BlackRock

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang announced partnerships with six major financial firms—Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs, and KKR—to establish independent financing platforms that could mobilize over $500 billion in third-party capital for AI infrastructure. The initiative aims to fund Nvidia-based AI data centers, framing AI compute as a new asset class. While final agreements are pending, the move could accelerate AI buildout but raises concerns about sustainability and potential bubbles.

34 reports · 5 sources · Updated Aug 19, 01:25 PM UTC

Nvidia has partnered with major Wall Street firms including Apollo Global, Blackstone, BlackRock, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs, and KKR to raise $500 billion for AI infrastructure, covering chips, data centers, and power generation. The initiative, potentially announced as early as Monday, aims to provide financing for Nvidia’s customers and accelerate AI development. The deal highlights growing private capital involvement in AI and signals strong investor confidence, though Nvidia shares dipped amid concerns over investment returns.

28 reports · 7 sources · Updated Aug 21, 10:37 PM UTC

Goldman Sachs agreed to acquire Neos Investments, a Westport, Connecticut-based ETF provider, for up to $2.25 billion in cash and equity. Neos manages $30 billion in assets across 19 options-based income ETFs. The deal, expected to close in Q1 2027, boosts Goldman’s active ETF assets to $130 billion, making it a top-eight active ETF manager. This follows Goldman’s earlier purchase of Innovator Capital, reflecting growing demand for options-based income strategies.

17 reports · 3 sources · Updated Aug 17, 08:36 PM UTC

Influence Media Partners, backed by BlackRock, is set to acquire Anthem Entertainment's music assets for over $600 million. The deal includes music publishing catalogs, film and television publishing assets, and a portfolio of master recordings. This acquisition highlights the continued consolidation and investment in music intellectual property by private equity firms, with BlackRock providing significant financial backing. The transaction underscores the growing value of music rights as alternative assets.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 29, 03:29 PM UTC

BlackRock is raising more than $12 billion in bonds to finance a Meta Platforms AI data center campus in El Paso, Texas, through a joint venture where BlackRock holds 80% and Meta 20%. The debt, managed by JPMorgan and Morgan Stanley, is issued via a project-specific holding company to keep liabilities off Meta’s balance sheet. However, weaker-than-expected demand emerged amid a broader sell-off in AI-related debt, signaling investor caution about the sustainability of massive AI infrastructure spending.

17 reports · 2 sources · Updated Jul 29, 01:14 PM UTC

French shipping giant CMA CGM and private equity firm Stonepeak announced the formation of United Ports LLC, a joint venture to expand CMA CGM's global terminal network. Stonepeak will invest $2.4 billion for a 25% minority stake, while CMA CGM retains 75% and full operational control. The venture includes 10 port assets across four continents, including terminals in Los Angeles, New York, Brazil, Spain, India, Taiwan, and Vietnam. CMA CGM plans to reinvest the $2.4 billion into its core transportation businesses (air cargo, ocean shipping, trucking, logistics). Stonepeak may contribute an additional $3.6 billion for future projects. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals. The article also notes broader private equity interest in port infrastructure, referencing BlackRock's attempted $23 billion acquisition of CK Hutchison terminals.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 08:27 PM UTC

Invesco reported record second-quarter net long-term inflows of $45.1 billion, pushing assets under management to $2.5 trillion. Adjusted diluted earnings per share nearly doubled to $0.71 from $0.36 a year earlier, driven by strong demand for ETFs, fixed income, and private-market strategies. The QQQ ETF alone generated $14 billion in inflows. Net revenue rose 5% sequentially to $1.3 billion, while adjusted operating income increased 14% to nearly $500 million. The company reduced debt by over $450 million, repurchased $50 million in shares, and plans to maintain a regular buyback program alongside an increased dividend. Invesco is targeting completion of its hybrid-platform implementation by year-end, with one-time costs expected at $15 million per quarter in H2 2026.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 28, 07:04 PM UTC

