BlackRock is a prominent financial company that plays a vital role in helping individuals and organizations manage and invest their money. As one of the largest investment management firms globally, BlackRock boasts over $10 trillion in assets under management (AUM). Recently, it made headlines by launching its Spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT), which allows traditional investors and institutions to gain exposure to Bitcoin.
What does BlackRock do?
BlackRock is a leading investment management firm, providing services to individuals, institutions, and governments. The company invests in various assets, including stocks, bonds, and real estate, and offers a wide array of investment products such as mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and advisory services. BlackRock also delivers risk management and technological solutions, helping clients create diversified and well-managed investment portfolios.
History of BlackRock
Founded in 1988 by Larry Fink, Robert S. Kapito, and others, BlackRock began as a risk management and fixed-income institutional asset manager under the name Blackstone Financial Management. It officially became BlackRock in 1992.
In 1994, the firm launched its first fixed-income fund, paving the way for its expansion into a broader range of investment products and services. Strategic acquisitions, including Merrill Lynch Investment Management in 2006, enhanced BlackRock's asset management capabilities significantly.
Post-2008 financial crisis, BlackRock played a pivotal role in managing troubled assets and advising governments and financial institutions, solidifying its status as a leader in the investment management industry. Today, BlackRock continues to expand globally, offering diverse investment options tailored to institutional and individual investors' needs.
Who owns BlackRock?
BlackRock is a publicly traded company, which means it is owned by its shareholders. The largest shareholders are typically institutional investors, mutual funds, and other asset management firms. Co-founders Larry Fink and Robert S. Kapito, along with employees, also hold substantial ownership stakes in the company.
BlackRock vs. Vanguard: What’s the difference?
BlackRock and Vanguard are two major players in the investment management space, but they differ significantly. BlackRock is recognized as the world's largest asset manager, providing a wide range of investment products and services, including mutual funds, ETFs, and risk management solutions. In contrast, Vanguard is renowned for its low-cost index funds and client-owned structure, meaning its investors effectively own the company.
While both firms aim to assist clients in achieving their financial goals, BlackRock offers a broader range of investment options, whereas Vanguard focuses on simplicity and cost-effectiveness through its index funds. Investors should assess their own risk tolerance and investment objectives when choosing between these firms.
Capitalise on volatility in share markets
Take a position on moving share prices. Never miss an opportunity.
How to trade BlackRock shares (BLK.US) online
Before you start trading BlackRock shares online, it's essential to understand Contracts for Difference (CFDs). CFDs are financial derivatives that allow traders to speculate on price movements of assets without owning them, enabling profits from both rising and falling markets. However, trading CFDs carries significant risks, and investors could lose more than their initial investment.
Steps to Trade BlackRock Shares (BLK.US):
- Sign Up: Create an account with a brokerage platform.
- Deposit Funds: Add funds to your account.
- Find BLK.US: Search for BlackRock shares (BLK.US) on the trading platform.
- Select Order Type: Choose whether to buy (go long) or sell (go short) BLK.US CFDs.
- Set Parameters: Specify your investment amount and any stop-loss or take-profit levels.
- Place Trade: Execute the trade through your chosen platform.
- Monitor: Track your BlackRock CFD trades in real time.
- Close Position: When ready, close your BLK.US CFD position through the platform.
- Withdraw Profits: Withdraw any profits to your preferred payment method.
FAQs
1. What is BlackRock?
BlackRock is one of the world’s largest investment management firms, offering asset management, risk management, and advisory services.
2. How does BlackRock differ from other investment firms?
BlackRock is notable for its scale, global reach, and diverse range of investment products and services, leveraging technology for investment decisions and risk management.
3. Who owns BlackRock?
As a publicly traded company, BlackRock is owned by its shareholders, including institutional investors and mutual funds.
4. What is BlackRock's investment philosophy?
BlackRock emphasizes long-term investing, diversification, and risk management, focusing on understanding clients’ needs to provide tailored solutions.
5. How can individuals invest in BlackRock?
Individuals can invest in BlackRock through mutual funds or ETFs that include BlackRock-managed assets, or by purchasing BlackRock shares (BLK.US) traded on stock exchanges.
What better way to welcome you than with a bonus?
Start trading with a $30 bonus on your first deposit.
Terms and Conditions apply