April 11, 2023

Eric Mueller of BlackRock - Unlocking the Potential of ETFs, Sustainable Investing, and Alternative Investments

27 minutes

There has been a growing interest in sustainable investing over the last few years as investors seek to invest in companies and initiatives prioritizing environmental, social, and governance factors. Along with this trend, alternative investments have become popular for non-traditional investment opportunities. Meanwhile, ETFs have provided investors with a convenient way to invest in a diversified portfolio of stocks, bonds, and other assets. But what potential lies in the intersection of sustainable investing, alternative investments, and ETFs?

In this episode, Rusty talks with Eric Mueller, Managing Director, Model Portfolio Strategist at BlackRock. For over 15 years at BlackRock, Eric worked closely with investment teams and portfolio managers to help clients reach and achieve their objectives. Today, Eric focuses on model portfolio business in the U.S., working closely with financial advisors and their clients.

Live at the Orion Ascent Conference, Eric talks with Rusty about Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) and ETF portfolios. They also speak about the market outlook, sustainable investing, and the role of alternative investments.

Key Takeaways

[01:46] - Eric's career history and his role at BlackRock.

[02:25] - The elevator pitch for BlackRock ETF strategies.

[03:52] - The strategies that would complement BlackRock's ETF strategies.

[05:08] - What the future holds for ETFs.

[06:13] - The growth rate of ETFs in the years ahead.

[07:33] - The fastest-growing part of the ETF industry.

[09:32] - How investors can make their portfolios more tax-efficient.

[10:59] - How BlackRock defines sustainable investing.

[13:09] - How BlackRock incorporates ESG investing into its portfolio.

[15:11] - Eric defines alternative investments and how investors should use them.

[17:51] - BlackRock's outlook for stocks, bonds, real assets, and alternative investments.

[20:23] - Eric's favorite investment strategy.

[21:13] - What Eric does to maintain his ability to perform at a high level.

[22:12] - The people Eric is professionally thankful for.

[23:32] - Eric's recommendation for content.

Quotes

[05:33] - "We're still in the early innings of investors truly recognizing ETFs' power as building blocks in a portfolio, whether it's the cost-effectiveness, liquidity, transparency, or specificity you can get as a model portfolio manager or asset allocator." ~ Eric Mueller

[08:15] - "The trend of model managers, asset managers, wealth managers, and building portfolios with ETFs are some of the most significant trends we will continue to see over the coming years." ~ Eric Mueller

[09:17] - "As you look at the market environment around us that is so dynamic and ever-changing, ETFs are a great way to make changes to the portfolio without incurring substantial costs along the way." ~ Eric Mueller

Links

Eric Mueller on LinkedIn

BlackRock

Sirius by The Alan Parsons Project

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Rusty Vanneman

Robyn Murray

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