BlackRock Option Alert: Fri $1000 Puts at the Ask: 500 vs 601 OI; Earnings 4/11 Before Open [est] 

BlackRock Option Alert: Fri $1000 Puts at the Ask: 500 @ $16.55 vs 601 OI; Earnings 4/11 Before Open [est] Ref=$983.945

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) Stock

BlackRock

BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world, with $11.475 trillion in assets under management at the end of September 2024. Its product mix is fairly diverse, with 55% of managed assets in equity strategies, 26% in fixed income, 9% in multi-asset classes, 7% in money market funds, and 3% in alternatives. Passive strategies account for around two thirds of long-term AUM, with the company's ETF platform maintaining a leading market share domestically and on a global basis. Product distribution is weighted more toward institutional clients, which by our calculations account for around 80% of AUM. BlackRock is geographically diverse, with clients in more than 100 countries and more than one third of managed assets coming from investors domiciled outside the US and Canada.

Blackrock Photo by rafapress on Shutterstock

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BlackRock stock remains relatively flat as the company pauses meetings with companies amid new SEC rules that restrict ESG-focused investing.

What&#39;s Going On With BlackRock Stock Today?

10 Essential Leadership Lessons From Larry Fink, CEO Of BlackRock

BlackRock CEO Is Wrong About Raising The Retirement Age, Says Economist Who Called Out Musk—Shares &#39;The Only System That Works&#39;

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Looking into the current session, BlackRock Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) shares are trading at $982.12, after a 0.43% decrease. Over the past month, the stock fell by 3.50%, but over the past year, it actually spiked by 20.71%. With questionable short-term performance like this, and great long-term performance, long-term shareholders might want to start looking into the company's price-to-earnings ratio. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740072618_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>How Does BlackRock P/E Compare to Other Companies?</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
BlackRock has a lower P/E than the aggregate P/E of 35.06 of the Capital Markets industry. Ideally, one might believe that the stock might perform worse than its peers, but it's also probable that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740072618_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

Intraday Update

P/E Ratio Insights for BlackRock

BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) shares are trading <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" rel="noreferrer noopener">relatively flat on Wednesday.</a>
The company has reportedly canceled meetings with companies amid U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission&#8217;s new investor activism rules, raising concerns over the future of environmental, social, and governance engagement, The Financial Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/533f9322-f098-4b82-823f-a7a8ef9350f1" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The SEC&#8217;s recent rule changes, which target the influence of ESG factors in investing, have forced BlackRock to pause its usual &#8220;stewardship&#8221; meetings while it assesses the new regulatory landscape, the report adds, citing people familiar with the discussions.
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, BLK stock has gained over 22% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Fidelity Disruptive Finance ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDFF#NASDAQ">FDFF</a>).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/02/43816112/hedge-fund-shake-up-tiger-appaloosa-soros-outperform-buffett-icahn-ackman" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hedge Fund Shake-Up: Tiger, Appaloosa, Soros Outperform Buffett, Icahn, Ackman</a>
The SEC&#8217;s updated guidelines impose more stringent requirements on fund managers who aim to influence corporate behavior, such as pressing for changes in executive compensation or promoting climate risk disclosures.
Previously, managers owning more than 5% of a company could file a relatively simple 13-G form, but now they may need to file a 13-D, triggering more complex disclosures and deadlines.
This regulatory shift complicates BlackRock&#8217;s ability to engage on key ESG topics and undermines efforts to address corporate governance issues like poison pill plans, the report further notes.
The rule changes have drawn criticism for curbing the power of fund managers to press companies on social and environmental issues, especially as conservative lawmakers intensify pressure on firms like BlackRock over their perceived influence on corporate America.
As BlackRock and other asset managers navigate these new requirements, the broader impact on ESG investing and corporate governance remains unclear.
Price Action: BLK shares are trading higher by 0.86% to $986.23 at last check Wednesday.
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Photo by rafapress on Shutterstock.

What's Going On With BlackRock Stock Today?

Last year BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) CEO Larry Fink suggested it might be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43216432/billionaire-blackrock-ceo-larry-fink-declares-no-one-should-have-to-work-longer-than-they-want-but-says-retiring-at-65-is-crazy">time to rethink</a> the traditional retirement age of 65, arguing that as people live longer, they should work longer. But labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci strongly disagrees.
Ghilarducci, a professor at The New School for Social Research, calls the idea of working longer a &#8220;convenient untruth&#8221; and says it's not a real solution to America&#8217;s growing retirement crisis.
"Not everybody is living longer," she <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGXmqbhKLps">told CNBC's "Squawk Box</a>." "The longevity gains have mainly gone to the wealthiest Americans." She pointed out that while some segments of the population are living longer, others, particularly lower-income workers, are experiencing declining life expectancy due to physically demanding jobs, stress, and economic hardship.
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Many older Americans are not even given the option to work longer. "Half the people who are retired say that they didn't retire. They were retired," Ghilarducci said, citing layoffs, health issues, or family caregiving responsibilities as common reasons for early retirement.
Instead of raising the retirement age, Ghilarducci believes the solution lies in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42217382/bernie-sanders-demands-scrap-the-cap-on-social-security-taxes-its-absurd-a-billionaire-pays-same-amount-as-middle-class-earners">increasing Social Security revenue</a>. She made headlines when she highlighted how <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43645267/labor-economist-says-musk-paying-full-annual-social-security-taxes-would-cut-the-deficit-by-1-20-imagine-expanding-that-to-20000-others">Elon Musk paying Social Security taxes</a> on his full salary and some capital gains could cover 1/20 of the program&#8217;s deficit. "Imagine broadening that out to maybe 20,000 other people," she said.
Trending: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
Public support for this approach is strong. Surveys show that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/02/43580701/85-of-americans-willing-to-raise-taxes-to-save-social-security-survey-shows">most Americans prefer raising taxes</a> on the wealthy over cutting benefits or working longer. Ghilarducci advocates for eliminating the payroll tax cap on earnings above $400,000 and gradually increasing the payroll tax rate.
She also supports a national retirement savings plan with mandatory contributions, similar to systems in other developed countries like Australia. "A universal pension system just like our universal Social Security system &#8230; is the only system that works," Ghilarducci said. &#8220;It&#8217;s not because I&#8217;m ideological about it, but practically, it is the only system that works.&#8221;
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And lastly, the professor believes that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42221019/heres-how-to-reach-3-6-million-by-age-65-according-to-dave-ramsey-it-really-is-that-simple">early and consistent savings</a>, starting as young as 20 or 30, are key to a secure retirement. &#8220;We know that the most important financial power in our markets is compound interest. Getting people early into a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-retirement-plans">pension plan</a> is essential for building enough savings by retirement.&#8221;
While Fink and others argue that working longer is inevitable, Ghilarducci insists that giving workers a safe and effective way to save is a better solution. "The 401(k) system just doesn't cut it," she said. "We need a bold proposal to help everybody save for retirement."
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BlackRock CEO Is Wrong About Raising The Retirement Age, Says Economist Who Called Out Musk—Shares 'The Only System That Works'

