Jay Jacobs, the US head of Thematic and Active ETFs at BlackRock, dives into the critical theme of revitalizing the US physical economy. He discusses the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act’s massive funding aimed at upgrading aging infrastructure. Jay highlights the surge in reshoring manufacturing and the pressing housing supply gap. He emphasizes the bipartisan support these initiatives receive and sheds light on demographic trends impacting the housing market. Additionally, he explores the intertwined relationship between the digital and physical economies.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act aims to address urgent infrastructure needs and is expected to significantly enhance economic productivity.
There is a substantial housing supply gap in the U.S., necessitating targeted investments and policy changes to create affordable housing options.
Deep dives
Revitalizing U.S. Infrastructure
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated approximately $1.2 trillion to improve the United States' infrastructure, addressing urgent needs highlighted by the American Society of Civil Engineers, which rated it as a C-. This rating points to the extensive challenges facing the nation's roads, bridges, and highways, many of which were constructed decades ago and have suffered from neglect. With around one in 13 bridges classified as structurally deficient, this legislation aims to accelerate rebuilding efforts to enhance safety and efficiency across transportation networks. Improved infrastructure is projected to significantly boost economic productivity by reducing traffic congestion and facilitating smoother movement of goods.
The Role of Private Investment in Infrastructure
Private investment is crucial in revitalizing U.S. infrastructure, as seen in New York City projects like the 7 train extension and the Second Avenue subway, which received funding from both state initiatives and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Collaborative funding from city, state, federal, and private sectors creates a diverse financial mosaic that continues to support essential infrastructure projects. This multifaceted approach allows cities to engage in ambitious undertakings, such as the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project, further strengthening the nation's infrastructure capabilities. As public agencies partner with private firms, the potential for innovative solutions and effective project completion is significantly enhanced.
Addressing Housing Supply Challenges
The United States faces a significant housing supply gap, with 17 million households formed against only 10 million homes built over the past decade. The existing supply-demand imbalance has led to persistently high housing prices, underscoring the need for targeted investment and policy changes from both the public and private sectors. Legislative initiatives addressing housing shortages are gaining traction as they recognize the importance of creating more affordable options, particularly for millennials who have lower homeownership rates compared to older generations. Lower interest rates could encourage construction activity and make mortgages more accessible, potentially easing the housing market's pressures.
A critical theme for 2025 and beyond rebuilding the US physical economy with the Infrastructure, Investment and Jobs Act, and other policy measures, there's a renewed focus on enhancing infrastructure, reshoring manufacturing and addressing the housing supply gap. These efforts are not just about construction and development. They're about revitalizing the US economy and creating sustainable economic growth. Joining Oscar is Jay Jacobs, US head of Thematic and Active ETFs at BlackRock. Jay will provide insights into the demographic trends influencing the housing market, the reshoring of manufacturing, and the bipartisan support for these developments
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