EverSource Wealth Advisors, a U.S.-based wealth management firm, disclosed its cryptocurrency-related holdings in a 13F filing with the SEC. The firm holds significant Bitcoin exposure through various ETFs, including $23.4 million in the Fidelity Wise Origin Bitcoin fund and $3.1 million in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust, as well as a stake in Trump family's Bitcoin mining company American Bitcoin (ABTC). For XRP, EverSource holds small positions in the Franklin XRP ETF ($238) and ProShares Ultra XRP ETF ($17,646), plus shares in Ripple-backed SPAC Armada Acquisition Corp II. Other crypto holdings include Strategy (MSTR) at $3.8 million, Coinbase Global (COIN) at $266,889, and several Bitcoin mining stocks. At the time of reporting, Bitcoin traded at $64,859.89 and XRP at $1.09.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 08:00 PM UTC

Google, Ford, Carhartt, and BlackRock have formed the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades, a partnership announced on July 21, 2026, to expand access to vocational training programs. The initiative aims to address a projected shortfall of over 2.1 million skilled trade workers by 2030, including electricians, HVAC technicians, and plumbers, as reported by JLL. The alliance will support workforce training across 30 states, focusing on apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship programs to build a skilled trades pipeline. Research from BlackRock indicates infrastructure-related jobs will grow 5% from 2024-2034, outpacing national averages. McKinsey estimates $85 trillion in infrastructure investments are needed over 15 years. The group will partner with Jobs for the Future and the Burning Glass Institute to identify gaps and share best practices. The U.S. Department of Education warns the labor shortage could cause up to $1 trillion in annual economic losses.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 12:39 PM UTC

Scancell Holdings PLC, a UK-based cancer immunotherapy developer, announced it raised £15.7 million from UK investors, exceeding its original £2.3 million retail target due to high demand. The retail offer raised £2.7 million, with allocations scaled back and preference given to existing shareholders. The funds are part of a broader $89 million financing package to support Scancell's merger with US biotech Neuphoria Therapeutics, creating a dual-listed group 85.5% owned by Scancell shareholders. The merger includes a $39.1 million private placement, a UK placing, and up to $25 million in debt financing from BlackRock. Proceeds will fund a global phase III trial of lead immunotherapy iSCIB1+ for advanced melanoma, which has FDA fast-track designation. Mid-stage data showed 77% progression-free survival at 22 months. The financing is expected to extend cash runway into 2029.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 27, 11:41 AM UTC

On July 21, 2026, BlackRock, Ford Motor Company, Google, and Carhartt announced the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades, a coalition aimed at addressing a severe shortage of skilled workers in the U.S. The four founding companies have committed a combined $450 million to expand workforce training and fund apprenticeship pipelines across 30 states. Ford is the largest contributor with $300 million, driven by a projected need for over 350,000 new auto technicians by 2029 and 5,000 unfilled dealership positions. BlackRock's $100 million Future Builders program aims to train 50,000 workers over five years, while Google's $50 million commitment targets over 300,000 workers for energy and technology infrastructure roles. The announcement comes as the construction sector reported 298,000 open positions in May 2026, and electrician employment is projected to grow 9% by 2034, triple the national average.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 07:13 PM UTC

Meta is raising $12 billion for a new AI data center in El Paso, Texas, through a special purpose vehicle named Sopaipilla Investor, following a previous $27 billion bond deal for its Louisiana Hyperion project via Beignet Investor. Both SPVs are named after fried dough pastries. The bonds, offered through a BlackRock-owned vehicle, are seeing investor pushback as yields are demanded above 7%, with some investors seeking an additional 0.4 percentage points over the Hyperion deal due to growing AI exposure concerns. The bonds mature in 2048 and are secured by Meta's 20-year rent payment agreement starting in 2028, with strong protections if Meta abandons the deal. The naming rationale remains unclear as Meta and the SPVs did not respond to requests for comment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:52 PM UTC

Meta is raising $12 billion for a new AI data center in El Paso, Texas, through a special purpose vehicle (SPV) named Sopaipilla Investor, following a previous $27 billion bond sale for its Hyperion project in Louisiana via an SPV called Beignet Investor. Both names reference fried dough pastries popular in the respective regions. The bonds, managed by BlackRock, offer yields above 7%, but investors are demanding 0.4 percentage points more than the Hyperion deal due to growing AI exposure concerns and fears of an AI bubble. The Sopaipilla Investor bond matures in 2048, secured by Meta's 20-year rent agreement starting in 2028, with strong bondholder protections including a hefty fee if Meta abandons the deal. The naming trend remains unexplained as Meta and the SPVs did not respond to requests for comment.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 04:52 PM UTC