The New York Stock Exchange announced plans Wednesday to establish a presence in Texas, marking a shift in America&#8217;s financial landscape as major companies increasingly gravitate toward the Lone Star State.
NYSE Chicago will reincorporate as NYSE Texas, offering companies a new venue to list their securities in Dallas. The state currently hosts the largest number of NYSE listings, representing over $3.7 trillion in market value.
&#8220;We are delighted to expand our presence in the Lone Star State, which plays a key role in driving our U.S. economy forward,&#8221; Lynn Martin, NYSE Group president, <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250212948231/en/The-New-York-Stock-Exchange-to-Launch-NYSE-Texas">said in a statement</a>.
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The move comes as Texas emerges as a potential rival to traditional financial centers. TXSE Group recently filed registration papers for the Texas Stock Exchange with the Securities and Exchange Commission, having raised $161 million for a planned 2026 launch.
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/02/12/the-new-york-stock-exchange-is-launching-an-exchange-in-texas.html">previously told CNBC</a> that environmental, social, and governance rules drove interest in a Texas-based exchange. &#8220;We need to make sure that Texas companies, and companies similarly situated, are not going to be cut off from capital markets in New York with policy decisions made from the left in places like New York,&#8221; Abbott said.
The state has already attracted major corporations. Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) reincorporated in Texas <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/06/39334018/yeehaw-musk-drives-tesla-incorporation-to-texas-after-shareholder-vote">following a Delaware court battle over CEO Elon Musk&#8216;s compensation package</a>.&nbsp;
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Both exchanges will operate electronically, reflecting modern trading practices where stocks trade across multiple venues regardless of their primary listing location.
The Texas Stock Exchange, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/06/39176944/bye-bye-nyse-nasdaq-wall-street-bigwigs-blackrock-citadel-securities-lead-charge-for-new-apoliti">backed by financial giants including BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>), Citadel Securities and Charles Schwab</a> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHW#NYSE">SCHW</a>), welcomes the competition. &#8220;We have known all along that Texas is the best place to do business,&#8221; a TXSE spokesperson <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/us/nyse-chicago-reincorporate-texas-2025-02-12/">told Reuters</a>. &#8220;The Texas Stock Exchange is harnessing this momentum to build a national securities exchange in our home state,.&#8221; the spokesperson added.&nbsp;
Texas&#8217;s expanding financial footprint extends beyond exchanges. <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/meta-incorporation-texas-delware-f06e8bab">The Wall Street Journal reported last month</a>, following a broader trend of companies seeking alternatives to Delaware incorporation.
Abbott views the moves as cementing Texas&#8217;s position &#8220;as an economic powerhouse on the global stage.&#8221;
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Market Analysts Say NYSE's Texas Expansion A Direct Challenge To Wall Street's Dominance

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43579036/the-worlds-largest-1-7-trillion-sovereign-wealth-fund-holds-key-lessons-for-trump-and-the-u-s-will-they-listen">Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund</a>, Mubadala Investment Company, has acquired $436.9 million worth of shares in BlackRock's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) spot Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) exchange-traded fund during the last quarter of 2024.
What Happened: A regulatory <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1704268/000108514625001478/xslForm13F_X02/infotable.xml">filing</a> released on Friday confirmed the purchase, marking one of the first known sovereign wealth fund allocations to Bitcoin-related financial products.
The investment coincided with BlackRock obtaining a commercial license to operate in Abu Dhabi in November. 
BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF, (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>), has grown to become the largest spot Bitcoin ETF by assets under management, holding approximately $56 billion, according to <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/341046/abu-dhabi-sovereign-wealth-fund-bought-437-million-of-blackrocks-spot-bitcoin-etf-in-q1">data</a> from The Block.
Mubadala manages investments on behalf of the Abu Dhabi government and has previously demonstrated interest in digital assets. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43738696/el-salvadors-bitcoin-president-nayib-bukele-meets-michael-saylor-to-accelerate-adoption">El Salvador&#8217;s Bitcoin President Nayib Bukele Meets Michael Saylor To &#8216;Accelerate Adoption&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: In 2023, the government backed a Bitcoin mining initiative, with Marathon Digital and Zero Two announcing plans to develop a large-scale mining facility in the emirate.
This latest investment reflects the increasing acceptance of digital assets among institutional investors, particularly in the Middle East, where governments and financial institutions are expanding their involvement in blockchain and cryptocurrency markets.
Mubadala's decision to invest in a Bitcoin ETF aligns with a broader trend of sovereign wealth funds exploring digital assets as part of their diversification strategies. 
As institutional interest in Bitcoin continues to rise, this move positions Abu Dhabi among a growing list of governments integrating cryptocurrency into traditional investment portfolios.
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Image created using artifical intelligence with Midjourney.

