Infrastructure investing is no longer a niche play — it’s at the center of today’s global economy and portfolios. In this episode of The Bid, we dive into why infrastructure investing is having a moment, how it connects to AI, and what megaforces are shaping the next decade of growth.

Host Oscar Pulido sits down with Balfe Morrison, Head of Listed Infrastructure Strategies, to explore the golden age of infrastructure investing. From data centers powering artificial intelligence to pipelines driving energy security and railroads transforming transportation, infrastructure is proving to be one of the most durable and exciting asset classes in capital markets today.

Key moments in this episode:

00:00 Introduction to Infrastructure Investing

01:55 Defining Infrastructure

03:34 Public vs. Private Market Access

06:11 The "Golden Age" of Infrastructure Investing

06:59 AI and Energy Demand

07:51 Natural Gas and Transportation Sectors

13:33 Global Opportunities in Infrastructure

15:11 Investment Considerations and Risks

17:04 Conclusion and Further Listening

Sources: FTSE Russell as at 29 August 2025, FTSE Global Core Infrastructure 50/50 Index; U.S. Department of Energy report via Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Dec 2024; “Data Centers Drive Up Electricity Demand, Causing Concern for GridOperators” Institute for Energy Research 2024; “Greenhouse Gas Emissions from the Coming Wave of US Natural Gas Transmission Pipelines”, June 2025, CEEA; Assessing the U.S. Power System's Ability to Support Data Center Growth, Schneider Electric June 2025; Amazon Q2 2025 Earnings Call;

🔗 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-disclosures

Infrastructure investing, AI investing, Stock market trends, Energy transition, Utilities

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fixed income investing is experiencing a powerful resurgence. With yields at multi-decade highs, income opportunities are abundant, yet investors must navigate uncertainty in capital markets and shifting macroeconomic dynamics. In this episode of The Bid, we explore why fixed income is once again a compelling anchor for portfolios.

Host Oscar Pulido sits down with Rick Rieder, Chief Investment Officer of Global Fixed Income at BlackRock, live from the Future Proof Festival in Huntington Beach. Together, they discuss why prioritizing income over duration is the key theme in today’s bond markets, and how investors can uncover opportunities across geographies and asset classes. Rick emphasizes the importance of dynamic, flexible portfolio construction. With fixed income yields at levels not seen in decades, investors now have the chance to rethink their allocations and position portfolios for long-term growth.

Key moments in this episode:

00:00 Introduction

01:28 Rick Rieder's High Level Insights on Fixed Income Landscape

02:04 Economic Forces and Investment Strategies

02:56 Global Fixed Income: Opportunities and Risks

06:51 Dynamic Asset Allocation and Portfolio Management

12:12 Currency Views and Market Predictions

13:49 Conclusion: Staying in the Game

16:16 Outro and Next Episode on Infrastructure

Sources: BlackRock Fixed Income Q3 Outlook, Bloomberg as of Tuesday 9th September 2025

Fixed income investing, Capital markets, Megaforces, Stock market trends, BlackRock

🔗 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-disclosures

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The world of artificial intelligence continues to profoundly impact the stock markets and create investment opportunities. Despite a brief setback earlier this year, AI continues to push the boundaries of human ingenuity and drive market dynamics.

Oscar Pulido welcomes Tony Kim, head of the BlackRock Fundamental Equities Global Technology Team, and Michael Gates, lead portfolio manager of BlackRock's target allocation models. Fresh from their interactions with technology leaders in San Francisco and Silicon Valley, Tony and Michael share their insights on the rapid advancements in AI, the efficiencies it brings to the economy, and the promising investment opportunities it unveils across various sectors.

Key moments from this episode:

00:00 Introducing AI’s Unprecedented Investment Surge

03:03 The Three Layers of AI Investment Opportunity

08:21 AI’s Impact on Labor and Services

10:34 Exponential Growth and Humanoid Robots

14:41 Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity

18:48 Considering The Societal Impact and Future Outlook

🔗 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: “AI Scaling Laws and Market Structure”, Anton Korinek, Professor of Economics, University of Virginia; Bloomberg data as of June 31st 2025; “The Complex Truth About AI Computing and Value”, Wall Street Journal, March 2nd 2025; Analysis based on BlackRock Global Technology evaluations and calculations; BlackRock and World Bank Group Data, World Bank estimates GDP around $111 trillion, Capital expenditure on AI infrastructure is estimated at around $400 bn.

AI, AI Investing, Tech Investing, Technology Investing, Silicon Valley, Tech

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-disclosures

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing the summer series, The Bid brings back some of the best episodes from the last year. Oscar’s final pick is unpacking the meaning and the power of capital markets.

