The Bid

Infrastructure investments have long been recognized as a foundation for economic growth and low carbon infrastructure is increasingly becoming an area of interest for investors in both public and private markets. But how will low carbon infrastructure play a role in the evolving energy investing landscape? Helen Jewell, Chief Investment Officer for fundamental equities at BlackRock helps us explore the significance of infrastructure from an investing perspective, the opportunities in public markets, and the long-term growth potential from investments in renewable energy.Timestamps:00:00 Introduction to Low-Carbon Infrastructure00:41 Market Insights with Helen Jewell03:45 The Role of Public Markets in Infrastructure07:47 Low Carbon Infrastructure and Energy Needs10:21 Utilities and Renewable Energy Investments16:23 Challenges in Infrastructure Investing17:57 Conclusion and Future OutlookSources: “Growth in global electricity demand is set to accelerate in coming years” in IEA, February 2025; BGF Sustainable Growth Infrastructure Fund, Fundamental Equities, BlackRock Febrruary 2025; FTSE Developed Core Infrastructure Index = 3.35%, Source: FTSE Russell as at 31 January 2025; National Grid Sell US Onshore Renewables Arm $174billion Brookfield” Reuters, February 2024; Bloomberg NEF, January 2025; Bloomberg New Energy Outlook, 2025; “How Copper Will Shape Our Future” BHP, September 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 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-disclosureslow carbon investing, low carbon infrastructure, infrastructure, infrastructure investing, low carbon opportunities, copper, metals, infrastructure investments, blackrock investment insights, low-carbonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Catherine Kress, Head of Geopolitical Research at BlackRock, and Jeff Shen, Co-head of systematic equities at BlackRock, dive into the complex interplay of AI and global politics. They discuss how rapid AI advancements are reshaping investment landscapes and influencing geopolitical power dynamics, particularly between the U.S. and China. The conversation highlights the regulatory responses to AI challenges and the evolving investment strategies necessary to navigate these shifting sands, emphasizing the need for adaptability in an uncertain world.

Jeff Shen, co-head of Systematic Active Equity at BlackRock, is a seasoned expert in thematic investing. He explores the transformative forces driving today’s investment opportunities, such as technology and demographics. Shen contrasts thematic investing with traditional strategies, stressing the significance of timing and geopolitical influences. He highlights how technology, including machine learning, enhances investment decision-making. Risks and complexities are also discussed, alongside strategies for successfully navigating this dynamic landscape of emerging themes.

In this insightful discussion, Jeff Rosenberg, a Senior Fixed Income Portfolio Manager at BlackRock, unpacks the intriguing rise in bond yields despite interest rate cuts. He analyzes the disconnect between expected and actual market behaviors, drawing on historical parallels with the Greenspan era. The conversation also delves into the post-COVID dynamics affecting interest rates and global economic indicators. Rosenberg shares strategies for navigating a shifting bond market, emphasizing the importance of bond duration and diversified portfolio construction.

Glenn Purves, Global Head of Macro at BlackRock, and Catherine Kress, Head of Geopolitical Research at BlackRock, dive deep into the recent U.S. tariffs impacting global markets. They discuss how these tariffs stir market volatility and raise inflation concerns. The duo unpacks the vital effects on U.S. companies and supply chains, while analyzing the broader geopolitical landscape, particularly U.S.-China relations. They highlight new investment opportunities amidst these changing dynamics and share insights on navigating this complex economic terrain.

Philipp Hildebrand, Vice Chairman of BlackRock, and Tom Donilon, Chairman of the BlackRock Investment Institute, join in a riveting discussion from Davos. They delve into the macroeconomic outlook for 2025, highlighting the impact of the new U.S. administration on global markets amidst inflation and geopolitical tensions like the U.S.-China rivalry. The guests also emphasize the transformative role of AI in finance and the importance of navigating investment strategies in a volatile landscape, all while keeping an eye on pivotal European elections.

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.

As we welcome a new year, we reflect on 2024 as another strong year for equities with inflation, interest rates, and the ongoing impact of artificial intelligence. Still very much in the spotlight. 2025 is shaping up to be an intriguing year for equity investors BlackRock's Global CIO of Fundamental Equities, Tony DeSpirito, will discuss the factors driving the market where he sees the biggest equity opportunities and some of the challenges that lie ahead.Sources: S&P 500 2 Year Return, Y Charts, ‘How Reddit Surprised Wall Street With 185% Post-IPO Surge’, Investor Business Daily, Nov 2024; Russell 1000 Value Index historical charts; 2023 GICS Changes: Companies Impacted and What You Need to Know, State Street Global Advisors, Jan 2023; The Magnificent Seven Monitor, Reuters; BlackRock Fundamental Equities with data from FactSet as of 11/30/24This 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-disclosuresSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the second episode of our infrastructure mini-series on The Bid, guest host Mark Wiedman, speaks with Matt Harris and Salim Samaha from Global Infrastructure investing to explore one of the biggest opportunities in infrastructure, the global transition to a low carbon economy.Sources: IEA Net Zero 2050, May 2021; Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) New Energy Outlook 2024 (May 2024); LevelTen Energy - Q1 2024 PPA Price Index Executive Summary - North America; Carbonomics, Goldman Sachs Dec 2022This 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. 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. 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-disclosuresSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Raj Rao, Founding Partner, President, and COO of Global Infrastructure Partners, dives into the booming world of infrastructure investing. He discusses its origins and why it's becoming essential for investors. The conversation touches on the intersection of AI and data centers, highlighting the increased energy demands and infrastructure challenges. Rao also emphasizes the need for decarbonization and the vast investment opportunities in renewable energy. Finally, he explores the financial benefits linked to enhancing existing infrastructure, like Gatwick Airport.