247: Inside Hedge Fund Strategies: How They Work and Why Investors Are Paying Attention

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.

Global markets are entering 2026 amid heightened geopolitical uncertainty, structural shifts in the global order, and rapid technological change. Recorded live from the World Economic Forum in Davos, this episode of The Bid examines the macroeconomic and geopolitical forces shaping the year ahead.Host Oscar Pulido is joined by Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of BlackRock, and Tom Donilon, Vice Chairman of BlackRock and Chairman of the BlackRock Investment Institute. Drawing on conversations with political leaders, policymakers, and business executives in Davos, they reflect on an evolving geopolitical landscape and its implications for markets, governments, and global cooperation.The discussion explores how shifts in U.S. policy are reshaping alliances — particularly between the United States and Europe — and why this period may mark a broader transition away from the post–World War II global framework. Philipp outlines the pressures facing Europe, while Tom examines how national security considerations are increasingly shaping economic policy, trade, and global investment flows.Artificial intelligence emerges as a central theme, viewed both as an economic driver and a geopolitical force. The episode considers AI’s role in national security competition, the growing importance of data centers and energy infrastructure, and how concerns around sovereignty, critical minerals, and societal impact are elevating AI from a technological issue to a political one.Key insights·      How current geopolitical developments are reshaping the global outlook entering 2026·      Why Davos remains a key forum for understanding policy and market sentiment·      Where Europe’s macroeconomic challenges and opportunities are most pronounced·      How AI is increasingly intersecting with geopolitics and national security·      What recent U.S.–Europe tensions reveal about future global cooperation·      How investors and policymakers are interpreting uncertainty in today’s environmentGeopolitics, global macro outlook, Europe economy, World Economic Forum Davos, AI and geopolitics, global markets, policy uncertaintyThis 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.

This week, the focus is on diversification—and why it’s getting harder to achieve. Portfolio Strategist Natalie Gill explains how the “diversification mirage,” a key theme in BII’s 2026 outlook, is now showing up in real time. A small set of megaforces is increasingly dictating equity performance, meaning traditional attempts to diversify—whether toward equal-weighted indices or new regions—can amount to larger active positions than many investors realize.Natalie also breaks down how rising developed-market bond yields challenge the long-held assumption that long-term bonds reliably balance portfolios. Fiscal strains, shifting central bank stances, and policy divergence between the U.S. and other economies further complicate the diversification picture. As bond volatility rises and a small number of equity drivers dominate returns, investors may need to reconsider how and where true diversification can be found.The episode also highlights the growing disconnect between the Federal Reserve’s policy posture and the more hawkish tone across Australia, Canada, and Japan—where fiscal dynamics and reopening risks are influencing long-term rates. These divergences, paired with delayed U.S. labor data and inflation considerations, shape the macro backdrop as markets enter the new year.Key Insights·      Diversification is increasingly difficult as a handful of megaforces drive global equity performance.·      Traditional diversifiers—such as long-term government bonds—provide less balance amid rising yields.·      Policy divergence between the U.S. and other major central banks is creating new cross-market risks.·      Fiscal concerns are influencing yield curves, particularly in Japan and the UK.·      Portfolios may require more deliberate, active decisions and alternative sources of return to achieve true diversification. diversification, megaforces, capital markets, macro trends, bond yields, portfolio balance, market 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.

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.

AI-driven investment, rising leverage and shifting market dynamics are reshaping the 2026 stock market outlook. As companies accelerate spending on data centers, chips and digital infrastructure, micro-level decisions are increasingly influencing the capital markets and broader economy.In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido speaks with Jean Boivin, Head of the BlackRock Investment Institute, about the major forces shaping the 2026 markets and investing landscape. Jean breaks down how AI-related capital expenditure is transforming growth patterns, why governments and companies may need to leverage up to finance large-scale projects, and how these trends interact with today’s policy and market environment.They also explore the diversification mirage — the idea that in an economy driven by a few powerful megaforces, some strategies that appear diversified may actually be concentrated calls. Jean shares how this affects views on regional equity markets, fixed income trends and the evolving structure of global investing.🔗 Check out this Spotify playlist for more on the AI growth story: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1rt6kLl0fzg9D7puEkAupqKey moments in this episode:00:00 Introducing AI's Unprecedented Growth in 2025 and Beyond01:11 Introduction to the 2026 Global Outlook02:04 Three Big Market Themes for 202603:33 AI's Dominance and Economic Impact05:39 Is AI in a Bubble?09:44 Leveraging Up: Financing the AI Boom12:30 Diversification Mirage in the AI Era15:06 Future of Finance: Private Credit and Digital Innovation17:30 Investment Opportunities Beyond AI19:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts🔗 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 Sources: BlackRock Investment Institute 2026 Global Outlook2026 market outlook, AI investing, AI Buildout, AI infrastructure, Capital markets, Megaforces, Stock market trends, Private credit, Global macro outlook, diversification strategiesThis 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.

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 parameters04:32 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 volatilitySources: 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-disclosuresSee 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 2025Key moments in this episode:00:00 Introduction to why Private Markets are having a moment now01:01 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 lending14:20 Artificial Intelligence in Private Markets - How AI is influencing value creation within privately backed companies.16:40 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCheck 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 constructionThis 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-disclosuresSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Investing in any market can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to. In this episode of The Bid, host Oscar Pulido sits down with Jim Cramer, investor, author, and host of Mad Money, to explore what it really takes to build wealth and confidence over time.Cramer’s latest book, How to Make Money in Any Market, continues his mission of empowering everyday investors to take control of their financial futures. From lessons learned running a hedge fund to insights from decades in media, Cramer’s message is clear: you don’t need to be a professional to succeed - you just need discipline, curiosity, and patience. From the birth of the “FAANG” concept to the story behind naming his dog Nvidia, Cramer shares personal stories that illuminate his broader philosophy — that investing is about persistence, not prediction. He and Oscar also discuss long-term trends in capital markets, the role of index investing, and why hope and participation remain central to a healthy investing mindset.This episode covers:·      Why Cramer believes this is the right moment for a new playbook on investing.·      The power of compounding and why saving regularly still works in today’s capital markets.·      How technology — from online research to tools like ChatGPT — has transformed access to information.·      Why he encourages investors to “do the homework” or choose a diversified index approach if they can’t.·      His pyramid-style investing framework: build positions slowly, remove emotion, and let time work for you.·      What he’s learned from mistakes, like overconfidence or losing faith too soon.·      How curiosity, observation, and understanding the “craft” can help investors find opportunities all around them.Key timestamps in this episode:00:00 Introduction to Investing with Jim Cramer00:50 Jim Cramer's Journey and New Book02:37 The Importance of Saving and Investing04:12 How to Analyze Stocks and Develop Market Strategies06:10 Jim's Investment Ethos and Practical Advice19:16 Personal Insights and Lightning Round21:57 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewMad Money, Investing in any market, Stock market trends, Capital markets, Long-term investing, Financial education, Retail investors, Compounding, AI investingThis 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.