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

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$BTC

IBIT

Abu Dhabi Wealth Fund Buy $437 Millions Worth Of BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with BLK, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 11 options trades for BlackRock.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 45% bullish and 27%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $48,800, and 10, calls, for a total amount of $376,221.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $780.0 to $1010.0 for BlackRock over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in BlackRock's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to BlackRock's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $780.0 to $1010.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>BlackRock Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739388619_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$42.1</td>
<td>$40.0</td>
<td>$41.8</td>
<td>$970.00</td>
<td>$83.6K</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$179.0</td>
<td>$170.7</td>
<td>$174.02</td>
<td>$920.00</td>
<td>$52.2K</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$126.7</td>
<td>$118.0</td>
<td>$122.0</td>
<td>$1010.00</td>
<td>$48.8K</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$201.2</td>
<td>$198.2</td>
<td>$201.2</td>
<td>$820.00</td>
<td>$40.2K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$116.9</td>
<td>$110.6</td>
<td>$114.0</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>$34.2K</td>
<td align="right">39</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About BlackRock</h3>
BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world, with $11.475 trillion in assets under management at the end of September 2024. Its product mix is fairly diverse, with 55% of managed assets in equity strategies, 26% in fixed income, 9% in multi-asset classes, 7% in money market funds, and 3% in alternatives. Passive strategies account for around two thirds of long-term AUM, with the company's ETF platform maintaining a leading market share domestically and on a global basis. Product distribution is weighted more toward institutional clients, which by our calculations account for around 80% of AUM. BlackRock is geographically diverse, with clients in more than 100 countries and more than one third of managed assets coming from investors domiciled outside the US and Canada.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with BlackRock, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of BlackRock</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 281,788, the BLK's price is down by -1.25%, now at $975.82. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 58 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for BlackRock</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $1145.6.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on BlackRock, which currently sits at a price target of $1175. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Deutsche Bank keeps a Buy rating on BlackRock with a target price of $1275. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from UBS keeps a Neutral rating on BlackRock with a target price of $1045. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on BlackRock, which currently sits at a price target of $1180. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from JP Morgan keeps a Neutral rating on BlackRock with a target price of $1053. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for BlackRock, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Spotlight on BlackRock: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has been put on ice. Staffers have been told to halt all work, and the agency's Washington headquarters has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cfpb">reportedly been shut down</a>. 
While this unprecedented move raises serious concerns about consumer rights, it also presents a potential opportunity for investors. ETFs with significant exposure to banks, payday lenders, and credit reporting agencies may benefit if looser regulations translate into higher profit margins.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/02/43451675/bessent-freezes-consumer-financial-protection-bureau-work-leaving-lawsuits-against-jpmorgan-bank-of-america-capital-one-in-limbo">Bessent Freezes Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Work Leaving Lawsuits Against JPMorgan, Bank Of America, Capital One In Limbo</a>
Banking &amp; Financial Sector ETFs: The Biggest Beneficiaries?
Big banks have frequently clashed with the CFPB over issues ranging from overdraft fees to consumer lending practices. With the watchdog out of commission, major financial institutions could see reduced compliance costs and potentially higher profits. 
Investors looking to capitalize on this regulatory shift might consider ETFs with heavy bank exposure, such as:
<ul>
<li>Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLF#NYSE">XLF</a>): This fund tracks large U.S. financial institutions, including JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), Bank of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), and Citigroup (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>). </li>
<li>Invesco KBW Bank ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBWB#NASDAQ">KBWB</a>): This ETF could benefit if regulatory rollbacks allow banks to expand lending operations with fewer restrictions. Goldman Sachs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>), JPMorgan, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>), Bank Of America and Wells Fargo &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>) are among the top holdings of the ETF.</li>
<li>iShares U.S. Financials ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYF#NYSE">IYF</a>): Another broad financial sector play, IYF provides exposure to insurance firms, banks, and capital markets. Among its top holdings are S&amp;P Global (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPGI#NYSE">SPGI</a>), BlackRock Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) and Wells Fargo.</li>
</ul>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42479974/us-lenders-file-joint-lawsuit-against-consumer-finance-watchdog-for-capping-overdraft-fees-wells-fargo-jpmorgan-citigroup-stocks-in-focus">US Lenders File Joint Lawsuit Against Consumer Finance Watchdog For Capping Overdraft Fees</a>
FinTech &amp; Alternative Lending: Risky Yet Promising
The CFPB has been a thorn in the side of payday lenders and fintech firms, often cracking down on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/42836870/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-subsidiary-sued-over-unaffordable-loans-2008-style-predatory-loan-approval-tactics">predatory lending practices</a>. With enforcement on hold, companies like LendingClub (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LC#NYSE">LC</a>) may operate with fewer regulatory headaches. That makes fintech-focused ETFs worth watching, such as:
<ul>
<li>Global X FinTech ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FINX#NASDAQ">FINX</a>): This fund invests in innovative financial technology firms that could benefit from a more relaxed regulatory environment. Fidelity National Info (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FIS#NYSE">FIS</a>) and Fiserv (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>) sit at the top of the portfolio distribution.</li>
<li>iShares US Small Cap Value Factor ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SVAL#BATS">SVAL</a>): It is an equal-weighted equity index tracking the Russell 2000 Focused Value Select Index which measures the performance of small-cap U.S. companies&nbsp;including LendingClub.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Background</h3>
The CFPB, created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis, has been — according to advocates — a necessary watchdog keeping financial institutions in check. 
For example, the CFPB has <a href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/twelve-years-of-protecting-consumers-and-honest-businesses/#:~:text=Here%27s%20a%20look%20at%20some,CFPB%20enforcement%20and%20supervision%20work">recovered</a> over $17.5 billion for consumers affected by fraudulent or predatory practices.
It has also <a href="https://www.consumerreports.org/consumer-protection/how-cfpb-changes-could-impact-consumers-a2527371632/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">established</a> rules to limit overdraft fees and reduce credit card late fees, aiming to protect consumers from excessive charges.
Meanwhile, critics — especially from the banking industry (i.e., JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon) — argue <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42024453/if-youre-in-a-knife-fight-you-better-damn-well-bring-a-knife-jpmorgan-ceo-jamie-dimon-calls-for-a-stand-against-regulation">it&#8217;s a regulatory burden</a>.
Now, with an abrupt directive for staff to ‘stand down' and stop all work, the agency's future is uncertain.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/02/43632056/3-etfs-for-cybersecurity-investors-as-ai-driven-threats-grow">3 ETFs For Cybersecurity Investors As AI-Driven Threats Grow</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

