Market Insight
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The Methadone Market
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Fixed Income, Investing for Income
Jeffrey Rosenberg discusses the implications of the Bank of Japan's historic announcement, how investors are encouraged to front-run policy changes and why inflation may not appear for some time.
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The Factors that Drive Success
Dennis Stattman | Topics: Investing for Income
One highly diversified, rigorously tested fund has brought its investors strong results for more than two decades. Find out what three factors make the BlackRock Global Allocation Fund unique.
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Cast A Wider Net For Income
Michael Fredericks | Topics: Investing for Income
Investors are starved for income with interest rates at historic lows. BlackRock's Michael Fredericks offers ideas about sourcing additional income and smoothing volatility.
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Munis "Spring Ahead"
Peter Hayes & James Schwartz | Topics: Fixed Income, Economic Outlook, Investing for Income
March melancholy gave way to April optimism in the municipal market, as tax-season selling abated and supply/demand looked to resume a more favorable balance. Peter Hayes and James Schwartz discuss this and more in their monthly market update.
MAY 20
Can the Rally Continue?
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Fixed Income, Economic Outlook, Equities
Can the Rally Continue? In the latest Investment Directions, Russ Koesterich provides his take and explains his recent downgrade of France and upgrade of South Korea.
MAY 17
Confident About Investing, But Concerned About Retirement
Daily Stat | Topics: Investing for Income, Retirement
62%: Investors who are concerned about having enough income to live comfortably in retirement
MAY 15
New World Wisdom: Winning More by Losing Less
BlackRock | Topics: Equities, Economic Outlook, Investing for Income
When it comes to investing, the fastest sprint doesn't necessarily make you a winner. Portfolio managers of the BlackRock Equity Dividend Fund discuss why they believe slow and steady wins the investing race - particularly during volatile times.
MAY 13
Dissecting the Rally: What Sectors Look Attractive?
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Economic Outlook, Equities
Stocks are up around 15% for the year, but this rally is quite unusual since defensive sectors have been leading the way. Looking ahead, BlackRock Chief Investment Strategist Russ Koesterich believes cyclical sectors look increasingly attractive.
MAY 13
High-Yield Bonds in a World of Low Rates
Peter Hayes | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Over the past few years, high-yield bonds have been one of the best performing asset classes. But now that spreads have compressed and prices have gone way up, what should investors do? Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group, shares his views.
MAY 13
States Saving for a Rainy Day
Chart of the Week | Topics: Fixed Income
Balances in state rainy day funds have increased 50% since reaching a low in fiscal year 2010.
MAY 13
Seven Smart Retirement Moves
Just One Thing | Topics: Retirement
Learn about the seven essential habits of highly confident retirees
MAY 9
The Methadone Market
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Fixed Income, Investing for Income
Jeffrey Rosenberg discusses the implications of the Bank of Japan's historic announcement, how investors are encouraged to front-run policy changes and why inflation may not appear for some time.
MAY 8
Rethink the Cost of Cash
BlackRock | Topics: Retirement, Investing for Income
Putting a significant portion of your portfolio into cash may seem like a good idea when times are uncertain and volatile. But there is a cost: Holding cash is a sure way to lose buying power in the long run.
MAY 8
Munis "Spring Ahead"
Peter Hayes & James Schwartz | Topics: Fixed Income, Economic Outlook, Investing for Income
March melancholy gave way to April optimism in the municipal market, as tax-season selling abated and supply/demand looked to resume a more favorable balance. Peter Hayes and James Schwartz discuss this and more in their monthly market update.
MAY 6
Will Municipals’ Tax-Exempt Status Change?
Peter Hayes | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
A cap on municipals’ tax exemption remains in the budget proposal, but will this change actually go through? Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group, weighs in with his views.
MAY 6
The New Diversification: Open Your Eyes to Alternatives
Christopher Geczy | Topics: Alternatives, Investing for Income
Learn about a new approach to portfolio construction and how "alternative" investments can play a larger role for individual investors.
MAY 1
High Yield: Why You Still Need It
James Keenan | Topics: Investing for Income, Fixed Income, Economic Outlook
After a solid four-year run, many investors are asking whether it’s time to lock in profits in high yield and move on. Jim Keenan, head of Leveraged Finance at BlackRock, explains why high yield stills deserve a central place in investor portfolios.
APR 30
A Core Bond Alternative Built to Adapt
Rick Rieder & Bob Miller | Topics: Fixed Income, Investing for Income
BlackRock’s Rick Rieder and Bob Miller discuss why traditional fixed income approaches may not work in this new world of investing, and how an adaptable approach can help investors achieve their goals.
APR 30
Blessed with Long Life. Hit by Low Yields. Time to Make a Change.
