224: Systematic Investing: The Role of Consistent Alpha in Volatile Markets

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 this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido welcomes back Glenn Purves, Global Head of Macro at the BlackRock Investment Institute, to break down the firm’s 2025 Midyear Outlook.They explore why the long-term economic picture has become less predictable, how mega forces like AI and geopolitical fragmentation are reshaping global economic markets, and what “investing in the here and now” really means. From the role of private capital in funding infrastructure and energy to the balance between strategic and tactical asset allocation, Glenn shares how investors can find opportunity amid uncertainty in the economy—and what risks investors should watch for in the second half of the year.Sources: 2025 Midyear Outlook, BlackRock Investment InstituteKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to 2025 Market Volatility01:55 Introducing the Investment Midyear Outlook02:46 Geopolitical Fragmentation and Mega Forces03:48 3 Investment Themes In 202505:10 Navigating Uncertainty and Risk08:47 The Role of AI and Energy in Investments13:19 Geopolitical Landscape and Trade Policies16:49 Conclusion and Key Takeaways19:30 Summer Series on The BidCheck out this playlist featuring previous Outlooks: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1xN5nUCnSM9TuHxTE5ibOe🔗 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-disclosureseconomy, investors, macroeconomicSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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. Shoring up emergency savings is protective of retirement savings, according to research by The BlackRock Foundation. So how can investors ensure they’re pulling all the levers at their disposal to retire on their own terms?Rob Crothers, Head of U.S. Retirement for BlackRock, will discuss the current state of the retirement landscape and help us unpack a toolkit for retirement savers that’s been proposed by the Bipartisan Policy Center and how investors and employers can plan for the future.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction: The Importance of Saving for Retirement00:17 Exploring the SECURE 2.0 Act and Retirement Universals02:01 Current Retirement Landscape and Policy Changes04:06 BlackRock's D.C. Retirement Summit and Key Recommendations06:28 Mechanisms for Better Saving Behavior11:40 Encouraging Early Financial Education14:24 Market Volatility and Long-Term Saving Strategies16:50 Actionable Retirement Considerations18:18 Conclusion and Upcoming TopicsCheck out this playlist on investing for retirement here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/08Fx1iZaBwLclqpswIbjUq🔗 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: BlackRock Global Family Office Report 2025; ‘To Spend Or Not To Spend’, Dec 2024, BlackRock; ‘More Than 1 Million Americans Now Enrolled In Auto-IRA Programs’, AARP 2025; Callan DC Trends Survey, Callan 2025; Survey of Household Economic Decision-Making, FED 2025; Bipartisan Policy Paper, BlackRock 2025This 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-disclosuresRetirement, retirement planning, retirement account, bipartisan policy center, 401kSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The global investment environment is full of uncertainty — from inflation, growth dynamics, to policy shifts and geopolitical tensions. Investors are seeking clarity and ways to unlock more consistent investment outcomes during a period of unpredictable conditions. 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? Enter systematic investing, that blends human insight and machine learning to pursue consistent alpha in volatile markets through disciplined processes, alternative data, and continuous innovation.Ronald Kahn, Global Head of Systematic Investment Research at BlackRock, has played a foundational role in shaping the field of quantitative investing over the past few decades. He joins host Oscar Pulido to talk about what it means to pursue consistent alpha in today’s markets, how data and technology have evolved investors' expectations and how systematic investing continues to deliver potential in uncertain conditions.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Investment Uncertainty in 202502:23 Pursuing Consistent Alpha in Volatile Markets04:02 The Role of Data and Technology04:26 Alternative Data in Action07:53 Systematic Investing and Technology12:44 Human and Machine Collaboration16:07 Considerations for Individual Investors18:47 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewCheck out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68Q🔗 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 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets.For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosuressystematic investing, consistent alpha, alpha investing, outperforming the market, investing opportunities, active manager, ETFs active ETFsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.Helen Jewell, Chief Investment Officer for Fundamental Equities in EMEA, and Belinda Boa, Head of Active Investments for Asia Pacific at BlackRock, will unpack how equity markets across Europe and Asia are responding to these changing dynamics, whether companies are absorbing the cost of tariffs or passing them on to consumers, and what resilience looks like for investors in markets shaped by volatility and transformation.Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Global Equity Markets Landscape02:00 Asian Market Dynamics and Tariff Strategies04:05 European Companies' Resilience and Stock Specifics06:53 Drivers of European Market Performance08:30 AI and Other Investment Opportunities in APAC11:08 Themes and Opportunities in European Equities13:08 Insights on UK Market and Investor Strategies19:42 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCheck out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68Q🔗 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 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets.For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosuresequity markets, european equities, asian equities, stock market, stocks, value stocks, growth stocks, investing opportunities AI investing, europe, asia, equity, equities,See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After two years of full steam ahead for U.S. equities, 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?Carrie King, U.S. and Developed Markets Chief Investment Officer for BlackRock’s Fundamental Equities group will discuss market volatility, rotations and the state of the U.S. equity market.Sources: Q2 Equities Outlook, BlackRock 2025Check out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68QKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Market Volatility and The Equity Landscape02:00 Recap of Previous Discussion and Market Trends03:48 Broadening of the Equity Markets04:27 US vs. Global Market Performance05:13 Drivers of Market Rotation and Volatility06:28 Fundamental Shifts in the Market09:15 European Market Outperformance12:11 US Exceptionalism and Future Outlook15:11 Health of US Corporations and Consumers18:14 Investor Sentiment and Future Outlook19:20 Conclusion and Investor Takeaways🔗 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 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets.For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosuresequity markets, us equities, stock market, stocks, value stocks, growth stocks, investing opportunities, equitiesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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.Sources: Equity Market Outlook Q2 2025, BlackRock; BlackRock Fundamental Equities, with data from Morningstar & Bloomberg as of April 30, 2025;Check out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68QKey moments in this episode:00:00 Stock Market Turmoil and Recovery01:22 Tony DeSpirito Gives His Q2 Outlook04:15 Historical Equity Markets Volatility06:53 Where Equity Opportunities in Volatile Markets Lie12:55 Global Market Comparisons17:34 Final Thoughts and Investor Considerations🔗 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 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosuresequity markets, stock market, stocks, value stocks, growth stocks, heathcare stocks, investing opportunities, volatilitySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Investment opportunities in India have been gaining significant attention, driven by the country's robust economic growth and favorable demographic trends. But what are the key factors that make India an attractive destination for long-term investment opportunities, and how can they navigate the complexities of this dynamic market? Vivek Paul, Head of Portfolio Research and UK Chief Investment Strategist for the BlackRock Investment Institute, will help explore the investment landscape in India, the opportunities in public markets, and the long-term growth potential driven by the country's economic growth and demographic strengths. We'll also delve into the implications of India's rapid digitization and resilience in a fragmented geopolitical landscape and discuss the challenges investors should consider in this evolving market. Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Investment Opportunities in India00:53 Exploring India's Economic and Demographic Strengths02:41 The Impact of Digitization and Geopolitical Dynamics03:26 Demographics and Economic Growth05:03 Stock Market vs. Economic Growth08:32 Fixed Income Markets and Central Bank Policies10:26 Geopolitical Risks and Tariffs12:47 Investment Risks and Opportunities in Indian Equities15:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCheck out our previous episode on India from last year here: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5lsbTpWYFSxgJkz75VA2rB?si=di74nyAmTISczr6uR_q5tASources: “Tapping Into India’s Transformation” Investment Perspectives, BlackRock Investment Institute, 2025🔗 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 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets.For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosuresindia, india investing, dividend investing, blackrock, economy, financial services, stock market investing podcast, finserv, finance podcast, economic growth, investing, investment, interest ratesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Capital markets are a powerful force in the global financial landscape. These markets connect long-term savings with productive uses of capital. Driving innovation, growth and job creation. But what are capital markets and how will they contribute to long-term global economic development?Samara Cohen, chief Investment Officer of ETF and Index Investments at BlackRock joins host Oscar Pulido to explore the key differences in capital market growth strategies