ETFs

FINX

iShares Dow Jones US Financial Sector Index Fund

KBWB

SPGI

SVAL

Regulatory Freeze At CFPB: These ETFs Could Gain As Oversight Weakens

BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 4.89% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 13.29%. Currently, BlackRock has a market capitalization of $151.39 billion. 
Buying $1000 In BLK: If an investor had bought $1000 of BLK stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $12,180.06 today based on a price of $977.45 for BLK at the time of writing.
<h3>BlackRock's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739292316_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 20 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) adoption is on track to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/will-bitcoin-reach-1-million-a-coin">reach several billion users</a> by the end of the decade, according to Coinbase (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) CEO Brian Armstrong.
In a <a href="https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1888822443873325247">statement</a> on X on Monday, Armstrong pointed to the rapid pace of Bitcoin growth, comparing it to the early adoption rates of mobile phones and the internet.
&#8220;Bitcoin adoption should get to several billion people by 2030 at current rates,&#8221; Armstrong wrote, emphasizing the acceleration in mainstream cryptocurrency use.
He was responding to a tweet by entrepreneur Mario Nawfal, who, citing data from BlackRock (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NASDAQ">BLK</a>)stated that crypto adoption has grown 43% faster than mobile phones and 20% faster than the internet.
He said that the report suggests that younger generations, concerns over inflation, and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/02/43537016/donald-trump-once-said-bitcoin-was-based-on-thin-air-now-his-media-company-is-launching-btc-etf">pro-crypto stance</a> from U.S. leadership are key drivers of this expansion.
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43560433/bitcoin-to-hit-between-300000-and-1-5-million-by-2030-ark-invest#:~:text=The%20firm%20outlines%20several%20key,see%20a%20significant%20price%20boost.">institutional adoption</a> continues to grow, with Bitcoin ETFs projected to hit $250 billion in assets under management.
Regulatory clarity is also improving, further legitimizing Bitcoin as a mainstream financial asset.
&#8220;With Bitcoin ETFs projected to hit $250 billion and regulatory wins piling up, crypto's mainstream takeover is accelerating,&#8221; Nawfal said.
As Bitcoin adoption scales, experts see further integration into global finance, driven by both institutional participation and growing retail demand.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43589576/is-solanas-growth-being-held-back-by-a-technical-bottleneck">Is Solana&#8217;s Growth Being Held Back By A Technical Bottleneck?</a>
Why It Matters: Meanwhile, asset management giant BlackRock has increased its stake in Strategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), a company best known for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43568126/blackrock-expands-investment-in-bitcoin-heavy-strategy-reaching-5-ownership">substantial Bitcoin holdings.</a>
A Feb. 6 filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) shows BlackRock now owns approximately 11.26 million shares of Strategy, up from 9.48 million shares three months prior.
This brings BlackRock's total ownership in Strategy to 5%, reflecting an estimated $584 million investment based on Strategy's current share price of $325. 
In total, BlackRock&#8217;s stake is now valued at more than $3.67 billion. 
The company's growing exposure to Strategy aligns with the firm's ongoing accumulation of Bitcoin, which now stands at 471,107 BTC, worth over $46 billion at current prices.
BlackRock's increasing Bitcoin exposure marks a stark shift in the perspective of its CEO, Larry Fink, who once dismissed Bitcoin as an "index of money laundering" and doubted its legitimacy as a financial asset.
However, Fink's stance has significantly changed in recent years, particularly with BlackRock's launch of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>). 
He now refers to Bitcoin as a potential &#8220;international asset,&#8221; akin to gold, and sees Bitcoin ETFs as a means to offer <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42998035/bitcoin-adoption-still-early-blackrock-says">regulated access to digital assets. </a>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43570466/bitcoin-to-hit-all-time-highs-in-february-under-one-condition-standard-chartered-says">Bitcoin To Hit All-Time Highs In February Under One Condition, Standard Chartered Says</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

COIN

MSTR

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Says Bitcoin Adoption To Reach 'Billions' By 2030

Benzinga's options scanner has just identified more than 11 option transactions on BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>), with a cumulative value of $442,632. Concurrently, our algorithms picked up 3 puts, worth a total of 103,637.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $850.0 and $1060.0 for BlackRock, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for BlackRock's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of BlackRock's whale activity within a strike price range from $850.0 to $1060.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>BlackRock Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738950323_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$52.1</td>
<td>$46.1</td>
<td>$49.84</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$74.6K</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$72.5</td>
<td>$68.7</td>
<td>$71.0</td>
<td>$1030.00</td>
<td>$71.0K</td>
<td align="right">18</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$165.0</td>
<td>$163.1</td>
<td>$165.0</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$66.0K</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$167.0</td>
<td>$166.1</td>
<td>$167.0</td>
<td>$850.00</td>
<td>$50.1K</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$51.0</td>
<td>$46.5</td>
<td>$46.5</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$46.5K</td>
<td align="right">84</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About BlackRock</h3>
BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world, with $11.475 trillion in assets under management at the end of September 2024. Its product mix is fairly diverse, with 55% of managed assets in equity strategies, 26% in fixed income, 9% in multi-asset classes, 7% in money market funds, and 3% in alternatives. Passive strategies account for around two thirds of long-term AUM, with the company's ETF platform maintaining a leading market share domestically and on a global basis. Product distribution is weighted more toward institutional clients, which by our calculations account for around 80% of AUM. BlackRock is geographically diverse, with clients in more than 100 countries and more than one third of managed assets coming from investors domiciled outside the US and Canada.
In light of the recent options history for BlackRock, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of BlackRock</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 290,816, the BLK's price is down by -0.89%, now at $997.71. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 63 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About BlackRock</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $1123.8.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Morgan Stanley continues to hold a Overweight rating for BlackRock, targeting a price of $1275. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on BlackRock, which currently sits at a price target of $1053. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods continues to hold a Outperform rating for BlackRock, targeting a price of $1160. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan persists with their Neutral rating on BlackRock, maintaining a target price of $971. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for BlackRock, targeting a price of $1160. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for BlackRock, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on BLK Options