Uniswap Labs has introduced a new permissioned pool standard on Uniswap v4, enabling issuers of tokenized funds, equities, and other regulated assets to restrict trading and liquidity access to approved wallets while keeping transactions onchain. The framework uses Uniswap v4 hooks to embed compliance checks directly into individual pools, allowing issuers to enforce investor eligibility without building separate trading infrastructure. Launch partners include Superstate, Securitize (NYSE: SECZ), and European digital securities platform Dowgo. Superstate CEO Robert Leshner described the pool-level compliance layer as 'the piece of plumbing tokenization has been missing.' The move follows Uniswap's earlier integration of BlackRock's BUIDL money market fund, issued by Securitize, and signals a broader push toward institutional tokenization. Uniswap (UNI) was trading at $3.75 at the time of reporting.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 24, 02:14 AM UTC

First Trust has launched the FT Vest U.S. Equity Buffer & Digital Return ETF – July (DGJL), a new actively managed buffer ETF that uses SPY options to deliver a fixed 9.37% digital return if the S&P 500 does not fall more than 10% over its one-year outcome period ending July 2027. The fund, sub-advised by Vest Financial LLC, charges 0.85% in annual expenses. Unlike traditional buffer ETFs, DGJL caps upside at 9.37% even if the market surges, making it most attractive in flat or mildly declining markets. Losses beyond the 10% buffer are borne by shareholders. The defined outcomes only apply to investors who buy on the first day and hold through the full period. The fund competes with Innovator and BlackRock buffer ETFs, with the digital return feature as its key differentiator.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 09:46 PM UTC

Ondo Finance announced on July 23, 2026, that its SEC-registered broker-dealer subsidiary, Oasis Pro Markets, received authorization from FINRA to offer tokenized corporate equities and funds to a broader range of U.S. investors, including financial institutions and retail investors. The authorization covers over-the-counter retailing, underwritten primary offerings, private placements, and related activities. Investors can access NMS equities, ETFs, mutual funds, index funds, and IPO securities, with settlement in fiat or stablecoins. The approval builds on Ondo's acquisition of Oasis Pro in October 2025, which provided a suite of SEC registrations. The move is expected to reduce onboarding friction for institutional investors, registered investment advisers, and retirement-account holders.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 06:16 PM UTC

BlackRock, Strategy (MicroStrategy), and Coinbase have joined forces with Anchorage Digital, ARK Invest, Block, Blockstream, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Galaxy to launch the Bitcoin Security Consortium, a $15 million initiative focused on Bitcoin's long-term security. The consortium will fund developers, researchers, and organizations working on Bitcoin's security over three years, with each member independently deciding where its capital goes rather than using a central grant committee. The first priority is post-quantum cryptography research, as large-scale quantum computers capable of breaking Bitcoin's cryptography are not yet a reality but pose a future risk. The group will not direct Bitcoin's protocol or endorse specific upgrades but aims to support existing work and provide public information on security progress. Brink Executive Director Mike Schmidt will coordinate the consortium voluntarily. The initiative reflects growing institutional concern about quantum computing threats to cryptocurrency networks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:25 PM UTC

BlackRock, Strategy (formerly MicroStrategy), and Coinbase have joined a $15 million Bitcoin Security Consortium to fund long-term security research for the Bitcoin network, with a primary focus on post-quantum cryptography. Other founding members include Anchorage Digital, ARK Invest, Block, Blockstream, Fidelity Digital Assets, and Galaxy. Each member will independently decide where its capital goes, rather than through a central grant committee. Brink Executive Director Mike Schmidt will coordinate the consortium voluntarily. The group will not direct Bitcoin's protocol or endorse specific upgrades but aims to support existing development work and publish materials to inform investors and the public about Bitcoin's security progress. The initiative addresses the long-term cryptographic threat of quantum computing without treating it as an immediate market risk. Bitcoin was trading at $65,008 at the time of reporting.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 04:25 PM UTC

