The case for impact investing in public equities]()
EquitiesThe case for impact investing in public equities
Sep 30, 2020 | By BlackRockImpact investing in public equities can provide exposure to disruptive innovation and structural growth opportunities that are often overlooked. Learn more. -
![9 critical market facts explained/confounding myths dispelled]()
Investing9 critical market facts explained/confounding myths dispelled
Sep 30, 2020 | By BlackRockRick Rieder and team highlight the critical facts that will drive the markets in the year ahead, as well as the myths that could mislead investors. -
![Why International]()
InvestingWhy International
Sep 29, 2020 | By BlackRockdiscussing why investors should consider adding international exposures to their portfolios. i will email you the doc and charts in excel, i am not able to upload here due to size limit. -
![Consumer rebound combines old and new]()
InvestingConsumer rebound combines old and new
Russ Koesterich, portfolio manager of the BlackRock Global Allocation Fund, explores what’s driving the continued strength of the U.S. consumer. -
![The physics of economic and financial distress]()
InvestingThe physics of economic and financial distress
Even as markets were rocked by uncertainty as the coronavirus lockdowns began, the seeds of stability were sown in the massive fiscal and monetary policy response. -
![Navigating an uneven road to recovery]()
InvestingNavigating an uneven road to recovery
Sep 24, 2020 | By Jeff ShenAs individual entities plot their emergence from coronavirus closures, the pace of recovery and prospective outcomes are looking increasingly diverse.
The Role of TIPS in Fixed Income Portfolios
In this commentary David Rogal, Bob Miller and Jonathan Pingle reassess where TIPS markets stand in light of inflation dynamics and monetary policy today.