Topics: Fixed Income, Retirement, Economic Outlook
Living longer is a blessing, but it’s an expensive one. More years in retirement means your money needs to last longer and stretch. The old ways of investing won’t get you to where you need to be. It’s time for a new strategy.
APR 29
Understanding Gold’s Value in a Portfolio
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Economic Outlook
Gold is a difficult commodity to value, and many investors are asking if now is the time to buy or sell the precious metal. Russ Koesterich, Chief Investment Strategist, shares his views in this week’s BlackRock Answers video.
APR 24
Stock Markets Too Volatile? Get the Long and Short of It
BlackRock | Topics: Equities, Alternatives
Stock market volatility since the global credit crisis has scared many investors away, leaving some struggling to generate growth and returns. But we believe there is a way to be invested in stocks that can help mitigate volatility.
APR 22
Positioning Your Portfolio for a Fed Exit
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
When will the Fed begin to pull back on its quantitative easing program? Jeff Rosenberg, reveals his thoughts on a timeline and discusses how investors should position their portfolios for a potential Fed exit.
APR 15
Exercise Caution with Small-Cap Stocks
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Economic Outlook, Equities
Small-cap stocks have been performing well, but our Chief Investment Strategist recommends exercising caution with them. Find out why in this week’s BlackRock Answers video.
APR 12
What's Next: The Critical Answers Spring Update
BlackRock | Topics: Fixed Income, Equities, Investing for Income, Economic Outlook
BlackRock's senior strategists discuss their views on key market and investment topics, answer the critical questions on investors' minds and point to where they see opportunities in the market.
APR 12
What’s Next: Spring Update Investment Actions
BlackRock | Topics: Fixed Income, Equities, Economic Outlook, Investing for Income
BlackRock's best recommendations for the current investing environment.
APR 8
The Sequester's Impact on the State and Local Level
Peter Hayes | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Many investors are wondering how the federal sequester will impact the state and local level. Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group, discusses this and more.
APR 4
Emerging Markets: There's More Than One Way to Play
BlackRock | Topics: Equities, Economic Outlook
Emerging markets have been the dominant growth story of the past generation. As the cycle evolves, so must the investment approach. The BlackRock Global Allocation team offers five thoughts for investing in emerging markets today.
APR 1
Market Correction: What Could Cause One?
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Economic Outlook
Many investors are anticipating a market correction this year. Russ Koesterich, Chief Investment Strategist, reveals three catalysts that have the potential to cause one.
MAR 25
The Factors that Drive Success
Dennis Stattman | Topics: Investing for Income
One highly diversified, rigorously tested fund has brought its investors strong results for more than two decades. Find out what three factors make the BlackRock Global Allocation Fund unique.
MAR 25
Cast A Wider Net For Income
Michael Fredericks | Topics: Investing for Income
Investors are starved for income with interest rates at historic lows. BlackRock's Michael Fredericks offers ideas about sourcing additional income and smoothing volatility.
MAR 11
Traditional Fixed Income No Longer Compensates for Risks
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Traditional fixed income investments no longer compensate investors for the risks that they are taking. Jeff Rosenberg, Chief Investment Strategist for Fixed Income, shares his recommendations for how investors can generate income with their fixed income portfolios.
MAR 8
State of the States & Local Governments
BlackRock | Topics: Fixed Income, Investing for Income, Economic Outlook
Investors in municipal bonds have kept a close watch on how state and local governments have fared in the Great Recession and era of austerity. This report takes a comprehensive look at the current state of states and locals.
MAR 4
Tapping Into the Strength of Emerging Markets
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Economic Outlook, Equities
As emerging markets continue to march along, investors are wondering how they can take advantage of this growing opportunity. Russ Koesterich, Chief Investment Strategist, discusses two ways you can tap into the strength of emerging markets.
FEB 25
Harness the Power of Tax Exemption with Munis
Peter Hayes | Topics: Fixed Income, Economic Outlook
In light of recent tax hikes, many investors are wondering how they can keep more of what they earn. Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group, explains how you can harness the power of tax exemption with municipals.
FEB 21
High-Potential Investments Don't Require High Price Tags
Bart Geer | Topics: Equities, Economic Outlook
Value remains an important priority for Americans today. BlackRock's Bart Geer believes that same mentality should apply when constructing an investment portfolio.
FEB 19
Time to Buy Japanese Stocks?
Dennis Stattman | Topics: Economic Outlook, Equities
Several unique factors are contributing to the momentum behind the Japanese equity market. Dennis Stattman, Head of the Global Allocation Team, reveals why he is bullish on Japanese stocks.
FEB 11
Where Will Interest Rates Go in 2013?