Asset manager BlackRock (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NASDAQ">BLK</a>) has further increased its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43535901/strategy-ex-microstrategy-with-bullish-outlook-but-challenges-remain-report">investment in Strategy Inc.</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), the company that's primarily known for its large Bitcoin (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTC#NASDAQ">BTC</a>) reserves.
What Happened: A <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1050446/000201238325001594/xslSCHEDULE_13G_X01/primary_doc.xml">disclosure</a> with the Securities and Exchange Commission on Feb. 6 shows that BlackRock's investment portfolio now includes approximately 11.26 million shares.
This move brings BlackRock's total ownership in Strategy to 5%.
These shares are the public equity of Strategy, with an increase from approximately 9.48 million shares from around 3 months prior.
A simple estimate can be used to calculate how much they spend. Using the current average price of Strategy&#8217;s shares at $325, BlackRock's total stake amounts to more than $3.67 billion. 
This indicates that BlackRock spent $584 million to obtain the additional stock, which aligns with Strategy's ongoing accumulation of Bitcoin. The business now holds 471,107 Bitcoin, worth more than $46 billion at current prices.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43562195/trump-media-to-launch-bitcoin-etf-could-political-themes-undermine-long-term-stability">Trump Media To Launch Bitcoin ETF: Could Political Themes Undermine Long-Term Stability?</a>
Why It Matters: Larry Fink, CEO of BlackRock, once dismissed Bitcoin as an "index of money laundering" and questioned its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/23/06/32893820/if-you-had-invested-100-in-bitcoin-when-blackrock-ceo-called-it-an-index-of-money-launderi">legitimacy as a financial asset. </a>
His skepticism reflected broader concerns about regulatory risks and market volatility. 
However, in recent years, his stance has dramatically shifted. With BlackRock's launch of the iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>), Fink has embraced Bitcoin as a potential "international asset", comparing it to gold. 
He now sees Bitcoin ETFs as a way to expand investor access to digital assets within a regulated framework, highlighting growing institutional <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42998035/bitcoin-adoption-still-early-blackrock-says">interest and mainstream adoption.</a>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43560433/bitcoin-to-hit-between-300000-and-1-5-million-by-2030-ark-invest">Bitcoin To Hit Between $300,000 And $1.5 Million By 2030: ARK Invest</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

BlackRock Expands Investment In Bitcoin-Heavy Strategy, Reaching 5% Ownership

Experts are divided on the potential impact of Trump Media and Technology Group&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>) plan to launch a Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) ETF.
While some see it as a positive step towards mainstream adoption, others question its differentiation, potential political implications and level of institutional support.
What Happened: TMTG on Thursday announced plans to introduce ETFs under its Truth.Fi brand, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/02/43537016/donald-trump-once-said-bitcoin-was-based-on-thin-air-now-his-media-company-is-launching-btc-etf">including a Bitcoin-focused fund. </a>
While some see this as a sign of crypto&#8217;s growing integration into traditional finance, others question its likely success and the potential for political influence.
TMTG, co-founded by President Donald Trump, will offer investment products centered on American manufacturing, energy independence and cryptocurrency.
The company revealed that three ETFs are in development: a Truth.Fi Bitcoin Plus ETF, a Truth.Fi Made in America ETF and a Truth.Fi Energy Independence ETF.
They are expected to roll out later this year, pending SEC regulatory approval.
TMTG's CEO Devin Nunes <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/06/3022027/0/en/Trump-Media-Registers-Trademarks-for-Truth-Fi-Investment-Vehicles.html">positioned </a>the ETFs as an alternative to ESG-focused funds, stating that they align with American energy and manufacturing interests.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43492011/exclusive-crypto-czar-charm-offensive-welcomed-but-experts-wonder-will-us-policy-deliver">EXCLUSIVE: &#8216;Crypto Czar&#8217; Charm Offensive Welcomed, But Experts Wonder: Will US Policy Deliver?</a>
What Experts Are Saying: Feng He, CEO of Deeplink, sees TMTG's Bitcoin ETF as a significant step toward integrating crypto with traditional finance.
He told Benzinga that the U.S. regulatory landscape has gradually become more receptive to Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock and Fidelity securing approvals in 2024.
"Trump Media's plan to launch a Bitcoin ETF not only signifies deeper integration between crypto and traditional finance but also reflects the growing recognition of digital assets in mainstream markets," he said.
He added that lower entry barriers for retail investors and structured allocation for institutions could accelerate Bitcoin adoption and further solidify its place in regulated markets.
Speaking with Benzinga, Chuck Zhang, CFO of PolyFlow, emphasized that Truth.Fi's ETF differentiates itself by combining Bitcoin exposure with U.S. energy and manufacturing sectors. 
This approach could appeal to conservative investors looking for alternatives to ESG-focused funds.
However, Zhang cautioned that TMTG faces stiff competition from established players like BlackRock and Fidelity, and its ability to attract institutional capital remains uncertain.
"The ETF could broaden Bitcoin's appeal among conservative investors, but its differentiation from existing products and institutional support are still in question," Zhang stated.
He also noted that the political framing of Bitcoin investment products could impact market stability, adding that TMTG's approach blurs the lines between financial products and political movements.
Bloomberg Intelligence senior ETF analyst Eric Balchunas expressed skepticism about the scale of TMTG's Bitcoin ETF compared to market leaders.
&#8220;Despite Trump&#8217;s brand, these will likely be microscopic in asset gathering compared to IBIT, FBTC et al.,&#8221; Balchunas <a href="https://x.com/EricBalchunas/status/1887576882021081414">wrote</a> on X.
However, he acknowledged that its symbolic importance in further mainstreaming Bitcoin investment is noteworthy.
The SEC's stance on politically aligned financial products remains a regulatory hurdle, with uncertainty over whether the ETFs will gain approval under Trump-nominated SEC Chair Paul Atkins.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43475386/exclusive-anthony-scaramucci-warns-donald-trumps-crypto-promises-may-be-a-mirage">EXCLUSIVE: Anthony Scaramucci Warns Donald Trump&#8217;s Crypto Promises May Be A &#8216;Mirage&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Trump Media To Launch Bitcoin ETF: Could Political Themes Undermine Long-Term Stability?