Aston Martin has completed a £550m ($735.8m) debt financing arrangement led by BlackRock-owned credit manager HPS Investment Partners. The package includes a £450m senior secured term loan and a £100m delayed draw term loan, with an additional £100m of junior permitted debt capacity remaining. Proceeds were used to repay the £170m super senior revolving credit facility and £20m outstanding under the Yew Tree Consortium facility, with remaining funds for transaction costs and general corporate purposes. The debt is secured against assets in a newly incorporated subsidiary. CFO Doug Lafferty stated the financing strengthens liquidity and provides flexibility for product plans. Pro forma liquidity stands at roughly £340m as of 30 June 2026. The carmaker expects year-on-year gains in financial performance, margin expansion, and cash flow generation. Aston Martin will publish H1 2026 results on 29 July 2026. Earlier in July, creditors including Arini Capital Management, BlackRock, and Sculptor Capital Management hired Jefferies Financial Group as adviser amid concerns over potential debt restructuring.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 09:21 AM UTC

Indian space startup Skyroot successfully test-launched a low-orbit rocket carrying a 350-kilogram payload on July 18, 2026, becoming the first Indian private company to achieve orbital launch capability. The company, backed by GIC and BlackRock, plans to begin commercial operations in 2027 with monthly launches. Skyroot will compete in the sub-1,000 kg satellite launch market against U.S. startups like Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace, and Chinese firms i-Space and Galactic Energy. Co-founder Naga Bharath Daka emphasized cost competitiveness, leveraging India's legacy of low-cost space missions. The market for small launchers was valued at $5 billion in 2025, with demand growing for dedicated, precise orbital delivery services.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 02:37 AM UTC

Indian space startup Skyroot successfully test-launched a low-orbit rocket carrying a 350 kg payload on July 18, 2026, becoming the first Indian private company to achieve orbital launch capability. The company, backed by GIC and BlackRock, plans to start commercial operations in 2027 with a goal of one flight per month. Skyroot will compete in the sub-1,000 kg satellite launch market against U.S. firms like Rocket Lab and Firefly Aerospace, and Chinese companies such as i-Space and Galactic Energy. Co-founder Naga Bharath Daka emphasized cost competitiveness, leveraging India's legacy of low-cost space missions. The market for small launchers was valued at $5 billion in 2025, according to Analysys Mason.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 23, 12:05 AM UTC

This article from The Motley Fool, published on Yahoo Finance on July 22, 2026, analyzes the role of cryptocurrency ETFs in a diversified investment portfolio. It notes that Bitcoin is down 48% from its 52-week highs, a familiar drawdown pattern for the asset. The piece highlights the advantages of spot crypto ETFs like the iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) and iShares Ethereum Trust (ETHA), which offer regulated, simplified exposure through traditional brokerage accounts without the complexities of direct crypto ownership. Wall Street firms such as J.P. Morgan, Bank of America, and BlackRock recommend small allocations ranging from 1% to 5% of a portfolio. The article advises starting with a 1% allocation to experience crypto volatility without undue risk, and emphasizes that these are small portfolio additions, not core holdings.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 03:01 PM UTC

BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), UAE-based MGX, and the Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure Partnership (AIP) have closed a $40 billion acquisition of data center developer Aligned Data Centers. The deal, first announced in October 2025, involves purchasing 100% equity from Macquarie Asset Management. Aligned Data Centers, headquartered in Dallas, operates over 6.4 gigawatts of capacity across 51 locations, primarily in the U.S., Mexico, and South America. The buyers will also provide $5 billion in additional capital for expansion. AIP, launched in September 2024 by BlackRock, Microsoft, Nvidia, MGX, and GIP, aims to mobilize up to $100 billion for AI infrastructure. This marks AIP's first investment. Aligned CEO Andrew Schaap stated the deal allows the company to 'move quicker and build bigger than ever before.' The acquisition underscores surging demand for data centers driven by AI growth.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:51 PM UTC

This article by Motley Fool analyst Justin Pope argues that investing $1,000 in the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) in 2026 is a sound decision based on historical market performance. It acknowledges current fears of recession and market bubbles but emphasizes that the S&P 500 has generated an annualized return of 10.33% since 1957. Citing BlackRock data, the article shows that even investors who bought right before major crashes (like the Great Depression or Black Monday) eventually recovered and profited over long holding periods. The piece concludes that while risks exist, long-term patience and time in the market typically overcome bad timing. It also includes a promotional pitch for Motley Fool's stock recommendations.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:24 PM UTC