between mature and emerging markets, how capital markets help in mobilizing investment, and the role of regulatory frameworks and market innovation in ensuring their effective functioning.Sources: “The Virtuous Cycle: The Global Potential Of Capital Markets” BlackRock, 2025This 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 authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. In the European Economic Area, this is authorised and regulated by the Netherlands Authority for the Financial Markets. For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures capital markets, global economy, economics, bond markets, retirementSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The geopolitical landscape in 2025 has seen significant shifts and developments. President Trump's second term has ushered in a new era of international relations, characterized by bold policy changes and strategic maneuvers. The implementation of new tariffs has reshaped global trade dynamics, raising concerns about broader economic implications. As we navigate these complex geopolitical changes, investors are asking how these developments will impact international trade, economic relations, and market stability.Catherine Kress, Head of Geopolitical Research and Strategy at BlackRock, provides an update on the current status of tariffs globally, we’ll discuss the key developments investors should be watching, and how they might impact international trade and economic relations. We'll also examine geopolitics in President Trump's first 100 days in office, other major stories on the horizon and how they could evolve in ways that impact investors.This episode was recorded on April 28th and published on April 29th.Check out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68QKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Geopolitical Shifts in 202500:40 Impact of US Tariffs on Global Trade02:20 Geopolitical Landscape Under Trump's Administration04:20 Global Fragmentation and Rising Tensions07:06 US-China Trade Conflict and Technology Competition15:22 US-Europe Relations and Tensions17:41 Conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East21:47 Investment Strategies Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty23:30 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes🔗 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 Important notice: 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. For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures the bid, tariffs, investing insights, tariff, tariff pause, us tariff pause, investing podcast, tariff war, tariff relief, tariffs and economy, finance, trump, economy, inflation, blackrock, economic growth, market volatility, trump, trump 100 days, president trumpSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Global markets have been experiencing extraordinary volatility in response to the U.S. tariff pause announced on April 9th, a reflection of the uncertainty surrounding the economic and policy outlook. But similar to other unprecedented market moments in history, the investment strategies that work today may not apply tomorrow. So how can investors adapt their investment approach, when the familiar economic rulebook is thrown out?  Rich Mathieson, a senior portfolio manager within the Systematic Active Equities team, a quantitative investment group at BlackRock will take us through some of the pivotal moments in history where uncertainty was a catalyst for transformation in the insights and strategies used by investors. He’ll share how that’s playing out in markets today, including how he is using data and techniques that can help investors cut through the headline noise.  This episode was recorded on April 22nd and published April 23rd.Check out the full series covering tariffs and market volatility on The Bid: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3iiZbbNz3eI08zXGZ4n3LI?si=TNiOrYRoSxyXVsbwsBs68QKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Market Volatility and Impact of Tariff Policies02:41 Unique Features of Current Market06:29 Artificial Intelligence in Investing08:14 Analyzing Trade Tensions11:05 Current Market Environment13:51 Investment Opportunities15:43 Portfolio Construction Insights17:20 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewSources: “Stocks Advance as Nvidia Closes at All-Time High: Markets Wrap”, Bloomberg January 2025; “Investors haven’t been this bearish in 30 years” Blooomberg, April 2025; “Is This The Brink Of The Recession We Have Yet To Have?” Bloomberg, April 2025; BlackRock Systematic, as of April 22, 2025. Comment references momentum and crowding signals; Bloomberg data for MSCI World Index performance, referencing performance during the month of April 2025; “As tariffs roil the markets, here's why some sectors are faring worse than others”, CBC News April 2025; “The Magnificent 7's lousy year, by the numbers”, CNBC, April 2025; Bloomberg, performance of S&P 500 Index for 2023 and 2024🔗 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 Important Notice: 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. For full disclosures go to Blackrock.com/corporate/compliance/bid-disclosures the bid, tariffs, investing insights, tariff, tariff pause, us tariff pause, investing podcast, tariff war, tariff relief, tariffs and economy, finance, trump, economy, inflation, blackrock, economic growth, market volatility  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.