BlackRock's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>) short percent of float has fallen 7.53% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.32 million shares sold short, which is 0.86% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.62 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>BlackRock Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738872911_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for BlackRock has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing BlackRock's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, BlackRock's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.36%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

(BLK) - Analyzing BlackRock's Short Interest

After the overwhelming success of its Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/01/43249653/nasdaqs-bitcoin-etf-shift-could-strengthen-blackrocks-market-position">exchange-traded fund</a> in the United States, BlackRock (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NASDAQ">BLK</a>) is reportedly preparing to launch a similar product for European investors.
What Happened: Quoting an unspecified source, a Bloomberg report <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-05/blackrock-said-to-list-bitcoin-exchange-traded-product-in-europe">stated</a> the investment vehicle, likely structured as an exchange-traded product (ETP), will be based in Switzerland, known for its financial regulations.
The new investment can be marketed as soon as this month. A company spokesperson declined to make an official statement on the new product.
BlackRock has approximately $4.4 trillion over a huge variety of financial products and has been at the forefront of bringing blockchain to traditional businesses.
Many other European products have been released, and BlackRock will join in with its plan for a product to be based outside of North America.
Larry Fink, Chief Executive Officer of BlackRock, has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43150952/blackrock-ceo-larry-fink-says-bitcoin-could-rise-to-700000-on-fiat-fears-if-youre-frightened-of-the-debasement">long spoken out on the importance of cryptocurrency</a> as a way to hedge against a potential drop in the economy.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43500853/is-the-sec-making-peace-with-crypto-the-key-personnel-shifts-hinting-at-why-this-may-be-the-case">Is The SEC &#8216;Making Peace&#8217; With Crypto? The Key Personnel Shifts Hinting At Why This May Be The Case</a>
Why It Matters: With Bitcoin trading close to all-time highs, BlackRock is driving the adoption of structured crypto products similar to its popular iShares Bitcoin Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>).
While more than 160 different cryptocurrency products exist in Europe, the volume is significantly smaller than the one in the United States. 
BlackRock has previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42463001/blackrock-advocates-for-2-bitcoin-allocation-in-multi-asset-portfolios" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">suggested a "reasonable range" for Bitcoin allocation</a> in multi-asset portfolios to be between 1% and 2%.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43494611/bitcoin-to-reach-500000-before-trump-leaves-office-standard-chartered">Bitcoin To Reach $500,000 Before Trump Leaves Office: Standard Chartered</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

BlackRock To Launch Bitcoin Investment Product In Europe

<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1464790/000201238325000621/xslSCHEDULE_13G_X01/primary_doc.xml" title="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1464790/000201238325000621/xslSCHEDULE_13G_X01/primary_doc.xml">https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1464790/000201238325000621/xslSCHEDULE_13G_X01/primary_doc.xml</a>