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest purchased an additional $14 million worth of Circle Internet Group (CRCL) stock last week, adding 220,012 shares across three ETFs. The purchase comes amid a slump in Circle's stock due to declining cryptocurrency investor sentiment and the emergence of a rival stablecoin, Open USD, backed by Visa and BlackRock. However, the article highlights a recent positive development: Circle received approval from the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) to establish a national trust bank. This charter could allow Circle to manage its USDC reserve funds internally, reducing third-party fees, and further legitimize stablecoins as financial instruments. The author suggests this regulatory milestone is a strong reason for investors to consider buying CRCL stock.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 12:17 PM UTC

BlackRock held its Q2 2026 earnings call on July 15, 2026, with Chairman and CEO Laurence D. Fink, CFO Martin S. Small, President Robert S. Kapito, and General Counsel Christopher J. Meade. Small reported record net inflows of $868 billion over the last 12 months and 10% organic base fee growth, highlighting the firm's position at the center of mega trends in public markets, private markets, and technology. Key growth drivers include artificial intelligence, digital and physical infrastructure, personalized tax-efficient portfolios, and retirement solutions with guaranteed income and private markets access. The firm emphasized its role as a strategic partner for wealth managers and institutions navigating market fragmentation and long-term growth opportunities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 11:15 AM UTC

The Financial Times reported on March 30, 2026, that a broker for U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth attempted to make a multimillion-dollar investment in BlackRock's Defence Industrials Active ETF in February 2026, weeks before the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. The investment did not proceed because the fund was not yet available to Morgan Stanley clients. The report, citing three sources, did not clarify whether Hegseth knew of the broker's actions. The Pentagon swiftly denied the allegation, calling it 'false and fabricated' and demanding a retraction. The story emerges amid broader scrutiny of financial and prediction market trades that preceded major Trump administration policy decisions, raising questions about potential information leaks.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 22, 08:55 AM UTC

Farmers & Merchants Investment Inc., a bank holding company with $4.1 billion in assets under management, disclosed in a July 2026 SEC 13F filing that it holds positions in BlackRock's iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (IBIT), the Bitwise XRP ETF (XRP), and Robinhood Markets (HOOD). The disclosure highlights the growing embrace of digital assets by traditional finance firms. The article notes that IBIT, launched in January 2024, was trading around $37.53, roughly 50% below its all-time high of $71.82. The Bitwise XRP ETF, launched in November 2025, was at $12.92, also more than 50% below its peak. Robinhood stock, which joined the S&P 500 in September 2025, was trading at $106.69, 30% below its all-time high. The filing values the disclosed holdings at approximately $84,003 combined.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 11:00 PM UTC

BlackRock, Carhartt, Ford, and Google have formed the Alliance for America's Skilled Trades to address a growing labor shortage in skilled trades such as electrical work, HVAC, plumbing, and construction. The initiative will partner with labor unions and trade associations, invest in apprenticeship programs, and promote career pathways. The announcement comes amid a shrinking skilled workforce due to retirements and rising demand from infrastructure and data center projects. The article also notes a shift in student enrollment toward shorter-term, career-focused programs like associate degrees and certificates, as confidence in four-year bachelor's degrees declines. Experts warn the shortage threatens key sectors including data centers, laboratories, and manufacturing facilities.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 07:18 PM UTC

On July 21, 2026, Yahoo Finance reported that BlackRock CEO Larry Fink and Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon have both expressed strong optimism about the US economy, driven by a technology supercycle. Fink stated he is 'very bullish' on markets over the next 12 months, citing technological revolution improving corporate margins, with BlackRock's margins up 260 basis points. Solomon described the US economy as 'in pretty good shape' and highlighted technology-driven productivity gains over a 3-7 year horizon, despite geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and US-China relations. The article suggests investors can participate through diversified stock market investments, noting the S&P 500 has surged about 69% over five years.

1 reports · 1 sources · Updated Jul 21, 04:00 PM UTC