The post BlackRock Increases U.S. Stock Exposure Amid AI Surge appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. Key Points: BlackRock significantly increased U.S. stock exposure. AI sector driven gains boost S&P 500 to historic highs. Shift may set a precedent for other major asset managers. BlackRock, the largest asset manager, significantly increased U.S. stock and AI sector exposure, adjusting its $185 billion investment portfolios, according to a recent investment outlook report.. This strategic shift signals strong confidence in U.S. market growth, driven by AI and anticipated Federal Reserve moves, influencing significant fund flows into BlackRock’s ETFs. The reallocation increases U.S. stocks by 2% while reducing holdings in international developed markets. BlackRock’s move reflects confidence in the U.S. stock market’s trajectory, driven by robust earnings and the anticipation of Federal Reserve rate cuts. As a result, billions of dollars have flowed into BlackRock’s ETFs following the portfolio adjustment. “Our increased allocation to U.S. stocks, particularly in the AI sector, is a testament to our confidence in the growth potential of these technologies.” — Larry Fink, CEO, BlackRock The financial markets have responded favorably to this adjustment. The S&P 500 Index recently reached a historic high this year, supported by AI-driven investment enthusiasm. BlackRock’s decision aligns with widespread market speculation on the Federal Reserve’s next moves, further amplifying investor interest and confidence. AI Surge Propels S&P 500 to Historic Highs At no other time in history has the S&P 500 seen such dramatic gains driven by a single sector as the recent surge spurred by AI investments in 2023. Experts suggest that the strategic increase in U.S. stock exposure by BlackRock may set a precedent for other major asset managers. Historically, shifts of this magnitude have influenced broader market behaviors as others follow suit. Market analysts point to the favorable economic environment and technological advancements that are propelling the AI sector’s momentum. The continued growth of AI technologies is…

The post Fed Makes First Rate Cut of the Year, Lowers Rates by 25 Bps appeared on BitcoinEthereumNews.com. The Federal Reserve has made its first Fed rate cut this year following today’s FOMC meeting, lowering interest rates by 25 basis points (bps). This comes in line with expectations, while the crypto market awaits Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech for guidance on the committee’s stance moving forward. FOMC Makes First Fed Rate Cut This Year With 25 Bps Cut In a press release, the committee announced that it has decided to lower the target range for the federal funds rate by 25 bps from between 4.25% and 4.5% to 4% and 4.25%. This comes in line with expectations as market participants were pricing in a 25 bps cut, as against a 50 bps cut. This marks the first Fed rate cut this year, with the last cut before this coming last year in December. Notably, the Fed also made the first cut last year in September, although it was a 50 bps cut back then. All Fed officials voted in favor of a 25 bps cut except Stephen Miran, who dissented in favor of a 50 bps cut. This rate cut decision comes amid concerns that the labor market may be softening, with recent U.S. jobs data pointing to a weak labor market. The committee noted in the release that job gains have slowed, and that the unemployment rate has edged up but remains low. They added that inflation has moved up and remains somewhat elevated. Fed Chair Jerome Powell had also already signaled at the Jackson Hole Conference that they were likely to lower interest rates with the downside risk in the labor market rising. The committee reiterated this in the release that downside risks to employment have risen. Before the Fed rate cut decision, experts weighed in on whether the FOMC should make a 25 bps cut or…

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