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, 2025

Original episode aired May 9th 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 

Capital markets, global growth, stock markets, bond markets, capital

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-disclosures

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Continuing the summer series, The Bid brings back some of the best episodes from the last year. Stevie's pick is a deep dive into the technology and AI investing trends coming out of Silicon Valley featuring Tony Kim, BlackRock portfolio manager and technology investing expert.

AI is experiencing a transformative moment, powering the phenomenal run in public markets, but the investment opportunities certainly transcend that small group of names. So where are the most compelling opportunities and how can AI investment not only build wealth, but contribute to a more efficient future?

Tony Kim, portfolio manager from BlackRock's Fundamental Equities team, joins Oscar to explore the evolving conversation around technology and AI investing among industry leaders, rebut AI skepticism and examine the investment potential of quantum computing.

Sources: Google Investor call, July 2024 per Sundar Pichai.

Original episode aired September 13th 2024

Key moments in this episode:

00:00 Introduction to The Bid's summer series Part Two and Stevie's Favourite Episode: Tech and AI Investing Trends

02:15 Tony Kim on the Evolution of AI in Tech

03:50 AI's Impact on Various Industries

05:16 Investment Opportunities in AI

08:07 The Future of AI and Quantum Computing

21:20 Historical Perspectives and Future Insights

22:44 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 

AI, Tech investing, Investing in tech, tech opportunities, silicon valley

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-disclosures

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Over the summer, The Bid brings back some of the best episodes from the last year. Kicking off the series, hosts Oscar and Stevie take a look back on one of the most popular episodes, recorded live on location in Davos, Switzerland.

In a special episode recorded from Davos, host Oscar Pulido is joined by Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of BlackRock, and Tom Donilon, Chairman of the BlackRock Investment Institute, to discuss the latest insights on the macroeconomic and geopolitical outlook for 2025. Philipp and Tom will provide their expert analysis on how these dynamics are shaping the global economic environment and what it means for investors and policymakers, offering listeners a behind-the-scenes perspective from Davos. 

Original episode aired January 24th 2025

Key moments in this episode:

00:00 Introduction to The Bid's Best of Summer Series

00:49 Oscar's Favorite Episode: Geopolitics Live from Davos

03:02 Insights from Davos: Geopolitical and Economic Outlook

05:35 The Impact of AI and Technology

07:41 US-China Relations and Global Fragmentation

10:59 Economic Outlook for 2025

18:02 Europe's Response to Global Challenges

26:00 Reflections and Closing Remarks

🔗 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-disclosures

Geopolitics, Davos, tariffs, geopolitical,

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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 Institute

Key moments in this episode:

00:00 Introduction to 2025 Market Volatility

01:55 Introducing the Investment Midyear Outlook

02:46 Geopolitical Fragmentation and Mega Forces

03:48 3 Investment Themes In 2025

05:10 Navigating Uncertainty and Risk

08:47 The Role of AI and Energy in Investments

13:19 Geopolitical Landscape and Trade Policies

16:49 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

19:30 Summer Series on The Bid

Check 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-disclosures

economy, investors, macroeconomic

See 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 Retirement

00:17 Exploring the SECURE 2.0 Act and Retirement Universals

02:01 Current Retirement Landscape and Policy Changes

04:06 BlackRock's D.C. Retirement Summit and Key Recommendations

06:28 Mechanisms for Better Saving Behavior

11:40 Encouraging Early Financial Education

14:24 Market Volatility and Long-Term Saving Strategies

16:50 Actionable Retirement Considerations

18:18 Conclusion and Upcoming Topics

Check 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 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 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-disclosures

Retirement, retirement planning, retirement account, bipartisan policy center, 401k

See 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 2025

02:23 Pursuing Consistent Alpha in Volatile Markets

04:02 The Role of Data and Technology

04:26 Alternative Data in Action

07:53 Systematic Investing and Technology

12:44 Human and Machine Collaboration

16:07 Considerations for Individual Investors

18:47 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

Check 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-disclosures

systematic investing, consistent alpha, alpha investing, outperforming the market, investing opportunities, active manager, ETFs active ETFs

See 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 Landscape

02:00 Asian Market Dynamics and Tariff Strategies

04:05 European Companies' Resilience and Stock Specifics

06:53 Drivers of European Market Performance

08:30 AI and Other Investment Opportunities in APAC

11:08 Themes and Opportunities in European Equities

13:08 Insights on UK Market and Investor Strategies

19:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Check 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-disclosures

equity 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.