RILY

B. Riley Financial 13G Filing Shows BlackRock Reported A 5.1% Stake In The Co As Of December 31, 2024

Vanguard created a buzz through the asset management industry <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43447999/vanguard-slashes-investing-fees-saving-investors-millions-the-larger-we-become-the-lower-it-goes">when it decided to cut fees</a>. 
For BlackRock Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>), Vanguard's closest competitor in the ETF space, the move might not be as big a deal as it initially seemed.
What Happened: Asset manager Vanguard slashed expense ratios for 168 share classes across 87 mutual funds and ETFs. This brings its asset-weighted average fee down to as low as it can get, at 0.07%.
With $10 trillion in assets under management (AUM), Vanguard's aggressive cost-cutting is a stark contrast to the industry's 0.44% average fee, according to Bloomberg.
This is the largest fee reduction Vanguard has ever undertaken, and it reiterates its reputation as the industry's low-cost leader. The race to offer the cheapest index funds led Vanguard to scoop up a near-record $305 billion in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETF inflows</a> in 2024 alone.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42165391/vanguards-sp-500-etf-hits-100-billion-inflows-in-2024-is-spys-crown-at-risk">Vanguard&#8217;s S&amp;P 500 ETF Hits $100 Billion Inflows In 2024: Is SPY&#8217;s Crown At Risk?</a>
Despite Vanguard's aggressive move, BlackRock likely isn't sweating too much. 
Why Not? Pricing pressure is nothing new, according to a recent JPMorgan research note. Both Vanguard and BlackRock regularly cut ETF fees, reinvesting their benefits of scale into lower costs for customers.
"Since 1975, Vanguard has reduced fund expense ratios more than 2,000 times," the bank noted. "Moreover, BlackRock has a long-standing frame of investing up to 1.5-2.5% of annual iShares revenues back into price. iShares saved investors $630 million+ since 2015 through fee reductions."
An interesting pattern emerged on delving deeper into where Vanguard is lowering fees. The cuts mainly apply to its smaller ETFs—those under $100 billion in AUM. On paper, the funds impacted account for around $1 trillion in assets under management. Although, these are not its flagship products.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/broad-u-s-equity-etfs/25/01/43354861/vanguards-voo-set-to-overtake-spy-as-worlds-largest-etf-after-record-january-inflows">Vanguard&#8217;s VOO Set To Overtake SPY As World&#8217;s Largest ETF After Record January Inflows</a>
BlackRock boasts an iShares business with roughly $4.5 trillion in AUM, out of its total $11.5 trillion. In the U.S. equity ETF market, where the two giants go neck-and-neck, BlackRock controls around $1.5 trillion in AUM. But BlackRock's ETF strategy is more diversified than Vanguard's. It caters heavily to institutional investors and offers precision products where liquidity is key. In that context, Vanguard's fee reductions largely target retail investors and buy-and-hold strategies.
Moreover, BlackRock has more than 400 U.S.-listed ETFs, compared to Vanguard's lineup of fewer than 100. While Vanguard's move might seem like a major threat, the actual impact on BlackRock is more minute. 
JPMorgan found that a direct price match across all comparable ETFs would mean a potential 3-5% hit to BlackRock's annual revenue—up to $900 million. But more realistically, only around a dozen BlackRock funds could be directly affected. This would put, at most, around $124 million of annual ETF fees at risk, which is far from catastrophic.
What&#8217;s Next: Going by past action patterns, JPMorgan doesn&#8217;t expect BlackRock to cut fees in response. Previous Vanguard reductions haven't triggered immediate reactions, and BlackRock typically operates with slightly higher fees. For instance, in emerging markets equity, BlackRock's ETFs have consistently charged about 2 basis points more than Vanguard's comparable funds.
Even in fixed-income ETFs — where Vanguard is cutting fees from 4 basis points to 3 basis points — BlackRock's comparable products charge around 15 basis points. That gap suggests the two firms are targeting different investor bases, and if that&#8217;s so, then a direct fee war is less likely, the bank noted.
At the end of the day, BlackRock is unlikely to make any knee-jerk pricing moves. Instead, it will likely continue its measured approach—reinvesting 1.5-2.5% of iShares' annual revenue into strategic fee cuts in high-growth areas. While fee compression is an ongoing trend in the industry, BlackRock's earnings are supported by various offsets, and JPMorgan believes that any revenue headwind from Vanguard's move is likely to play out over a longer time period.
So while Vanguard's fee cuts make for a big headline, BlackRock can afford to play the long game.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43473966/why-smart-money-is-turning-to-these-palantir-focused-etfs">Palantir Focused ETFs Spark Investor Interest: Here&#8217;s Why</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Vanguard's Fee Cut Shocker: A Major Threat Or Just Noise For BlackRock?

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with BLK, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 12 uncommon options trades for BlackRock.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 16% bullish and 58%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $235,008, and 6 are calls, for a total amount of $558,370.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $560.0 to $1100.0 for BlackRock during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for BlackRock's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of BlackRock's whale trades within a strike price range from $560.0 to $1100.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>BlackRock Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738595728_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$117.0</td>
<td>$108.0</td>
<td>$113.0</td>
<td>$1020.00</td>
<td>$339.0K</td>
<td align="right">122</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$28.4</td>
<td>$23.5</td>
<td>$23.5</td>
<td>$1052.50</td>
<td>$54.0K</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/07/25</td>
<td>$55.0</td>
<td>$50.0</td>
<td>$50.0</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$50.0K</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$502.5</td>
<td>$497.0</td>
<td>$497.0</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$49.7K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$1010.00</td>
<td>$47.2K</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
<td align="right">78</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About BlackRock</h3>
BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world, with $11.475 trillion in assets under management at the end of September 2024. Its product mix is fairly diverse, with 55% of managed assets in equity strategies, 26% in fixed income, 9% in multi-asset classes, 7% in money market funds, and 3% in alternatives. Passive strategies account for around two thirds of long-term AUM, with the company's ETF platform maintaining a leading market share domestically and on a global basis. Product distribution is weighted more toward institutional clients, which by our calculations account for around 80% of AUM. BlackRock is geographically diverse, with clients in more than 100 countries and more than one third of managed assets coming from investors domiciled outside the US and Canada.
<h3>BlackRock's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 105,918, the price of BLK is down by -4.02%, reaching $1032.31.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 67 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for BlackRock</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $1122.8.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from JP Morgan continues to hold a Neutral rating for BlackRock, targeting a price of $1053. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan persists with their Neutral rating on BlackRock, maintaining a target price of $971. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on BlackRock, which currently sits at a price target of $1275. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays persists with their Overweight rating on BlackRock, maintaining a target price of $1160. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Overweight rating on BlackRock with a target price of $1155. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest BlackRock options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>), the world&#8217;s largest asset management organization, is noted for having a diverse investment portfolio, leveraging trillions of dollars at its disposal to bag shares in companies worldwide. The company has made several successful bets over the years.  
In one of the prime examples, BlackRock increased its exposure to quantum computing stock Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) in the third quarter of 2024. Since then, the stock has skyrocketed 1477%.
What happened: According to the 13F filing with the SEC, BlackRock purchased 538,966 shares of RGTI in the third quarter, taking its total holdings to 9,447,600 shares, worth $7.39 million in value then, for the period ending Sept. 30.
This made BlackRock the fifth-biggest shareholder in Rigetti, a firm known for making quantum computers and the superconducting quantum processors that power these computers.
Since then, the company has hit an exponential curve. The stock price has surged 13x, adding billions in market valuation in a few months. RGTI closed at an all-time high of $20 earlier this month.
Assuming BlackRock didn't sell any of the company's shares since reporting its third-quarter investments, its RGTI stash would be worth $116.20 million today.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735744/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-predicts-doom-for-michael-saylors-microstrategy-as-stock-dips-below-300-in-after-hours-trading"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43325381/elon-musks-tesla-racks-up-600-million-paper-gains-on-bitcoin-in-q4">Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Records $600 Million In Paper Gains On Bitcoin In Q4 Thanks To New Accounting Rule</a>&nbsp;
Why It Matters: Rigetti, along with the broader quantum computing space, witnessed tailwinds after tech giant Google teased its next-generation chip, "Willow,&#8221; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42397333/google-quantum-ais-willow-chip-outsmarts-supercomputers-completing-tasks-in-minutes-that-would-take-10-septillion-years">sparking interest</a> in equities tied to the technology.
Defiance Quantum ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QTUM#NASDAQ">QTUM</a>), an ETF offering exposure to some of the biggest quantum computing stocks, has gained 32% in the last four months.
Notably, BlackRock has also been known for bullish convictions about Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), the world's largest cryptocurrency. The firm <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42463001/blackrock-advocates-for-2-bitcoin-allocation-in-multi-asset-portfolios">suggested a "reasonable range" for Bitcoin allocation</a> in multi-asset portfolios to be between 1% and 2%.
BlackRock launched its own Bitcoin spot exchange-traded fund last year, called iShares Bitcoin Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>), which ended up becoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42737368/blackrocks-bitcoin-fund-breaks-records-with-historic-etf-launchwill-it-surpass-the-worlds-biggest-gold-etf-in-january">the most successful ETF debut in history</a>.
Price Action: Shares of RGTI were up 0.81% in after-hours trading. The stock closed 2.84% lower at $12.30 during Thursday&#8217;s regular trading session, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. 
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43326463/former-senator-bob-menendez-who-said-bitcoin-will-open-doors-of-corruption-in-el-salvador-gets-11-year-jail-term-for-accepting-bribes">Former Senator Bob Menendez Who Said &#8216;Bitcoin Will Open Doors Of Corruption In El Salvador&#8217; Gets 11-Year Jail Term For Accepting Bribes</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