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
January's backup in the 10-year treasury yield has many investors wondering if interest rates will rise further. Jeff Rosenberg, Chief Investment Strategist for Fixed Income, shares his interest rate outlook and recommendations for how investors should position their fixed income portfolios this year.
FEB 4
Mega Caps Well-Positioned for 2013
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Economic Outlook, Equities
Mega caps rallied in 2012 and this year may not be that different. Russ Koesterich, Chief Investment Strategist, discusses why mega caps are well-positioned for 2013.
JAN 24
Hungry for Yield? Loans May Satisfy
Leland Hart | Topics: Investing for Income, Fixed Income, Economic Outlook
Seeking to enhance yield in your portfolio without appreciably increasing risk? BlackRock's Leland Hart says floating rate bank loans may be the answer.
JAN 23
New Year, New (and Old) Reasons to Like Munis
Peter Hayes | Topics: Fixed Income, Investing for Income, Equities, Economic Outlook
Munis have long been a source of high-quality, low-volatility income. That's true to this day, but BlackRock's Peter Hayes explains why 2013 will not be exactly like 2012...or 2011.
JAN 22
Keep More of What You Earn with Munis
Peter Hayes | Topics: Fixed Income, Economic Outlook
Municipals have had quite a run but they still remain an attractive investment in 2013. Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group, explains how you can keep more of what you earn with municipals.
JAN 15
Mt Retirement: Reach the Summit & Beyond
BlackRock | Topics: Retirement
It's never too late – or too EARLY – to save for retirement. Take the right steps no matter where you are on the journey to retirement.
JAN 14
Positioning Your Fixed Income Portfolio in 2013
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Now that the new year has begun, how should you position your fixed income portfolio? Jeff Rosenberg, Chief Investment Strategist for Fixed Income, discusses opportunities in the fixed income market in 2013.
JAN 11
Fixed Income Outlook for 2013
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Jeffrey Rosenberg, BlackRock's Chief Investment Strategist for Fixed Income, discusses his themes for 2013, including the outlook for interest rates and fixed income sectors, as well as perspectives on China and Japan.
JAN 10
Consider This Equity Opportunity in 2013
Dennis Stattman | Topics: Economic Outlook, Equities
As 2013 begins, consider a new investment opportunity. Dennis Stattman, Head of the BlackRock Global Allocation team, reveals where you can find great value this year.
JAN 7
Fiscal Cliff Deal: What It Means for Investors
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Economic Outlook, Investing for Income
A fiscal cliff deal has been reached, but what does it mean for investors? Russ Koesterich, Chief Investment Strategist, identifies opportunities in 2013.
JAN 2
US Fiscal Cliff Deal: A Stopgap, Not a Solution
Russ Koesterich | Topics: Equities, Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
With Washington finally coming to a limited agreement to prevent (or delay) the fiscal cliff, BlackRock offers our thoughts about the economic and investment implications.
DEC 24
The Benefits of a Long/Short Strategy in Emerging Markets
Rodolfo Martell | Topics: Economic Outlook, Investing for Income
Opportunities in emerging markets are plentiful but knowing how to best capitalize on them is important. Learn how a long/short strategy can help you mitigate volatility and benefit from inefficiencies in these markets.
DEC 18
What is a Target Date Fund?
BlackRock | Topics: Retirement
BlackRock offers insight on the new world of retirement by helping people understand what target date funds seek to accomplish and how they can make retirement investing easier.
DEC 17
Fiscal Cliff: Good News for Fixed Income Markets?
Jeff Rosenberg | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Jeff Rosenberg, Chief Investment Strategist for Fixed Income, reveals why going over the fiscal cliff may be good news for some areas of the fixed income market.
DEC 11
Pay Your Future Self First
BlackRock | Topics: Retirement
"So what do I do with my money?" Start saving for retirement today by paying your future self first, make it easy by making setting up features in your retirement savings plans that make it automatic.
DEC 10
Worried about Muni Credit? Understand the Fiscal Cliff Impact
Peter Hayes | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group, discusses the fiscal cliff and the potential impact on municipal credit.
NOV 26
The Impact of Tax Policy Changes on Municipals
Peter Hayes | Topics: Economic Outlook, Fixed Income
Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group, discusses the potential impact that pending tax policy changes may have on the municipal bond market.
NOV 26
Taking Stock: Market Views From the Go-Anywhere Team
BlackRock | Topics: Economic Outlook, Equities, Fixed Income
The go-anywhere BlackRock Global Allocation team offers insight into today's markets and discusses how they're navigating an uncertain world.
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Russ Koesterich, Global Chief Investment Strategist
Jeffrey Rosenberg, Chief Investment Strategist for Fixed Income
Peter Hayes, Head of the Municipal Bonds Group & Lead Portfolio Manager of the Municipal Bond Management Committee