QTUM

RGTI

Bitcoin Backer BlackRock Boosted Exposure To RGTI Stock Right Before Its Jaw-Dropping 1,400% Surge In Quantum Computing Hype

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on BlackRock (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLK#NYSE">BLK</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with BLK, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 11 uncommon options trades for BlackRock.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 45% bullish and 27%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $104,520, and 9 are calls, for a total amount of $462,760.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $790.0 to $1160.0 for BlackRock during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for BlackRock's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of BlackRock's whale trades within a strike price range from $790.0 to $1160.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>BlackRock Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738182644_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$11.8</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$1160.00</td>
<td>$135.2K</td>
<td align="right">7</td>
<td align="right">151</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/31/25</td>
<td>$11.0</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$11.0</td>
<td>$1050.00</td>
<td>$101.2K</td>
<td align="right">123</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$48.6</td>
<td>$44.3</td>
<td>$48.6</td>
<td>$960.00</td>
<td>$58.3K</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$50.0</td>
<td>$41.0</td>
<td>$46.2</td>
<td>$960.00</td>
<td>$46.2K</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
<td align="right">25</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BLK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$84.8</td>
<td>$82.4</td>
<td>$84.8</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$42.4K</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About BlackRock</h3>
BlackRock is the largest asset manager in the world, with $11.475 trillion in assets under management at the end of September 2024. Its product mix is fairly diverse, with 55% of managed assets in equity strategies, 26% in fixed income, 9% in multi-asset classes, 7% in money market funds, and 3% in alternatives. Passive strategies account for around two thirds of long-term AUM, with the company's ETF platform maintaining a leading market share domestically and on a global basis. Product distribution is weighted more toward institutional clients, which by our calculations account for around 80% of AUM. BlackRock is geographically diverse, with clients in more than 100 countries and more than one third of managed assets coming from investors domiciled outside the US and Canada.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with BlackRock, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of BlackRock</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 520,680, the BLK's price is down by 0.0%, now at $1051.2. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 72 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On BlackRock</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $1144.6.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Overweight rating on BlackRock with a target price of $1155. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on BlackRock, which currently sits at a price target of $1053. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods persists with their Outperform rating on BlackRock, maintaining a target price of $1180. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on BlackRock, which currently sits at a price target of $1160. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on BlackRock, which currently sits at a price target of $1175. 
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Looking At BlackRock's Recent Unusual Options Activity

Press Releases

BlackRock® Canada Announces January Cash Distributions for the iShares® ETFs

Dividends

BlackRock® Canada Announces Final January Cash Distributions for the iShares® Premium Money Market ETF

BlackRock's Martin S. Small to Present at the 2025 Bank of America Securities Financial Services Conference on February 11th

JPMorgan Chase Says Crypto Venture Capital Funding To Rise

BlackRock Declares Quarterly Dividend of $5.21 on Common Stock

BlackRock Expands Active ETF Suite with BBB-B CLO ETF

BlackRock Expands Access to Cash Management Strategies with Launch of Active Money Market ETFs

BlackRock's Leadership Succession Uncertainty Amid 'Great Race'

BlackRock Bolsters Municipal Bond Suite with Launch of High Yield Muni ETF

BlackRock® Canada Announces February Cash Distributions for the iShares® ETFs

BCLO

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PMMF

Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. Common Stock

Affiliated Managers Group

Ameriprise Finl

Ares Capital Corporation - Closed End Fund

Ares Capital

Ares Management Corporation Class A Common Stock

Ares Management

Franklin Resources

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation Common Stock

Bank of New York Mellon

Brookfield Corporation Class A Limited Voting Shares

Brookfield

Blackstone

Blackstone Secured Lending Fund Common Shares of Beneficial Interest

Blackstone Secured

Carlyle Group

Cohen & Steers

FS KKR Capital

Hamilton Lane Incorporated - Class A Common Stock

Hamilton Lane

Invesco

Janus Henderson Group plc Ordinary Shares

Janus Henderson Group

Main Street Capital Corporation Common Stock

Main Street Capital

Northern Trust Corporation - Common Stock

Northern Trust

Blue Owl Capital Corporation Common Stock

Blue Owl Capital

Blue Owl Capital Inc. Class A Common Stock

Blue Owl Cap

SEI Inv

StepStone Group Inc. - Class A Common Stock

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